Oklahomans are nearly a year away from needing to be fully compliant with federal REAL ID standards.

Beginning in May of 2023, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly or enter federal buildings. And while that deadline is still a year away, it's important to begin the process of securing your REAL ID now, as it takes time and verification to obtain.

Oklahoma began issuing REAL IDs just a couple years ago, and was one of the last states willing to comply with the federal REAL ID program.

The state Legislature resisted efforts to implement security features found in compliant cards for more than a decade after the REAL ID Act was passed following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

For further information on what REAL ID is, how to obtain a REAL ID and how much it costs, we compiled some helpful information below.

For subscribers: Lawmakers aim to revamp system for issuing driver's licenses, REAL IDs

What is REAL ID in Oklahoma?

REAL ID is the federal standard adopted in 2005 that increased security and authentication procedures for driver's licenses and identity cards. Oklahoma lawmakers resisted adopting the standards for state IDs, and only recently began handing out cards that meet REAL ID standards.

Why do I need an Oklahoma REAL ID?

On May 3, 2023, anyone boarding a commercial aircraft, entering a federal building or visiting a military base will need a REAL ID-compliance card. Passports and military IDs already meet those standards, but people using only a state-issued card will need the updated version.

When is the deadline to get a REAL ID in Oklahoma?

The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is May 3, 2023.

Because of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Department of Homeland Security extended a deadline that would have required the ID's be used by October 2021.

“As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said at the time.

How do I get a REAL ID in Oklahoma?

Getting a new REAL ID-compliant license requires an in-person visit to a tag agent or Department of Public Safety driver's license exam site in order to validate proofs of residency and identity. The state briefly opened "megacenters" in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in 2021 to process hundreds of REAL ID applications a day.

All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are now compliant with REAL ID security standards and are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.

To get yours, you'll need to show your birth certificate, valid passport or other federal identification. You'll also need two proofs of residency, like a utility bill, tax documents or certain pieces of mail.

How much does a REAL ID cost in Oklahoma?

A first-time driver's license with a four year expiry costs $42.50. If you already have a license and are converting to a REAL ID-compliance card, the cost is $25.

If your existing card expires in less than a year, the state charges $38.50 for a renewal and upgrade.

As of 2021, Oklahomans can opt for a driver's license that expires in eight years instead of four. In that case, the price is doubled.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Here's how to get an Oklahoma REAL ID