News

Driver License Services Division to Begin Accepting Applications for Designated Examiner Program

HB 2367 allows any certified Driver Education instructor, who is currently employed by any school district or commercial driver training school, to apply to become a Designated Examiner to administer the skills portion of the driving test. The Department of Public Safety's Driver License Services Division will be responsible for conducting the training for this new program and will begin taking applications for the first training session at 8:00 AM on Monday, October 1, 2012.

The training session will be held at the Yukon DPS Exam Office beginning at 9:00 AM on Monday, October 22, 2012. Enrollment will be limited to 18 people per class. Additional training classes will be offered periodically beginning in January 2013.

To print the application for the Designated Examiner program, please click on the "link" below. It will take you to the application page. Complete the application and fax, along with the required documents, to (405) 419-2197 or scan and email the application and all documents to desexaminer@dps.state.ok.us

To print the application,click here.

Pilot Testing for the New License Issuance system

Department of Public Safety officials today announced the start of pilot testing for the redesigned driver license, and new driver licensing issuance system. The Pilot testing of the new license and upgrades will begin Thursday, September 6, in Edmond, with statewide deployment scheduled to start about two weeks later.

While the security elements of the license remain the same, the appearance of the card is changing, such as repositioning the photograph of the card holder's face in certain documents. These changes will enable Oklahoma to reach the national standard that many other states have adopted, and will be a significant step in achieving the goal of "one person, one identity," to address the problem of identity fraud.

"The new license meets rigorous security requirements, and will not only upgrade our system, but enhance customer service as well," said Michael C. Thompson, Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

"We're also pleased to announce that changes in the system and card, will allow Oklahoma veterans to identify themselves right on their license by choosing to have a special veteran's insignia added to the card. This option will be available after November 1, 2012 and was implemented as a manner in which to honor the men and women who have served our country." Thompson said.

If you are needing a driver license or ID card please review the following information. If you go to an DPS Exam office that has been installed with the new system you will have to also go to a Tag Agency that has had the new system installed. Likewise, if you go to a DPS facility that still is operating off the old system you must go to a Tag Agency that is still operating on the old system. To find out which DPS Exam sites and Tag Agencies are compatible, click on the link below and follow the instructions. This information will be updated daily.

Exam Site and Tag Agent Information

Congratulations to the 60th OHP Academy

Members with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, family and friends will all gather tomorrow to attend and celebrate the graduation of the 60th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy. Among those in attendance will be Governor Mary Fallin, DPS Commissioner Michael Thompson and OHP Chief Kerry Pettingill.

Ceremonies will be held Friday, August 17th at 1:00 PM at the True Vine Baptist Church located at 3701 Spencer Road in Spencer, OK. The Academy began with 40 cadets on March 30th and will graduate 30 new State Troopers this Friday. The 20 week course marks a staple in the history of the Patrol, as this will be the first time Troopers hit the road with cruisers equipped with law enforcement technology such as computers as E-ticketing devices.

The cadets all came from diverse backgrounds and job skills, including a small business owner, the son of a retired Oklahoma District Attorney and Cherokee County Trooper Ron Watson's son, Levi Watson.

"We are excited to introduce these State Troopers into their new positions. Each one will play a vital role assisting their fellow Troopers and other officers, as well as the citizens of Oklahoma", stated Colonel Pettingill.

Once the new Troopers complete their ceremony, they will receive a diploma and take part in the traditional "pinning ceremony" where spouses, family and loved ones will pin badges on the new Trooperss uniforms. They will then report to their duty station in one of 13 field troops throughout Oklahoma. From there they will enter into their Field Training phase for the next three months where they will be observed by a senior trooper.

"Congratulations to the graduates of the 60th OHP Academy. I commend the Oklahoma legislature on their efforts to secure funds for another much needed Patrol School in 2013. Though there were no female graduates of this academy, we will work hard to initiate an aggressive recruiting campaign for qualified female applicants interested in the upcoming Highway Patrol Academy. So far, we have identified 71 interested female candidates and I am confident there are more out there", stated Commissioner Thompson.

All media are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information please contact Lieutenant George Brown with the OHP Public Affairs Division at 405-425-7709.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Featured On New TLC Series D.U.I.

The Learning Channel series, D.U.I. is over, but you can still see the Troopers of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in action! Click on the link below to see clips from the episodes which aired in the previous weeks. Click here to watch.

APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE 61ST ACADEMY HAS CLOSED

More details about becoming an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper can be found at our website, including benefits, salary and other requirements. Apply online by visiting the OHP website at www.ohptroopers.com.

Technology Expedites Permit Process at DPS

A state-of-the-art automated oversize/overweight permit system used at the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's Size and Weight Permit Division has aided in streamlining issuance of permits and improved customer service to the trucking industry. Read more »

Corporation Commission Assumes Oversight Over Wrecker and Towing Service Rates and Fees

On November 1, 2011, the Corporation Commission assumes oversight of the establishment of rates and fess for wrecker services. In addition, the Corporation Commission becomes the state entity responsible for mediating and adjudicating complaints related to rates and fees that wrecker services charge for towing vehicles and vehicle storage.

Theses changes became law when HB 1743 was signed by the Governor on May 26, 2011, and become effective November 1, 2011. Click here to read House Bill 1743 in it's entirety.

Effective November 1, 2011, please refer all billing complaints, invoice discrepancies, or questions regarding rates and fees charged by wrecker services or towing companies to the Corporation Commission by:

filing an online comment or complaint

State Rep. Dustin Roberts assists state trooper with arrest

A quiet Sunday night drive to the capital quickly turned into a law enforcement assist for Oklahoma State Rep. Dustin Roberts. Read more »

DPS Makes Submitting DL/ID Address Changes Easier

The Department of Public Safety announced today the ability for Oklahoma residents to submit driver license and ID card address changes via the Internet. Read more »

Click here to submit a change of address.