Starting July 1, 2021, the state of Oklahoma will begin issuing enhanced driver’s licenses to its residents. This new form of identification will allow Oklahoma residents to travel to certain countries by land or sea without the need for a passport. The enhanced driver’s license, or EDL, is designed to provide an added layer of security and convenience for travelers.
To obtain an enhanced driver’s license in Oklahoma, residents will need to bring specific documentation to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. This documentation includes proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship, proof of Oklahoma residency, and a social security number. There will also be a fee associated with obtaining an enhanced driver’s license, which is yet to be determined by the DPS.
The enhanced driver’s license will have a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in it, which will store the holder’s information. This chip will allow border officials to quickly and easily verify the traveler’s identity and citizenship when crossing the border. Additionally, the enhanced driver’s license will have a unique design to distinguish it from regular driver’s licenses.
One of the main benefits of the enhanced driver’s license is its convenience for travelers. Instead of having to carry both a driver’s license and a passport when traveling to certain countries, Oklahoma residents can simply use their enhanced driver’s license. This will make the process of crossing the border quicker and more efficient, as travelers will not have to fumble with multiple forms of identification.
In addition to its convenience, the enhanced driver’s license also provides an added layer of security for travelers. The RFID chip in the license is encrypted to protect the holder’s information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. This will help prevent identity theft and fraud, as border officials will be able to verify the traveler’s identity more easily.
The introduction of the enhanced driver’s license in Oklahoma aligns with the federal REAL ID Act, which was passed in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The REAL ID Act was enacted in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is designed to prevent the fraudulent use of driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Oklahoma is one of several states that have chosen to offer enhanced driver’s licenses to their residents as a result of the REAL ID Act. Other states, such as Michigan, Vermont, and Washington, have also implemented enhanced driver’s licenses with similar features. These enhanced driver’s licenses are currently accepted for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
While the enhanced driver’s license offers many benefits for travelers, it is important to note that it is not a substitute for a passport. The enhanced driver’s license is only valid for travel to certain countries by land or sea, and it cannot be used for air travel. Therefore, travelers who plan to fly internationally will still need to carry a valid passport.
Overall, the introduction of the enhanced driver’s license in Oklahoma is a positive development for the state’s residents. This new form of identification will provide added convenience and security for travelers, making the process of crossing the border easier and more efficient. Oklahoma residents who are interested in obtaining an enhanced driver’s license should visit their local DPS office for more information on the application process and requirements.
