Applying for a New License

Want to drive a vehicle on the roads, highways, and byways of the state of Oklahoma? You can, and it's not a difficult process to obtain the proper licensing in order to do just that.

If you are a new driver, you will need to pass certain tests in order to become licensed to drive in Oklahoma. If you are new to the state you must transfer your out-of-state license and obtain an Oklahoma driver's license. Utilize the Oklahoma Driver's Manual to help prepare yourself for the tests.

But before you head out to the local Driver's License Exam Site, ask yourself just what type of driving you will be doing. There are some types of driving and some license holders that do not require an Oklahoma driver's license. If you or your driving falls into one of these categories, you may continue to drive without an Oklahoma driver's license:

• If you are a nonresident who is at least 16 years old and is licensed to drive in his/her home state.

• Any nonresident on active duty with the Armed Forces and their spouses/children, as long as they posses a valid driver's license in their home state.

• Anyone operating a farm tractor or implement solely for farm or ranch activities.

If you fall into any other category, or if you drive farm equipment but also wish to drive another type of motor vehicle on the roads, you will need an Oklahoma driver's license.

Appointments are taken for Class D/Passenger and CDL road testing. But there is one catch. In order to take the skills test, you must first make an appointment either in person or by phone. If the location listed on the driver license exam site pdf does not include a phone number, you'll have to make an extra trip just to make an appointment in person. We have it on good authority that the best days to go to your local tag agent are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and really spectacularly sunny days, as that's when the crowds tend to be smaller.

Which License Class?

You see reference to all types of license classifications. Class D covers regular automobiles and passenger trucks―this includes teens applying for the first time. For more teen-specific information, you should first visit our Teen Drivers section.

Class A, B and C are commercial driver licenses. If you are interested in one of these, refer to Commercial Drivers.

Proper Identification

As of November 1, 2007 Oklahoma tightened its identification mandates for licenses and ID cards. This law applies to first-time applicants, new residents, and any owner of a current Oklahoma license seeking to upgrade to a commercial drivers license. This does affect renewal applicants, unless you allow your license to expire.

When applying you must provide one form of primary and one form of secondary identification. Photocopies will not be considered, nor will notarized documents. All identification papers must either be a certified or original copy.

This does not guarantee clearance, however. Every Examiner can reject any form of identification if he or she suspects that it has been duplicated or tampered with.

Accepted Forms of Primary Identification

• A certified birth certificate. This must include your name, date of birth, sex, certificate number, and must be signed and sealed. The Examiner will not accept a hospital birth certificate or a birth registration.

• A United States passport.

• An Oklahoma ID card issued by the Department of Public Safety on or after November 1, 2007.

• An Oklahoma license issued by the Department of Public Safety on or after November 1, 2007.

• A certification issued the U.S. Department of State or a state birth certificate issued outside of that state, if you’re a U.S. citizen who was born in another country.

• A Certificate of Naturalization issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, if you’re a naturalized citizen.

Accepted Forms of Primary ID for a Foreign National or Legal Permanent Resident Alien

• A passport issued by a country other than the U.S., and, if applicable, an I-94 card.

Accepted Forms of Secondary Identification

• Any primary ID (see above) not used as the primary identification.

• Signed affidavit by a parent of legal guardian if you are under 18 years old.

• Photo identification card issued by: Oklahoma employer, Oklahoma technology center school, Oklahoma institution of higher education, or a Oklahoma public, private, or parochial secondary school.

• Pilot's license.

• Social Security card.

• Oklahoma gun permit.

• A lifetime Oklahoma hunting or fishing license.

• Oklahoma voter identification card.

• Health Insurance card.

• Motor vehicle registration or title.

• Marriage certificate.

• Separation or divorce judgment.

• Professional degree, certificate, or license.

• Deed to a property or burial plot in Oklahoma.

• A health, life, or home insurance policy.

• Car insurance policy or a security verification form.

• Valid U.S.D.O.T. card

• A digital photograph comparison, if the Department already has a picture of you on file.

• Military discharge form, military ID, or military dependent ID card.

• A United States Bureau of Indian Affairs ID card or an Oklahoma tribal photo identification card.

• An out-of-state driver’s license only if your former state participates in the REAL ID Act of 2005.

License Fees

There are two charges involved in a driver's license fee; the application fee and the license fee. Here is a breakdown of the fees involved in a new license:

• Class D Application Fee: $4

• Class D License Fee: $21.50

• Learner Permit Application Fee: $4

• Learner Permit License Fee: $21.50

Prorated Fees

In Oklahoma, you begin paying a reduced rate for your license fee once you reach the age of 62. Once you hit 65, you no longer pay any license fee, only the application fee or, if you are renewing a license, a renewal fee.

• Age 62 Application Fee: $4

• Age 62 License Fee: $11.25

• Age 63 Application Fee: $4

• Age 63 License Fee: $7.50

• Age 64 Application Fee: $4

• Age 64 License Fee: $3.75

• Age 65 Application Fee: $4

• Age 65 License Fee: $0

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're at least 16 years old and are visiting Oklahoma, you may drive within the state for up to one year as long as you're currently licensed in your home country.

However, if you become a resident of Oklahoma, you must apply for an Oklahoma license at the time you establish residency. The state provides information on how to apply, and what documentation is needed. Your license will be valid as long as you're authorized to stay in the country, or four years, whichever period is shortest.

Transfer

If you are new to Oklahoma and transferring your driver's license to an Oklahoma driver's license and it is a straight transfer (current license is not expired, you are not in process of a name change), then you will not be required to undergo a skills test or a knowledge test. You will be required to pass a vision examination and must pay a $10 fee.

Expirations and Renewals

All Oklahoma driver licenses, including commercial driver's licenses, expire at the end of four (4) year period. You may apply for your replacement license up to six (6) months in advance of the expiration date of your current license. Replacement fee is $10.

If you are currently living temporarily outside of Oklahoma, you may renew your Class D Oklahoma driver's license by mail, even if it has expired, as long as it is within 3 years of the expiration date.