Getting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license has been a struggle for many Oklahomans, but the state is working on a solution to the problem.
On Wednesday, Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, and Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry held a news conference on ways to clear the backlog of about 300,000 Oklahomans waiting to get a REAL ID.
One solution being considered is using a mega-center concept to speed up the process, similar to the earlier COVID-19 vaccination events.
The first mega-center is expected to be held in Oklahoma City in the summer, before another one is held in Tulsa.
Officials say they have appropriated $6.6 million in order to fund these so-called mega-centers that would be able to process a large amount of REAL ID requests at one time. Those mega-centers will also free up rural tag agencies that have been overloaded from those traveling outside of the metro to obtain a REAL ID.
In an effort to get the state on board, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1057 into law Monday that gives Oklahomans the option to extend their renewal license time from four years to eight years. The bill also restores the 2020 budget cuts to the Department of Public Safety to bring back more license examiners.
Beginning May 3, 2023, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will be required in order to board an airplane or access federal buildings.
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