Oklahoma's Ongoing Struggle With a Basic Government Function

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

First Watch

Oklahoma’s Ongoing Struggle With a Basic Government Function

One Oklahoma driver reports a two-hour, 15-minute wait on hold, only to be informed that the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is only processing online license renewals submitted March 18 — more than 60 days ago.

Others, who are more desperate or have plenty of time on their hands, report making road trips to Fort Gibson and Anadarko.

All to have a basic function of government fulfilled.

Why has Oklahoma’s driver’s license system been in disarray so long? Oklahoma Watch investigative reporter Paul Monies, who until recently was himself a captive of the system, spent some time looking into that question. There’s plenty of blame/explanations/excuses to go around — starting with Oklahoma’s built-for-the-1930s tag agent system.

Yet, it’s rural tag agents who have provided an oasis for desperate urban and suburban motorists. Those who can’t wait a month or more for an appointment are heading to Binger or Yale to get legal.

State officials declare that help is on the way in the form of “megacenters.” In the meantime, the cost of delays continue to compound for Oklahomans. If you are having problems getting a new driver’s license, a renewal or a Real ID in Oklahoma, 0r if you are having trouble scheduling a driver’s test, let us know using this form.

— Mike Sherman, Executive Editor

In Focus

Oklahoma’s Driver’s License System In Disarray, Still

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Around the web

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