Vehicle registration requirements - Oklahoma

License plate display

All motor vehicles within Oklahoma must display a license plate except for all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and motorcycles. License plates are to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle unless otherwise specified.

Truck tractor and IRP plates must be displayed on the front of the vehicle. Trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 26,000 pounds may have the plates attached to the front or rear of the vehicle.

International Registration Plan

Oklahoma is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

Temporary permit: A temporary permit is a permit issued by the base jurisdiction or its agent to be carried in a qualified vehicle in lieu of display of the permanent annual decals. A temporary permit is valid for a period of 30 days to give the carrier adequate time to affix the annual permanent decals.

Vehicles that are eligible for apportioned registration, but aren't registered in Oklahoma or don't possess valid Oklahoma credentials, are to obtain temporary registration before traveling through Oklahoma. The 72-hour trip permit provides temporary Oklahoma registration. It may be obtained directly from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission's IRP section for $12.

Hunter's or unladen weight permit: For a registrant who has broken a lease, an unladen weight permit may be purchased. The permit is valid for 45 days, including the day of issuance, at a cost of $25.

Agency: Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Transportation Division.

Fees: The cost depends on the purchase price of the vehicle, the age of the vehicle, and the weight at which the vehicle will be registered in each jurisdiction. Estimated mileage is also part of the calculation. The average cost of an apportioned plate for a new vehicle, registered for 80,000 pounds for all jurisdictions, is $1,600 to $1,800.