The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety was notified last week the state has been granted what Gov. Kevin Stitt says is the last extension on the REAL ID program.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security notified the DPS that the state has until Sept. 18, 2020, for driver’s licenses to become REAL ID compliant.

This means the federal government will continue to recognize Oklahoma driver’s licenses and ID cards for flying on commercial airlines and entering federal facilities until that time.

“The Department of Public Safety and its new leadership are working quickly and effectively to update systems and take the necessary steps to implement REAL ID,” Stitt said. “This will be the final extension needed for our state to become fully compliant with federal law, as Oklahoma is set to begin issuing the updated IDs later next year. We are prioritizing this project in order to ensure our citizens can continue to use their Oklahoma licenses to travel seamlessly across the U.S. and enter federal facilities.

“By implementing REAL ID, we are also making sure our state remains competitive, successfully attracts new businesses, and retains our hardworking people as we continue to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to make driver’s licenses more difficult to forge. Oklahoma legislators in 2007 passed a bill preventing the state from meeting provisions of the act.

Lawmakers in 2017 passed legislation that was signed by Gov. Mary Fallin, which allowed state officials to begin work on building a compliant system that includes training DPS employees and tag agents and updating the department’s entire system.

Compliant licenses are expected to be issued beginning next April.

“This is a relief for the many people who have contacted me with concerns about traveling or who need access to federal buildings or U.S. military bases,” House Majority Leader Mike Sanders of Kingfisher said.

“I’m thankful for the work of the governor and leadership at the state Department of Public Safety to secure this extension.

“I also appreciate their pledge to get Oklahoma in full compliance in advance of the new deadline.”