In the wake of long lines and mandatory appointments for drivers’ licenses and renewals, Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order to the Department of Public Safety to “expedite renewals or replacements of valid driver licenses and identification.”

The order will waive restrictions on tag agents to make it easier to obtain a driver’s license renewal, allow Oklahomans to obtain identification if a REAL ID is not available, allow Oklahomans to obtain a downgraded license, if necessary, and allow third parties to administer driver’s license examinations.

“The COVID pandemic has negatively affected so many of our normal processes, including renewing driver licenses and identification,” said Stitt. “No Oklahoman should have to wait months to obtain an ID or take a day off work to renew their license. I’m proud to sign this executive order today to help Oklahomans and eliminate the long wait times.”

“The Department of Public Safety understands and shares the public’s frustration with driver license service and is working around the clock on critical improvements,” said DPS Commissioner John Scully.

A bipartisan group of Oklahoma State Representatives sent a letter to Stitt expressing their support for his executive order to address challenges and lengthy wait times many Oklahomans are currently facing when trying to receive and renew driver’s licenses or update existing licenses to REAL IDs.