Oklahomans to Have Choice of Using P.O. Box on Driver License

A new law will go on the books this year to give Oklahomans the option of listing their post office box number or other mailing address on their driver license instead of their physical address. Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, introduced the measure at the request of a citizen from his district.

“She, like many Oklahomans, prefers the additional security of using a post office box so that her mail isn’t stolen from her mailbox on the street.” Mazzei said. “But when she asked to use that address on her driver license, she was told she couldn’t do that. Under this new law, you can use your mailing address on your license, but the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will have your actual physical address on their records in case they need to contact the license holder.”

Mazzei expressed his thanks to Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, who helped carry the bill in the Senate as well as House co-author, Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Tulsa. The measure was passed unanimously in both chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Henry on April 20.

“Allowing people to use their post office box address on their license will also give crime victims some protection against further victimization,” Mazzei explained. “For example if a woman’s purse is stolen, not only do the thieves have her house keys, but with her license they also have the victim’s address. This bill provides an extra measure of privacy and security for our citizens. At the same time, DPS will have access to physical addresses of the driver license holder should there be a need to locate that person.”

The new law takes effect on November 1, 2010.