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Residents of Oklahoma can apply for license plates with the Motor Vehicle Division.
There are a variety of license plates available, aside from the standard style, such as specialty license plates and disability license plates.
Sample Oklahoma License Plate
When you register a vehicle with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in Oklahoma, there are different plates to choose from:
Standard issued license plates have a blue background with black lettering
Specialty license plates contain a decorative style from organizations, occupations, special causes, and more
Disability license plates are for people with a disability
Most of these license plates can be personalized to have a unique plate number. There are certain MVD guidelines to be followed in order to personalize a license plate.
There are also temporary license plates that must be obtained when you purchase a new vehicle. Temporary license plates allow you to drive legally on state roads while your vehicle’s registration is being processed.
Specialty License Plates in Oklahoma
Are you looking for a unique style? Or do you want to show your support for a local cause? The state of Oklahoma offers a variety of unique and beautifully designed license plates. Here are just a few of the styles you can apply for:
Organization, Occupation, or Collegiate License Plates:
Police Officer Plates
EMT Plates
Boy Scouts of America Plates
Chickasaw Nation Plates
Alpha Phi Alpha Plates
Oklahoma State University Plates
Military License Plates:
Military Service Branch Plates
Military Award Plates
Combat Experience Plates
Classic Car License Plates:
Street Rods
Antique Vehicles
You can apply for specialty license plates when registering your vehicle. There are additional fees for these, which vary by the type of plate.
Some plates, such as Military License Plates, require additional documentation to prove eligibility before they are issued to you.
Contact your local MVD office in Oklahoma to obtain a complete list of specialty plates and the fees you are expected to pay.
Personalized License Plates in Oklahoma
Oklahoma license plates can be personalized with a unique plate number. You should look up available plate numbers online before submitting an application.
There are strict guidelines that must be followed to be eligible for a personalized license plate. For example, you are not permitted to create a plate number with profanity or suggest that you are a member of a public service group (e.g., “P0L1CE”).
The costs for personalized plates are:
To order: $23
To renew: $21.50
It is possible to submit an application for specialty plates online, in person, or by mail.
Renewing Oklahoma License Plates
Before your Oklahoma license plates expire, you must renew your vehicle’s registration with the MVD.
You can submit an application for renewal online, by mail, or in person.
After you have paid your renewal fees and your application has been processed, you will receive new decals which can be placed directly on top of the old ones.
Be sure to renew your vehicle’s registration before it expires to avoid any unwanted late fees.
Surrendering License Plates in Oklahoma
The following situations require you to surrender your license plates to the MVD:
You move to another state
You no longer need your license plates (e.g., you are selling your vehicle)
You cancel your vehicle’s insurance
You register for a specialty license plate
You can surrender your license plates by dropping them off or mailing them to an MVD office.
Transferring License Plates in Oklahoma
If you purchase a new vehicle, you can transfer your old license plates. To do so, you are required to provide the following:
Registration of the new vehicle
Titling of the new vehicle
Proof of insurance for the new vehicle
Valid ID (i.e., Oklahoma driver’s license)
Payment for transfer fee
Note: If you have sold your vehicle, you have 30 days to transfer your license plates to a new vehicle.
Replacement License Plates in Oklahoma
If your OK license plates have been lost, damaged, or stolen, you can apply for replacements with the Oklahoma MVD.
Issuance of replacement license plates requires the following:
Submission of replacement application form
Proof of valid insurance for your vehicle
Payment of replacement fees
You may be able to retain your old license plate number. Any damaged license plates should be surrendered to the MVD office.
Note: It is not mandatory to file a police report if your Oklahoma license plates are stolen. However, doing so prevents the misuse of your license plates (illegal use, fraud, etc.).
Renewing Oklahoma License Plates
You can renew your vehicle’s license plates by mail, online, or in person.
You may receive a renewal reminder in the mail, and you are expected to submit the necessary documents and payments for fees prior to your vehicle’s expiration date.
