Car Registration

In Oklahoma, all commercial and noncommercial motor vehicle registration is handled by the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC). The OTC is located in Oklahoma City, but you may conduct any OTC business with your local tag agent; however, if you need to mail anything related to your vehicle registration, send it to the following:

• Oklahoma Tax Commission

• P.O. Box 26940

• Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0940

Commercial vs. Noncommercial

Commercial vehicle is any truck, truck-tractors, or station wagon used primarily in a commercial capacity. Registration of commercial vehicles is covered below.

Noncommercial vehicle is any automobile, truck (except commercial and farm trucks) travel trailers, recreational vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles, and mopeds.

Farm trucks are trucks used in an agricultural or farm capacity. Registration of farm trucks is covered below.

Types of Fees

If you are registering a new or used noncommercial motor vehicle in your name for the first time, you will be required to pay two separate fees for registration―registration fees, also known as tag fees, and excise tax.

The tag fees are simple. They are based on the number of years the vehicle has been registered in the state of Oklahoma.

The excise tax is based on the value of the vehicle and requires a bit more explanation.

Excise Tax

The excise tax is a one-time tax assessed on any new or used noncommercial vehicle purchased in Oklahoma that will be used in Oklahoma. The excise tax also applies to any noncommercial vehicle purchased outside of Oklahoma that will be used in Oklahoma. A noncommercial vehicle purchased in Oklahoma that will be used in another state will not be assessed an excise tax.

The excise tax is based on a percentage of the purchase price of the vehicle, as long as the purchase price is within 20% of the average retail value for that specific model vehicle. If the purchase price you provide to the OTC is not within that 20% range, the tax will be figured within the 20% range.

This means that if you got a great bargain and paid considerably less than retail value for your vehicle, the OTC will congratulate you on the bargain, but will still charge you the excise tax based on the 20% range of the value.

Proof of Purchase Price

If you're registering a new vehicle, you'll need to provide a copy of your contract or purchase agreement to the OTC. For used vehicles, you'll need to provide the OTC with a copy of the Bill of Sale or contract.

If you don't have either of these, a notarized copy of Form 722-1, the Declaration of Vehicle Purchase Price, will be required.

Purchase prices on new vehicles may include a deduction for dealer rebates or discounts but may not include the credit given you for a trade in of your vehicle.

Registration Fees

Noncommercial vehicle registration rates, also known as tag fees, apply to the following vehicles:

• Automobiles

• Non commercial trucks

• Non agricultural trucks

• Travel trailers

• Motor homes

• Recreational vehicles

• Motorcycles

• Mopeds

Tag fees are paid to the OTC annually and, as stated above, are based on the number of years the vehicle has been registered in Oklahoma. Don't confuse this with the age of the vehicle. If a seven-year-old car is being registered in Oklahoma for the first time, the tag fee will be $91 the first through fourth year of registration fee, since the vehicle has never been registered in Oklahoma.

Here's the fee scale for tag fees:

• 1st through 4th year of registration: $91

• 5th through 8th year of registration: $81

• 9th through 12th year of registration: $61

• 13th through 16th year of registration: $41

• 17th year of registration and over: $21

If you've purchased a used car that has been registered in Oklahoma and are transferring the title, the tag fee will be figured on the number of years the vehicle has been titled in Oklahoma. It will not start over at the first year due to a change of ownership.

Registration Forms

You can find motor vehicle registration forms in PDF format at the Motor Vehicle Forms Index. You can obtain this form online using the free Adobe Reader.

Farm Trucks

A farm truck is any truck or tractor that is used primarily on a farm or in an agricultural capacity. The annual registration fee is $36.

In order to qualify for the farm truck registration fee, you must present one of the following items to the tag agent:

• A current, OTC-issued Agriculture Exemption Permit (SMX).

• Schedule F stated on the closest year's federal income tax return.

Commercial Vehicles

Commercial truck registration fees are based on the declared laden weight and, in some cases, the age of the truck. The fees range from $101 for commercial trucks weighing 15,000 pounds and less, to $1,083 for trucks in the 89,001 to 90,000 pound range.

To qualify as a commercial vehicle, the truck or station wagon must be used primarily for business or commercial purposes, and be labeled with either the name of the business or the words "commercial vehicle".

Commercial Trailers

Commercial trailer registration fees are $46 for initial registration and for transfer of title. The annual tag renewal fee for a commercial trailer is $4.

Manufactured Homes

Registration fees for manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) are based on the actual purchase price or the current value of the manufactured home. The base fee is $25 plus $.75 per every $100 increment in value over $1,500.

If you are active duty military personnel stationed in Oklahoma and want to register a manufactured home, you may do so either through the OTC or at your local tag agent's office. The fee is $21. You'll need to submit a U.S. Armed Forces Affidavit form signed by an officer along with your registration fee.

Registration Renewal

Registration renewals, also known as tag renewals, are done annually in Oklahoma. You will be notified by postcard when your tag renewal is close to its due date. The postcard will include the amount due and the due date.

If you do not receive a renewal postcard, you may renew your tag in person at any tag agent office. Be sure to bring proof of insurance with you when you go in to renew. Currently there are no required smog and emission checks for first-time registration or renewal registration.

If you prefer to renew your tag by mail, simply mail your renewal fee along with the following information:

• Renewal notice postcard or the VIN, OK title, or license plate number.

• Proof of liability insurance for all motor vehicles.

• Check or money order for the amount due, made payable to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Be sure to write the driver license number of the vehicle owner or the F.E.I. number if the vehicle is owned by a business.

Late Fees

If you are late renewing your registration, whether for a new vehicle or a renewal, the OTC charges a penalty. These penalties go into effect as follows:

• Initial registration: on the 31st day after you take legal possession.

• Renewals: one month after the registration expiration month.

Nonoperational Vehicles

There's no special registration in Oklahoma for vehicles that are nonoperable or in storage.

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.