Oklahoma Denied Extension To Comply With REAL ID Act

Oklahoma's request for an extension on REAL ID compliance has been denied by the Department of Homeland Security.

Passed by congress in May 2005, the REAL ID Act sought to make state driver’s licenses more secure. But Oklahoma passed a law in 2007 refusing to comply. The state has since applied for and received multiple extensions, before finally being denied.

Originally set to expire at the end of October 2016, Oklahoma was granted a grace period that ends on Jan. 29, 2017. After that, those with only an Oklahoma driver’s license will no longer be allowed access to federal buildings, military bases or court houses without an approved form of identification, like a U.S. passport.

"I'm disappointed the issue was not resolved by legislators this year. I will continue to work with state and federal lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to keep at a minimum any adverse effects to Oklahomans," Gov. Mary Fallin said in a statement.

Oklahomans will still be allowed passage on commercial flights, but only until Jan. 22, 2018.