OKLAHOMA CITY – Virtually all Department of Public Safety locations across the state are still experiencing crowding and lengthy wait times, DPS spokesperson Sarah Stewart confirmed this week.
The reasons are myriad, including the statewide conversion to REAL ID driver’s licenses, the pandemic, and state budget cuts.
To alleviate some of the pressure, the DPS is opening “megacenters” in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. “First time license holders will not be able to be served there,” Ms. Stewart cautioned. “But we hope that by funneling the majority of driver license renewals and replacements to the megacenters, this will take a load off other DPS locations.”
The DPS megacenters were developed in partnership with Governor Stitt’s office, the Oklahoma Legislature and the Department of Public Safety “to meet the driver license and identification needs of Oklahomans,” Stewart said.
“DPS employees have been working tirelessly to reduce the backlog of citizens needing driver licenses and identification cards,” Public Safety Commissioner John Scully said. “These megacenters will be open extended hours, rather than traditional business hours, and will provide convenient and efficient services for Oklahomans needing to obtain a REAL ID, a driver’s license or an identification card.”
Because of obstacles arising from the REAL ID system and the beginning of the pandemic, “Thousands of Oklahomans have spent months trying to receive a REAL ID or update a driver’s license,” said state Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee.
“This is a great example of a collaborative approach to find a solution to a problem too many Oklahomans faced,” said state Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. The megacenters “will help whittle down the backlog and reduce the wait time for those seeking a REAL ID.”
The OKC megacenter will be in operation from July 26 through December 10 at 1000 N.E. 10th Street (the old Health Department building.) The Tulsa megacenter will operate from August 16 through January 7 at the Kensington Business Center, 7130 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190.
Both locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. No appointment is necessary. Both locations will operate on a walk-in basis only.
Both megacenters will offer renewal and replacement services only. This includes renewals and replacements of both Class D and commercial driver licenses and identification cards (both REAL ID and non-REAL ID compliant.) Customers can also receive a first-time REAL ID if they already have a current Oklahoma license or valid Oklahoma ID.
Original issuance, permits, out-of-state transfers, drive tests and reinstatements will not be offered at the megacenters. Customers needing those services must visit a DPS location.
For complete information on the megacenters and the documents needed to obtain a REAL ID, visit realid.ok.gov.