Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

Here are some additional facts about titling and registering your vessel.

• Titling of vessels is mandatory in Oklahoma. You must apply for a title within 30 days of the purchase or transfer of a vessel. You may operate your vessel within the first 30 days of ownership, prior to applying for your title and registration, if you carry on board the original bill of sale for your vessel.
• A vessel owner chooses to have their vessel registered for a one-year or a three-year period. Registration expires on June 30 of the year indicated on the validation decals. Renewal notices are mailed to all owners of registered vessels before their date of expiration. You may renew the registration by mail or in person at a motor license agent or Service Oklahoma office.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Registration or decal, you must apply to Service Oklahoma for a duplicate and submit a processing fee.
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens, may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.
  • Documented vessels must comply with the laws of the state of Oklahoma.
  • Documented vessels using Oklahoma waters in excess of 60 days must be registered in Oklahoma and display current Oklahoma validation decals on each side of the bow as high above the water line as practical.
  • Documented vessels are required to display the vessel’s name, hailing port, and federal documentation number according to federal law, rules, and regulations.
  • Both the current Certificate of Registration and Certificate of Documentation must be carried on board the vessel.