On This Page
Oklahoma Abandoned Vehicle Overview
Oklahoma's abandoned vehicle laws are governed by 47 O.S. § 901 et seq. Oklahoma uses a 48-hour street threshold and 30-day private property notice period. Oklahoma has a specific requirement that sets it apart: abandoned vehicle towing requires a DPS Tow Request and Authorization Form and must be done by a Class AA licensed wrecker. Standard tow companies without Class AA certification cannot legally handle abandoned vehicle removals in Oklahoma.
Street Time Limit
Report abandoned vehicles to your local police non-emergency or Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) at (405) 425-2424 for state roads. In Oklahoma City, use (405) 235-7300. In Tulsa, use (918) 596-9023. After the officer responds and verifies the 48-hour threshold, they complete the DPS Tow Request form and authorize a Class AA wrecker to take possession.
Private Property Removal
For private property removal in Oklahoma: document the vehicle, contact local police to file a report. The officer must initiate the DPS form process — you cannot directly authorize removal in Oklahoma without police involvement. A Class AA wrecker is then dispatched. After 30 days of proper notice to the registered owner, title claim can begin.
Oklahoma Class AA requirement: Verify any tow company is Class AA licensed before they touch the vehicle. Ask directly: "Are you Class AA licensed for abandoned vehicle towing in Oklahoma?" Non-Class AA operators cannot legally handle this process.
Claiming Title
Oklahoma title claims go through the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Steps: (1) File police report. (2) Complete DPS Tow Request and Authorization Form with officer. (3) Class AA wrecker takes possession and notifies Tax Commission. (4) Wait 30 days from owner notification. (5) Apply to Oklahoma Tax Commission at (405) 521-3221 or oktax.state.ok.us for abandoned vehicle title. Processing 4–6 weeks.
City-by-City Contacts
| City | Contact |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | (405) 235-7300 · okc.gov |
| Tulsa | (918) 596-9023 · tulsapolice.org |
| Norman | (405) 321-1444 · normanok.gov |
| Broken Arrow | (918) 259-8400 · brokenarrowok.gov |
| Lawton | (580) 581-3277 · lawtonok.gov |
| Oklahoma Highway Patrol (state roads) | (405) 425-2424 · dps.ok.gov |
Inoperable Vehicle Storage
Oklahoma does not have a statewide inoperable vehicle storage ordinance — local codes govern this. Oklahoma City and Tulsa both prohibit inoperable vehicles in plain view in residential areas. Check your city's municipal code for specifics. Rural Oklahoma counties are generally more permissive.
Official Contacts
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma Tax Commission — Vehicle Titles | (405) 521-3221 · oktax.state.ok.us |
| 47 O.S. § 901 et seq. | oscn.net |
| Oklahoma Highway Patrol | (405) 425-2424 · dps.ok.gov |
| Oklahoma City Police | (405) 235-7300 · okc.gov |
| Tulsa Police | (918) 596-9023 · tulsapolice.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Tow Request and Authorization Form is a state-mandated form that law enforcement officers complete when authorizing an abandoned vehicle tow in Oklahoma. It documents the abandonment circumstances, the vehicle information, and the authorizing officer's credentials. Without this form being completed by a law enforcement officer, a tow company cannot legally take possession of an abandoned vehicle in Oklahoma under the official process. The form creates the paper trail needed for the subsequent Tax Commission title claim. You cannot complete this form yourself — it requires law enforcement initiation.
Oklahoma's Class AA wrecker license (issued by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission) requires operators to meet higher standards for equipment capability, storage facility security, and business practices than a standard tow license. The requirement was established because abandoned vehicle cases involve taking legal custody of someone else's property — the legislature decided that higher-accountability operators should handle these sensitive situations. Class AA operators are also bonded and required to maintain proper records, which protects all parties in any later dispute about the vehicle's handling.