Failure to renew your vehicle registration in time will result in late fees.
Summary of Fees for Oklahoma License Plates
The state of Oklahoma requires you to pay taxes and service fees in addition to any registration fees for your vehicle. The following are a few of the standard fees you may be required to pay:
Standard Registration Fee:
Determined by the number of years registered, for example: 1 to 4 years: $96
Replacement Fee:
Plate + Decals: $9
Mailing Fee: $3.50
Renewal Late Fees: $1 per day (max. $100)
For a full list of fees when registering your vehicle, contact your local MVD office.
Looking Up License Plates in Oklahoma
The search bar above allows you to look up available license plate numbers in Oklahoma. You can also use it to get information on a vehicle’s background, such as damage reports, whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, and more.
Car Ownership in Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks 12th on the list of states with the highest rates of car ownership in the US. Idaho and Wyoming are tied for the number one spot. The District of Columbia and New York have the lowest rates of car ownership in the country.
94.70% of households in Oklahoma have at least one vehicle. In Idaho and Wyoming (the states with the highest car ownership rates), 96.20% of households have at least one vehicle. In the District of Columbia, vehicle ownership rates are the lowest (64.30%) in the US.
Oklahoma ranks 35th (tied with Kansas) for electric vehicle ownership in the US. Approximately 0.17% of all registered vehicles in Oklahoma are electric vehicles. California and Hawaii have the highest percentage of electric vehicles (1.61% and 1.32% respectively). Mississippi and North Dakota have the least number of electric vehicles (0.05%).
Oklahoma ranks 25th on the list of most expensive states to own a car in the US (tied with West Virginia). Nevada and California are the most expensive and Ohio is the least expensive state to own a car.
The average cost of annual full coverage car insurance in Oklahoma is $2,291.
The average cost of a check engine light-related car repair in Oklahoma is $379.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma have 2 license plates?
No, Oklahoma has only 1 license plate. You only need to place a license plate at the back of your vehicle. Oklahoma is one of 19 states in the US that do not require 2 license plates. The rest require both front and rear license plates.
What is on Oklahoma license plates?
Standard license plates in Oklahoma feature a blue background, black lettering, and a white scissor-tail flycatcher which is the state bird. The design also features lakes, mountains, and mesas to represent the state’s landscape. The slogan at the top says Explore Oklahoma.
How much is a tag in Oklahoma?
The annual fee for vehicle registration with standard license plates in Oklahoma is $96 for years 1 through 4, $86 for years 5 through 8, $66 for years 9 through 12, $46 for years 13 through 16, and $26 for years 17 and above. There are additional charges for insurance ($1.50) and mail-in fees.
What is the penalty for expired vehicle tags in Oklahoma?
If you fail to renew your vehicle’s registration in time, the penalty or late fee is $1 per day up to a maximum of $100. This starts on the first day of the month after the grace month.
Are tag covers illegal in Oklahoma?
Yes, it is illegal to cover or obscure your tags or license plate in any way in Oklahoma. Your plate should be securely attached to the rear of your vehicle and clearly visible at all times.
How much is the tax on cars in Oklahoma?
When you purchase a new vehicle in Oklahoma, you need to pay excise tax at a rate of 3.25% of the total delivered price of the vehicle. This is different from most other states where the actual sales price of the vehicle is taxed, with or without adjustment for traded vehicles that are part of the transaction. If you purchase a used vehicle, the tax is reduced by 35% for each year of the vehicle’s age.
Does Oklahoma require vehicle inspections?
Yes, all vehicles driven on streets and highways in Oklahoma are required to be inspected. The owner of the vehicle must submit their driver’s license and insurance verification before the inspection. The vehicle inspection must be done every year. If your vehicle is given a rejection receipt, you cannot operate it on the streets and highways in the state until you get the proper repairs and adjustments made. However, you will be permitted to drive the vehicle to your residence (up to 150 miles) or a garage to get equipment replaced or repaired.