Title explanation guide
Oklahoma vehicle titles do not have to be complicated. Below are the seven situations we see most often, with what to bring and which forms to fill out for each.
Questions? Call us at (405) 387-9200
Common title situations
Find the one that matches your scenario.
Any title transaction requires proof of Oklahoma insurance and your driver license. The only exceptions are black tags and non-use stickers, which do not require proof of insurance.
Buying from a dealer
When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed dealer, the title, purchase agreement, and the odometer disclosure statement should be mailed to you directly.
What you need to do
- The dealer gives you a temporary tag, or mails one to you
- The dealer should mail you the paperwork required to do the title transfer
- You need proof of Oklahoma insurance and a driver license to complete the title transfer
Reminder: penalties will be charged if taxes and registration are not paid within 60 days of purchase.
Buying from a private party
When you buy from an individual, the title transfer is yours to handle.
What you need to do
- Pre-registration must be done within 2 business days of the date of sale, in person at a Service Oklahoma location or online with Ready, Set, Tag (opens in a new tab)
- Get the title signed over to you by the seller and notarized
- If the title is electronic, you will need an electronic bill of sale (form 718)
- The seller can complete a Notice of Transfer
- Get an odometer disclosure if the vehicle is a 2011 model or newer
- Bring the documents to our office within 60 days of purchase
- Pay the applicable taxes and fees
Reminder: penalties will be charged if taxes and registration are not paid within 60 days of purchase.
Forms you need
- Application for Original Oklahoma Certificate of Title (form 701-6) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Bill of Sale of an Electronic Title (form 718) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Declaration of Vehicle Purchase Price (form 722-1) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (form 729) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Notice of Transfer of a Vehicle (form 773) opens a PDF in a new tab
Transferring between family members
Oklahoma allows tax-exempt transfers between qualifying family members.
What you need to do
- Complete the Family Transfer affidavit
- Bring the signed title from the current owner
- Qualifying relationships include spouses, parents, and children
- Bring the documents to our office for processing
Reminder: penalties will be charged if taxes and registration are not paid within 60 days of purchase.
Lost or damaged title
If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate.
What you need to do
- Complete the Application for Duplicate Title
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Pay the duplicate title fee
- A lien release must be provided or the title will be sent to the lien holder
Adding or removing a name on an Oklahoma title
To add or remove an owner, you apply for a new title.
What you need to do
- The current owner, or every owner if it is an "and" title, must sign the current title in front of a notary
- An odometer disclosure statement is required if the vehicle is a 2011 model or newer
- If you are removing a name after a death, additional documentation may be required
- Taxes, title, and registration fees will be due unless it is a qualifying situation, such as a family transfer
Reminder: penalties will be charged if taxes and registration are not paid within 60 days of purchase.
Forms you need
- Application for Original Oklahoma Certificate of Title (form 701-6) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (form 729) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Declaration of Vehicle Purchase Price (form 722-1) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Family Affidavit (form 794) opens a PDF in a new tab
- Transfer of License Plate Ownership, optional, to move the plate to a family member (form 773-LP) opens a PDF in a new tab
Out-of-state vehicle
A vehicle titled in another state needs to be re-titled and registered in Oklahoma.
What you need to do
- Bring the out-of-state title or registration
- A VIN inspection is required before an Oklahoma title is issued
- Bring proof of Oklahoma insurance and your driver license
- If there is an active lien, you will need to provide the lien holder's name and address and the date of the loan
Transfer on death (beneficiary)
You can name a beneficiary to receive your vehicle upon death.
What you need to do
- Complete the Transfer Upon Death Notice
- The vehicle transfers to the beneficiary automatically on the owner's death
- It avoids probate for the vehicle transfer
- The owner can change or revoke it at any time
Before you come in
- Check that the VIN on the title matches the vehicle
- Sign in ink, never in pencil, and never with a digital signature
- Additional documentation might be required. Please review the what to bring list below, or contact us by phone if you have any questions
- If the title is crossed out or altered, you may need a corrected title from the seller
- Bring your checkbook to avoid the credit and debit card surcharge
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to title a vehicle after purchase?
You have 60 days from the date of purchase to apply for an Oklahoma title. After 60 days, penalties will apply.
Do I need the seller present to transfer a title?
No, the seller does not need to be present. The seller does have to properly sign the title, and notarization is required on an Oklahoma title. Additional documentation might be required, so check the what to bring list.
What if there is a lien on the vehicle?
If you are buying a vehicle with a lien, the lien must be paid off and a lien release obtained before the title can be transferred to you. Make sure the seller provides proof of the lien release.
What documents do I need to bring?
Generally you need the signed title, your valid photo ID, proof of Oklahoma insurance, and payment for taxes and fees. Some situations call for extra forms. Our what to bring page walks through it situation by situation.
How much will it cost to title my vehicle?
The cost includes the title fee, registration fee, and excise tax, and additional fees may apply depending on the transaction. Taxes are based on the purchase price. Our what to bring page lists the current fees, and Service Oklahoma has a fee estimate calculator.
Can I get a title for a vehicle I inherited?
Yes, inherited vehicles can be titled. Depending on whether the estate went through probate, documents such as letters of testamentary, an affidavit of heirship, or a no administrator affidavit might be required. In some cases a court order from the county you reside in may be required.
Still have questions
We are happy to talk through your specific situation. Walk in any time, or give us a call and we will tell you exactly what to bring.
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