Senate passes ‘common sense compromise’ to address REAL ID issue

Oklahomans will be able to fly commercially with an Oklahoma driver license under legislation passed by the Senate today and authored by Sen. David Holt. Senate Bill 1362 passed the Senate 35-8. In a carefully crafted compromise, the legislation allows Oklahomans to voluntarily choose to retain a license that is not compliant with the federal REAL ID Act or choose to obtain one that is.

"My constituents and many other Oklahomans have been very vocal that they want the liberty to choose a driver license that allows them to fly, and this bill is a common sense compromise that gives them that liberty," said Holt, R-Oklahoma City. "Grandma has to be able to visit her grandkids, and we have to give her that option or we have failed."

SB 1362 bars the state from sharing personal information with the federal government in relation to the REAL ID Act.

The federal REAL ID Act was passed as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in order to provide higher security for government identification. In 2007, Oklahoma passed a law that barred the state from complying. If nothing changes, in January of 2018, Oklahomans will no longer be allowed to fly commercially using an Oklahoma driver license. Oklahomans will also be barred from using Oklahoma driver licenses to enter federal facilities and military bases.

SB 1362 now advances to the House for consideration.