Oklahoma Boating Requirements
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Introduction
Sep 12, 2023 - The Oklahoma boat registration summary is a free resource designed to inform the boating public about title options, registration requirements, recording methods, record searches, tax rules, and operational guidelines for the State of Oklahoma. The data is maintained as an open wiki forum where readers are encouraged to participate by sharing knowledge and experiences with this particular jurisdiction.
Registration - Titling
Oklahoma issues registrations and titles for all non-exempt boats operating within its jurisdiction. Registration is also required on USCG documented vessels although they are exempt from titling. Registration and titling is also required on all outboard motors in excess of 10 horsepower. These are administered by Services Oklahoma which is headquartered in Oklahoma City with a network of regional offices. Visit their website in WikiLinks for the most current information about exemptions, fees, and processing.
Boat title bonding is available in Oklahoma when there is insufficient evidence of ownership. The alternative would be to obtain a summary award from a court of proper jurisdiction
Oklahoma has statutory procedures that accommodate non-judicial boat foreclosures pursuant a mechanic's lien or secured loan default.
Recreational boat trailer registration is not required in Oklahoma, although it is available as an option.
There are approximately 199,129 boats registered in the State of Oklahoma. This accounts for 1.7% of all nationwide registrations.
Numbering - Marking
Oklahoma boat registration numbers begin with an "OK" designation which is followed by four numbers and then two letters. These must be displayed on all non-documented boats along with registration sticker tabs. Coast Guard documented vessels may not display the state registration numbers. However they must display the state registration tabs, an owner designated vessel name, and a hailing port. An official documentation number must also be affixed to a visible interior location in the hull itself or an integral part of the hull.
All vessels manufactured after 1972 are required to have a 12 digit hull identification number affixed to the vessel by the manufacturer. State assigned hull numbers prefixed with the letters "OKZ" are available for home made boats and those without factory designations. The hull identification number must be verified by a law enforcement official on first time titling and registration and transfers.
Liens - Security Interests
Oklahoma issues titles on all registered boats except for those which are Coast Guard Documented. These are administered by Motor Vehicle Services. Security interests on state titled boats are recorded with the Motor Vehicle Services. These will be shown the title certificates when applicable. Boat titles with active security interests are sent directly to the secured party.
Security interests in boats that are neither titled or USCG documented are recorded with the respective county clerks offices as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
Tax liens may be flagged on boat registration records, recorded as UCC filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk's office. There are no provisions for recording mechanic's liens or other non-secured claims against state titled boats. If the vessel is USCG documented, a lender's security interest must be perfected by filing a preferred vessel mortgage. These are recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center and priority is attained according to the date filed. Other maritime liens can be filed in the same manner although they function as notifications only. All mortgage and lien filings are indexed on the vessel's underlying abstract of title.
Databases - Record Searches
Boat title and registration records in Oklahoma are maintained in a database administered by the Motor Vehicle Services. Insights on how to go about conducting searches and obtaining record copies can be found in WikiTags.
Uniform Commercial Code searches must be implemented by contacting the respective county in Oklahoma where the owner resides. However, if there are any suspected state or federal tax liens, it may be advisable to use a public record vendor as they have a much broader access to such filings nationwide. Ownership, mortgage, and lien search recordings for USCG documented vessels can be obtained by ordering an abstract of title and a copy of the certificate of documentation (WikiLinks) from the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Taxes - Insurance
Excise tax is assessed on transfers of ownership of boats and outboard motors and is based on the manufacturer's original retail selling price of the unit. Visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission website link in WikiTags for more information.
Liability insurance is not required for boats operating on Oklahoma waters.
Operating - Safety
Motorized boat and PWC operators in Oklahoma are 12 to 15 years old and will be operating a vessel over 10 HP to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
Conclusion
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice and may contain errors or omissions. Be sure to check with the respective government agency before taking action on any such data. More detailed information about these topics can be found in WikiTags and WikiLinks.
Credits and References
Sep 12, 2023 - Page Revised
