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Is It Illegal to Have License Plate Frames in Oklahoma?

  • Cars Explained
  • Renee Martin
  • 5 minutes

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Registering your vehicle is only one part of the ownership process in Oklahoma. You need to set up your Oklahoma license plates properly too! We break down everything you need to know about it.

You may want to accessorize your vehicle in Oklahoma by getting a cool license plate frame. However, remember that in some states there are very strict rules that require full visibility of the license plate. You can’t get away with haphazard methods like putting your license plate on your dashboard either. It’s always best to understand the driving laws and rules in each state.

Read on to know everything about Oklahoma license plate rules!

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What are the rules regarding Oklahoma license plates?

You will get a new license plate when you finish registering your vehicle with the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission. The plate should be displayed on your vehicle at all times. According to Title 47-1113 of the Oklahoma Statutes, “the license plate, decal, letters and numbers on it should be clearly visible.” 

Moreover, the license plate should not be covered or screened by any material – whether it is clear, translucent, tinted, or opaque. Any variation from the rules will be treated as a violation and can be subject to a hefty fine.

Therefore, it is illegal to have a license plate frame of any kind in Oklahoma.

Also read: How long does it take to get a license plate? 

What color are the OK license plates?

Until 2016, license plates in the state consisted of embossed blue serials on a reflective white plate. There were also variations that included green lettering and numbers.

Since 2016, the plates consist of dark black serials and lettering on a reflective graphic white plate, with ‘OKLAHOMA’ written on top. Recent plates also feature blue landscapes and a white scissor-tailed flycatcher.

Oklahoma license plate frames
Image credit: Jerry “Woody” from Flickr via Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Does Oklahoma require a front license plate?

No, Oklahoma is a one-plate state, requiring only a rear license plate. A total of 19 states – called the ‘Rugged Nineteen’ – have a one-plate rule. These include Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and more.

Are license plate frames legal in OK?

All types of license plate frames are illegal in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma Statutes, there should be no type of obstruction on the license plates that hinders visibility in case an accident occurs. This rules out any kind of license plate frames.

Are license plate covers illegal in OK?

Yes, license plate covers are illegal in Oklahoma. It doesn’t matter whether the cover is clear, tinted, translucent, or opaque. It can be deemed illegal if it hinders the visibility of a driver. Oklahoma Statutes strictly mandate that in the event of a vehicle accident, there should be nothing hampering the victim from noting the license plate.

What kind of specialty license plates can I get in Oklahoma?

Yes, you can get personalized custom license plates based on your interests or profession. It will cost you up to $25 to get customized plates, and $21.55 to renew them. Some specialty plates include:

Military license plates

You can sport military plates only if you are one of the following:

  • An honorably discharged veteran
  • Ex-prisoner of war
  • Disabled veteran
  • Surviving family of a veteran who died due to service-related injuries or illness.

It will cost you $13-25, with a $9.55 fee for renewal.

Education license plates

These plates can be used to indicate that you are a student/faculty at a certain university or a member of a fraternity/sorority. Education plates can range from $20-40 and can cost you up to $37 to renew.

Tribal Plates

Members of recognized tribal nation states (like Chickasaw, and Choctaw) in Oklahoma can get these plates. It will cost you $25 at first and up to $21.55 to renew.

Civil Service Plates

Firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police officers, members of the Civil Air Patrol, and other civil service members can sport these kinds of plates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Oklahoma a two-plate state?

No, Oklahoma is a one-plate state – you only need to affix the license plate to the rear end of the vehicle. However, it is illegal to keep your license plate inside your car (on your dashboard, for example). You may have to pay a fine up to $500 for violating license plate rules.

Is it illegal to have tinted license plate covers in OK?

Yes, it is illegal to have license plate covers of any kind in OK. All types of frames – clear, tinted, translucent, or opaque – are illegal.

What are the different types of OK license plates?

You can either personalize your license plates or get specialty plates in OK. Specialty plates are of many kinds like:

  • Military license plates
  • Education license plates
  • Tribal Plates
  • Civil Service Plates
  • Special Interest Plates

Also read: Complete guides to getting your license and plates in different US States

Oklahoma license plates


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