Oklahomans are in the final stretch to secure their REAL ID before the May 7 deadline, with Service Oklahoma opening additional offices on Saturdays to accommodate the last-minute rush. According to KOCO, without a REAL ID or an alternative federally issued identification like a passport, residents will face restrictions on flying domestically and entering federal facilities, including military bases and courthouses. Service Oklahoma's extended hours aim to cater to those who can't make it during the workweek by opening locations in Chickasha, Hinton, Muskogee, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and Tulsa Eastgate.
While residents hurry to secure their identification, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is cautioning against scams, with con artists reportedly offering fake online REAL ID services. In a statement obtained by KFOR, BBB's Vice President of Marketing Casey Farmer cautioned, "It’s so easy to just quickly click a link without thinking about it and then that’s where the trouble begins," aiming to remind everyone that REAL IDs cannot be obtained via the internet but only in person at an authorized DMV or license office. Despite these warnings, the organization highlights that residents can still use a valid U.S. passport for travel and federal facility access.
Scammers have been proactive in taking advantage of Oklahoma residents eager to comply with the REAL ID requirement, sometimes posing as DMV officials through texts, calls, and deceptive emails. These fraudulent communications often lure unsuspecting individuals into providing personal information or making payments online with promises of a quick REAL ID processing. Amie Mitchell, CEO of BBB of Eastern Oklahoma, reiterated in a statement obtained by KTOK that the only legitimate way to get a REAL ID is in person, and anyone contacted with alternate offers should remain vigilant and report such encounters.
With the deadline approaching, it's important to get a REAL ID and stay alert for possible scams. While the BBB hasn’t received specific scam reports about REAL IDs, similar passport scams have happened before. The BBB urges people to report anything suspicious and to get accurate information from the official state Department of Revenue website or approved Service Oklahoma locations.
