How to Gift a Car in Oklahoma in 2026
Transferring motor vehicle ownership as a gift in Oklahoma involves completing the title and registration through Service Oklahoma or a licensed operator location. The donor must notify Service Oklahoma of the transfer, and the recipient must obtain a certificate of title within two months of acquisition.
How Does Gifting a Car in Oklahoma Work?
A motor vehicle gifted in Oklahoma is transferred through the title assignment process following the same procedures used for sales. If the donor holds an electronic title, the donor completes a Bill of Sale of an Electronic Title (Form 718), which serves as a substitute for a physical title. Both parties sign this form, and it must be notarized. If the donor holds a physical title, the assignment is recorded on the back of the title certificate with notarized signatures.
The recipient presents the completed form or assigned title, along with the Application for Oklahoma Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (Form 701-6), proof of liability insurance, and an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 729) to Service Oklahoma or to a licensed operator location. The recipient must also provide a motor vehicle tax stamp or pay applicable excise tax unless a family exemption applies.
Oklahoma Car Gifting Rules You Should Know
Title Status
Oklahoma law requires most motor vehicles operated on public roads to be titled. The owner must obtain a certificate of title within two months of purchase. Vehicles must be titled through Service Oklahoma or a licensed operator. Starting July 1, 2025, all vehicle titles will be issued electronically, though limited exceptions for paper titles remain.
Vehicles not requiring registration include non-commercial trailers, utility trailers, and boats that have not been registered or titled. All-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and off-road motorcycles require registration. Commercial vehicles, all on-road motor vehicles, travel trailers, and manufactured homes require both a title and registration.
License Plates
When vehicle ownership transfers, the current license plates must be surrendered to Service Oklahoma or a licensed operator. The recipient must apply for new plates through the registration process. The recipient may not operate the vehicle using the previous owner's plates. License plate fees and transfer costs apply to the registration transaction.
Taxes and Fees
Oklahoma imposes an excise tax on vehicle transfers calculated based on the vehicle's fair market value as determined by Service Oklahoma. However, gifts between spouses or between parents and children may be exempt from excise tax if a Family Affidavit (Form 794) is submitted. The vehicle must be gifted, not sold, to qualify for the exemption.
The title fee is $11, and a transfer fee of $17 applies. Annual registration fees vary by vehicle type and year first registered, ranging from $26 to $96 for standard vehicles and from $29 to $99 for motorcycles. A VIN inspection fee of $4 applies if required.
Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in Oklahoma
Step 1: Determine title type and gather documents.
If the vehicle has an electronic title, obtain the Bill of Sale of an Electronic Title (Form 718) from the Service Oklahoma website. If a physical title exists, retrieve the original title certificate. Gather the vehicle identification number, current registration information, and proof that liability insurance will be obtained.
Step 2: Complete the odometer disclosure.
Both the donor and recipient must complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 729), stating the actual odometer reading. The form must be completed with printed and signed names. Both parties sign in the presence of a notary public.
Step 3: Complete the title assignment.
If using Form 718, the donor completes the form and signs in front of a notary. If using a physical title, the donor signs the back of the title in front of a notary. The recipient then completes their portion of the form or signs as the recipient on the physical title and has their signature notarized. Both signatures must be notarized.
Step 4: Determine tax exemption eligibility.
If the gift qualifies for exemption (spouse to spouse or parent to child), complete the Family Affidavit (Form 794). Exemptions are only available for transfers between spouses or between parents and children and require that the vehicle be gifted, not sold. If no exemption applies, prepare to pay the applicable excise tax.
Step 5: Obtain liability insurance.
Before title issuance, the recipient must obtain proof of liability insurance from an Oklahoma-licensed insurance company. Proof of insurance must be provided when applying for title.
Step 6: Submit documents to Service Oklahoma.
Visit Service Oklahoma at 6015 N Classen Boulevard, Building 4, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 or a licensed operator location. Present the completed title assignment or Form 718, the Application for Oklahoma Certificate of Title (Form 701-6), the odometer disclosure statement, proof of insurance, valid identification, and payment of applicable fees. If eligible for tax exemption, provide the Family Affidavit.
Step 7: Complete vehicle registration.
Once the title is issued, the recipient completes the registration process. The recipient receives the electronic title, registration documentation, and license plates. A registration receipt must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Step 8: Operate with new registration.
The recipient may operate the vehicle only after the new plates are displayed and the registration is active. The registration expires on the same date each year and may be renewed online or at a licensed operator location.
Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in Oklahoma
- Bill of Sale of an Electronic Title (Form 718) if title is electronic, or original certificate of title if paper title exists
- Application for Oklahoma Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (Form 701-6), completed by the recipient
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 729), signed by both donor and recipient
- Family Affidavit (Form 794) if claiming exemption for spouse-to-spouse or parent-to-child transfer
- Valid photo identification for both donor and recipient
- Proof of liability insurance for the recipient
- Notarized signatures of both parties on title assignment or Form 718
- Payment for title fee, transfer fee, insurance fee, and applicable excise tax or exemption documentation
If the title history is needed or the vehicle is from out-of-state, additional documentation may be required. Contact Service Oklahoma for specific guidance.
Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in Oklahoma
| Fee or Tax | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Title Fee | $11.00 | Applies to new title issuance |
| Transfer Fee | $17.00 | Charged for title transfer transaction |
| Insurance Fee | $1.50 | Collected with registration |
| VIN Inspection Fee | $4.00 | Required if inspection is needed |
| Excise Tax | Calculated on fair market value | Tax rate determined by Service Oklahoma; becomes delinquent 30 days after legal ownership is obtained; waived for spouse-to-spouse or parent-to-child gifts with Family Affidavit |
| Annual Registration Fee (Standard Vehicle) | $26–$96 | Varies by year first registered; years 1–4 cost $96; year 17+ costs $26 |
| Annual Registration Fee (Motorcycle) | $29–$99 | Varies by year first registered; years 1–4 cost $99; year 17+ costs $29 |
| Tax Stamp | Varies | Required by dealer for certain transfers; required for new or used vehicles from dealer |
| Tire Tax | Varies by vehicle | Collected on certain vehicle registrations |
All excise taxes must be paid or exemption documentation must be provided, before the title is issued. An Excise Tax Calculator is available on the Service Oklahoma website to estimate tax liability.
Contact Information
Service Oklahoma, Motor Vehicle Division
6015 N Classen Boulevard, Building 4, Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: (405) 522-7000
Official Website: Service Oklahoma
