As of July 1, 2025, most motor vehicle titles in Oklahoma are now issued electronically, in line with national standards aimed at improving convenience, security and efficiency. Today, Service Oklahoma announced an added option for customers: individuals without an active lien on their vehicle may now request a paper title for the standard statutory fee.
This update follows feedback from Oklahomans, lawmakers and industry partners and reflects Service Oklahoma’s continued commitment to providing flexible, accessible services.
Senate Bill 998 (2021) laid the foundation for digital titling in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 836 (2023), which took effect this month, requires that most vehicle titles be issued electronically.
Since the legislation’s passage, Service Oklahoma has worked alongside dealers, lienholders, auctions and licensed operators to prepare for implementation and deliver a system that works for Oklahomans at every stage of the vehicle ownership process.
“We understand that any change to government services takes some getting used to, and I know some Oklahomans were caught off guard by the shift to electronic vehicle titles,” said Senator Chuck Hall, one of the co-authors of SB836. “I appreciate Service Oklahoma making this transition smoother and offering residents greater flexibility moving forward by giving people the option to ask for a paper title if they want one. Over time, I’m confident Oklahomans will come to appreciate how electronic titles make the process faster, simpler and more secure.”
Supporting a Smoother Transition
Electronic titles are digital records that reduce paperwork and the risk of loss or theft. They are especially helpful because Oklahoma is a title-holding state, where titles are held by the lienholder until a loan is paid off. Moving to an electronic system eliminates the need for lenders to manage thousands of physical documents, resulting in cost savings and fewer errors.
The option to request a paper title, available only when no lien exists, was added through recently submitted administrative rules. This change allows Service Oklahoma to make the option available immediately.
“We’ve listened closely to customers and legislators over the past few weeks and are making adjustments that reflect the feedback we’ve received,” said Jay Doyle, Chief Executive Officer at Service Oklahoma. “Offering a paper title option for vehicles without a lien gives Oklahomans the flexibility they’ve asked for while continuing to deliver the advantages of a digital system.”
What Oklahomans Need to Know
- Electronic titles are the default for vehicles with an active lien and are held by the lienholder
- Paper title requests may be made when there is no lien, or after a lien is paid off
- Out-of-state sales or moves: A paper title may still be requested when required
- How to request: Paper titles may be requested online through OkCARS or in person at any licensed operator location for the standard fee, which has not changed
- If a paper title is requested at the time of registration and there is no lien, it will be issued in paper form without any additional fees
- Electronic titles are legal and valid proof of ownership
- No extra fees apply for electronic titles
The title and registration process itself has not changed. Customers still have two months after purchase to complete registration, and metal plates must be placed on newly purchased vehicles within 10 days.
Service Oklahoma continues to partner with licensed operators across the state to provide accessible, in-person support and remains focused on delivering secure and modern government services.
To learn more, visit service.ok.gov/titles.
Service Oklahoma: Oklahomans Helping Oklahomans
Service Oklahoma’s mission is to ease the stress of navigating government services while providing a best-in-class customer experience. Service Oklahoma provides driver license and motor vehicle services on behalf of the state both online and in-person. Service Oklahoma’s partnership with licensed operators (formerly tag agents) provides essential services in all 77 counties at 270+ locations across the state.
