Tag Agencies Struggle To Process License Renewals Amid Real ID Rollout

There’s still long wait times for Oklahomans trying to get their Real ID’s. Those who run tag agencies said some technical issues have been fixed over the last several months, but the new system still takes a lot longer to process licenses.

At Bixby Tag Agency, the phones are ringing off the hook. Tom Hufnagel is the office manager, and he said they're overwhelmed with people wanting to get their Real ID's.

"How do I do it? When can I get in? It's just frustrating for everybody, and we're doing the best we can, we can only process so many a day, so we can only take so many people a day," Hufnagel said.

Hufnagel said the new state system they have to use takes a lot longer for each type of license.

He said on average they can process about 25-30 IDs each day, whereas the previous system used to handle 80 to 100 IDs daily.

"They walk in, and say I just want to renew my driver’s license. Well I understand that but it's the same process, it all goes through the same equipment," Hufnagel said.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety said they're ironing out the issues.

"That's what we're working toward, to try to get as many people in as quickly as possible, because we know there's a backlog and we know there are people who need to get in," Sarah Stewart with OKDPS said.

Stewart said this is their number one priority.

Right now, they're asking people to renew their non-REAL ID licenses online. They suggest people use the state's license phone app to enter in all your REAL ID information before your appointment.

"You still have to see us, you still have to bring those documents in to verify those are actual good documents, and they match what you uploaded, but that can save time on your in-office visit when you do finally get it," Stewart said.

You can find more information about Real IDs here.