OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Service Oklahoma announced they are working with several vendors to create a new driver license system of record that will include a mobile ID component and digital wallet integration.
FAST Enterprises, the current provider for the motor vehicle system and the Oklahoma Tax Commission's system of record, has been chosen to integrate the new driver license system with the existing one into a single program.
Thales and IDEMIA were also chosen to assist with the implementation of the new system. Thales will be responsible for physical ID printing and redesign, and the new system will utilize existing hardware provided by IDEMIA.
“This new driver license system of record will simplify processes, reduce processing times and make the system easier to use for our staff as well as for all Oklahomans,” said Jay Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Service Oklahoma. “The new system will align perfectly with our mission of meeting Oklahomans where they are by creating mobile ID credentials and digital wallet integrations, but also further shows our commitment to best-in-class customer service.”
Oklahoma became the second state in the nation to implement Mobile ID in 2019. The system was then transferred from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to Service Oklahoma after the agency was established in 2022.
However, the Oklahoma Mobile ID app was short-lived, after the U.S. Department of Justice found that the app violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Service Oklahoma decided to discontinue promotion, integration and development efforts related to the app.
According to a report from PCMag, Florida has pulled their version of the digital ID app from app stores, stating that the app will need to be updated and improved by a new vendor.
UK-based vendor Thales, the same vendor contracted to work on Service Oklahoma's new system, was reportedly awarded $1.5 million as of April 2023 for mobile driver license services they supplied to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Service Oklahoma sent the following statement to News 4 on Thursday when asked if the agency had any concerns about the possibility of fabricated digital IDs, if digital IDs would be accepted at places like airports, and if they would be valid in other states that don't utilize digital identification.
Service Oklahoma is committed to ensuring the state's new driver license system of record is both safe and secure by selecting vendors who are leaders in cyber security and data protection. We will dedicate the next 15 months to meticulous development and rigorous testing to ensure Oklahomans have the option to utilize a secure, digitized version of their Oklahoma credential in anticipation of the Fall 2025 launch.
Upon implementation, the voluntary mobile ID will provide a secure and convenient alternative for driver licenses and ID cards. Service Oklahoma is committed to keeping Oklahomans well-informed about the acceptance and usage of their mobile IDs. This upcoming digital ID option reflects our mission to streamline government services and deliver best-in-class customer service.
Service Oklahoma
According to the TSA website, 20 total states have at least one airport that accepts digital IDs. Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is the only airport in Oklahoma that currently accepts digital identification.
Initial programming for the new system will begin on August 1. The system is expected to be fully operation by Thanksgiving 2025.