Registration FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding titling and registering vehicles in Oklahoma.

If you can't find what you're looking for here, contact the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

I need to register my new car. What do I do?

In short, you need to make sure you have all of your documentation in order including the sales contract and proof of the purchase price. You will register your new vehicle through your local tag agent.

Read our section on car registration for specific details on how to register your new vehicle.

I want to sell my car but I can't find my title. How can I get a replacement?

You may request a replacement title by filling out form 701-7, the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title. You can download one and print it using the free Adobe Reader software.

Take it to your local tag agent's office. The fee for a duplicate title is $10.

How do I get a duplicate registration?

Replacing lost registration documents isn't necessary, since Oklahoma law doesn't require vehicle owners to keep a copy.

If you'd still like a duplicate registration for receipt purposes, your local tag agency will print a copy for you. The fee is $1.

What do I do if I don't receive my registration?

If you don't receive your registration in the mail, you need to contact your local tag agency. The agency will be able to give further instructions specific to your situation.

How do I get replacement tags or decals?

If your license plates or decals have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated, you'll need to complete and submit a notarized Affidavit for Replacement License Plate/Decal to your local tag agency. Please call ahead for specific fees.

How is the excise tax on my new car figured?

The excise tax is based on the purchase price of your new car, as long as the purchase price is within 20% of the average retail value for that specific model vehicle.

OK, so I see that the excise tax is based on a different figure than what I paid for my new car. How can this be?

If the excise tax is based on a value higher than what you paid, you must have gotten a great bargain on your new car.

The excise tax is based on the average retail value of the vehicle, so your purchase price must have been at least 20% lower than the actual value of the car.

How do I find my local tag agent to pay my tag renewal fees?

Here is a listing of local tag agents in Oklahoma. You may also pay your renewal by mail. Just send your remittance and the vehicle identification number to:

• Oklahoma Tax Commission

• P.O. Box 26940

• Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0940

My father died and left me his registered farm truck. I'll use the truck, but as a personal vehicle and not for farm work. What do I need to do?

The OTC has a page on what you'll need to do if you have inherited a motor vehicle. Once you have cleared the probate, you will need to re-register the vehicle as a personal vehicle and have new, non-farm truck plates issued.

I'm new to Oklahoma and would like to register my car here. What do I need to do?

You can find motor vehicle registration forms in PDF format at Motor Vehicle Forms Index and you'll need the free Adobe Reader.

How can I see samples of specialized license plates?

Simply check out Oklahoma Specialty License Plates for sample graphics of specialized license plates.

For ordering formation, refer to License Plates and Placards.

Does Oklahoma offer antique or classic license plates?

Yes, it does. See our License Plates & Placards article for details about the plates, including how to apply for them.

What form do I need in order to register my vehicle at the special military rate? I am on active duty and stationed here in Oklahoma.

You'll need Form 779, the U.S. Armed Forces Affidavit. This form must be signed by you and certified by an officer.

How do I register my new manufactured home?

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.

Note that modular homes are not considered mobile or motor homes. Even if your home starts as a modular unit, it will not be considered a manufactured home. A manufactured home must retain the ability to be moved to another location.

You can learn more about registration requirements for manufactured homes on our Registration and Titling section.

Is it true that I have to register my outboard motor?

Yes, and our Boat Registration page has all the details and paperwork to get you started.

Does Oklahoma have any sort of special registration for vehicles that are nonoperable or in storage?

No. There's no unique registration for these situations.

I'm getting ready to register my car in Oklahoma for the first time―where do I go for a smog check?

You will not need a smog check in Oklahoma prior to registering your vehicle. At the present, there are no emissions control requirements for motor vehicles.

I'm building a custom car and my brother is building a kit car. What will we need to do when it comes time to register them?

The best advice for custom car and kit car builders is to keep track of your paperwork! You will need to be able to show the OTC where the car components originated and register sing the body vehicle identification number (VIN).

The kit car most likely has a body VIN but if you are building the custom car from the ground up, you will need to apply for a body VIN.

Read more about these requirements on our Custom-Built Car Registration page.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.