Top General Requirements

Registration Renewal

Looking to renew an existing registration? See Registration Renewals.

First-Time Registration

If you have:

• Bought or received a car

• Moved here from another state

You must get your car registered. If you're a new resident, you must register 30 days after you become an official resident. After that, you must pay a late fee of twenty-five cents per day.

If you’ve just acquired a car, you must register it within 30 days. On day 31, you're subject to penalty fees.

Top Get Insurance

At registration, you must show your proof of insurance. If you need to get insurance and would like to compare rates online, see our Insurance Center.

Top Prepare the Paperwork

Probably the most important piece of paperwork to have at hand is the title, which the previous owner should have signed over to you. If this is lost, get a replacement.

You must handle the registration and paperwork yourself, even if you bought your car from a dealer.

Before you go to your local tag agency, have the following ready:

1. An application for a title application that must be signed in front of the notary at the tag agency.
2. The old title, transferred to you. If this is lost, you must get a new one.
3. A Bill of Sale or Declaration of Purchase Price.
4. Proof of insurance.

You don't have to present proof that your vehicle passed an emissions check; such inspections aren't requirements.

If you’re still in the shopping stages, get a Vehicle History Report for the car you’re considering. The report tells you whether the car’s got a clean title and other information.

Top Calculate the Fees

Fees are based on how long you’ve had the car. The first year of registration costs the most. Keep in mind you must pay excise tax when you transfer the title.

Top Go to the DMV

Next, you’ll need to make a trip to your local tag agency. Take all your documentation and fees with you, along with identification.

Tags

You may also order tags while you’re there. You can order specialty and personalized tags online. Specialized tags are available in many varieties. There are adoption tags, veterans’ tags, and tags for all the major universities in the state. Order a vanity tag if you want a special saying on your car.

Personalized tags take about four months to arrive, and regular ones take about four weeks.

You can also get customized tag frames. These are available in just about every interest imaginable, from dog breeds to sports teams.

Top Affix Your Decals

When your tags arrive, affix your decals to them according to the directions.

Top Get a Tax Deduction

The IRS lets you deduct the portion of your registration fees that are based on the car’s value, so you will not be able to do this with a car registered in Oklahoma.

Ask a tax attorney if you have more questions or concerns.

Top Safely Get on Your Way

Now that your car is legal, you can get out on the road. But before you do, consider safeguarding your most valuable possession―your family.

In the event of a breakdown, do you have roadside assistance to come help you? If you don’t, you should consider purchasing a program for peace of mind. Putting together an auto emergency kit that contains everything from bandages to flares is also wise in case of trouble.

Before your car is even close to breaking down, you should also find a mechanic that you like. Trying to find a good one while your car is being towed just isn’t going to work. And paying for an after-market warranty can actually save you money if a big system breaks.

Also be sure to look at a couple of auto accessories. If you have young children, make sure their child safety seats are current and fit your new car; not every model of seat fits into every car well. A Bluetooth headset is important if you’re going to be driving and talking with a cell phone. Nowadays, most models are affordable and work well.

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