Paperwork When Buying a Car in Oklahoma

Paperwork Required to Buy a Car in Oklahoma

When you buy a car in Oklahoma, you must get the certificate of title from the seller, as well as additional paperwork.

To complete the transaction, you'll take the paperwork and payment for title and registration fees to your nearest Oklahoma Tax Commission (OKTC) office to complete the registration and title transfer.

Keep reading for more information about the paperwork you need when you buy a car in Oklahoma.

Paperwork for Oklahoma Car Buyers

As the buyer of a car, you'll need to get several documents from the seller so that you can title and register the car in your name.

You will need:

Missing Title

Titles are required in Oklahoma, and they are important proof that the seller is the true owner of the car you are buying.

If the title is missing, the seller should request a duplicate title before selling you the car.

Oklahoma Title Transfer

To transfer the vehicle title from the seller, make sure that the certificate of title has been signed and notarized.

Take the title to your local OKTC office, along with other required documents, including:

  • The bill of sale or other purchase documentation.
  • The current registration.
  • Proof of car insurance.
  • Release of current liens.

The title transfer fee is $11.

See our page Title Transfers in Oklahoma for more details.

You can also register the vehicle when you transfer the title (see "Register Your Vehicle in OK" below).

Register Your Vehicle in OK

Registering a vehicle requires the same paperwork as titling a vehicle, so you can usually transfer the title and register the car in one trip to your local OKTC office.

Like a title transfer, vehicle registration requires:

  • The certificate of title.
  • Proof of purchase, such as a bill of sale.
  • The current registration.
  • Proof of car insurance.
  • Registration fees: Varies based on the number of years a car has been registered. See the OKTC registration fee list.

Once you register your vehicle, you'll receive your license plates.

Vehicle History Reports

A vehicle history report will offer you critical information about the condition of a car you are considering buying, such as:

  • Whether the car has ever been in an accident or flood.
  • Damage to the vehicle.
  • An odometer reading.

The report helps to ensure that you are fully informed about the car you are considering.

Vehicle Fraud in Oklahoma

If you believe you have been defrauded, you can file a formal complaint with the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.

You should keep in mind that the Attorney General's role in addressing a complaint is to protect the general public, not reimburse you for your losses.

Forms

722-1
Declaration of Vehicle Purchase Price
Use this Motor Vehicle Division form to confirm the purchase price of a vehicle you bought and do not have a bill of sale for. Form requires notarization.
729
Odometer Disclosure Statement
Use this Motor Vehicle Division form to disclose the mileage on a vehicle you're transferring ownership of in Oklahoma.
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