REAL ID is a coordinated effort by states and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents.
Oklahoma has been granted several extensions by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the new identification but the current extension will expire on October 1, 2021.
By the middle of this October, the Cordell Tag Agency will be one of the locations in the state where the REAL ID can be obtained.
“We are on the training list and our equipment is scheduled to be delivered the first week of October,” said Valerie Fariss, Cordell Tag Agent.
“Once it arrives we will need to do some final training and get the equipment properly installed,” she continued, “so we are hoping to be ready to issue the new REAL ID by the middle of the month.”
Fariss said the tag agency will probably ask people to make an appointment to get the REAL ID since it is a longer process than getting a driver license.
“There is a lot of scanning of documents involved, and it will just take longer to complete than a regular driver’s license or identification card,” she said.
She noted there are a number of documents which will need to be presented and there is a printed list of those available at the agency located at 114 East Main Street.
A complete list of documents can also be found on the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety website, www.ok.gov/dps.
Fariss also noted that not everyone will need or want the REAL ID. It will, however, be required to board an airplane after October 1, 2021, if the individual does not have a valid passport.
The REAL ID is not a national identification card and Oklahoma will continue to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards.
For more information, or to make an appointment, call the Cordell Tag Agency at 580-832-3845.