'We need to do better': Lawmaker weighs in on frustrations over Service Oklahoma, past effort to address concerns

Did the creation of Service Oklahoma alleviate Oklahomans' frustrations with motor vehicle services in the state?

According to State Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City), lawmakers sought to address such concerns by creating the agency through HB 3419 during the 2022 legislative session.

He told FOX 25 that while his own recent process to renew his license went smoothly, he's heard others' horror stories from across the state.

In his view, there is still much legislators need to change to improve Oklahomans' experiences with the agency as they continue to face long lines and red tape.

Rep. Dollens explained, "For years as lawmakers we've been hearing from constituents about how long the lines were to get a renewal on their driver's license, or to get a new driver's license, to get a new tag or title."

"Now these licenses are being printed in Arkansas instead of directly from the tag agents like we are so used to, and why that is I'm not quite certain," he added.

Instead, he thinks the state should give tag agencies the equipment to print licenses so those operations can happen on-site.

FOX 25 reached out to its viewers through social media to ask about their experiences with the agency.

One man commented, "The system wasn't broken until they, state government, fixed it the first time," while one woman argued, "Service Oklahoma is a JOKE!!!!!"

"For any Oklahomans who have been told they need to line up outside of their local tag agent at four in the morning, that's unacceptable. We need to do better," asserted the lawmaker.

Rep. Dollens stated there is bipartisan interest in addressing this issue among fellow lawmakers at the Oklahoma State Capitol. He expects some changes to come down in 2024 when lawmakers return for the upcoming legislative session.