Oklahoma Driver License Computers Up After Second Outage

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety says computers are back up and running at state tag agencies. Another computer hardware problem caused the driver license system to go down at all sites across the state earlier Tuesday morning.

"We apologize for the inconvenience and we are working with OMES and the vendor who supplies the hardware to fix the problem as soon as possible. It is currently unknown how long this process will take," DPS said in the release.

At a news conference Tuesday morning, Commissioner Rusty Rhoades said their system is archaic and needs to be stripped down to the core. He said the problems can't be allowed to continue.

DPS is also seeking to fill vacant positions for driver license examiners to address the long waits the public is having to endure.

One woman we spoke to said she's tried six times to get her daughter a license.

"We're going to drive up here at 3 a.m., put a chair up there and sleep in the car," said Angie Platner, a frustrated parent. "When people start showing up, we will start rotating sitting in the chair to make sure we are first in line.

Driver License Services Director Jeff Hankins acknowledged the waits are frustrating for the public and that at times his staff needs improvement in customer service. 

He urged people to check the DPS website before coming down to tag agencies to make sure they have all the needed paperwork as some people wait in line two to three hours then have to be turned away.

Oklahoma Department Of Public Safety Website

You can make appointments for a number of services, including driving tests, at the DPS website. And officials say you should call driver's license offices before you come, especially if you're traveling long distances.

DPS held an earlier news conference Monday to address the continuing problems. Officials said that they’re working hard and learning tough lessons.

“Our shortcomings last week, in the fact that computer shutdown wasn’t DPS’ fault, our fault was not getting the word out soon enough and that’s a lesson learned on my part,” said DPS Commissioner Rusty Rhoades.

8/6/2018 Related Story: Backlogs Frustrating People Trying To Obtain, Renew Licenses Across The State

Rhoades says he’s encouraging agents to get things done with whatever means necessary while they work to fix the systemic problems, including computer issues and bureaucracy.

“There are so many hands involved in this and, quite honestly, they are not talking to each other,” said Rhoades.