LICENSE PLATES

2022 Okla. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 392 (S.B. 1300) (WEST)

2022 Okla. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 392 (S.B. 1300) (WEST)
OKLAHOMA 2022 SESSION LAW SERVICE
Fifty-Eighth Legislature, 2022 Second Regular Session
Additions are indicated by Text; deletions by
Text.
Vetoes are indicated by Text ;
stricken material by Text .
CHAPTER 392
S.B. No. 1300
LICENSE PLATES
An Act relating to motor vehicles; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1135.1, as last amended by Section 3, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, which relates to special license plates; providing exception to combined registration period for certain special license plate; requiring combination of registration period and fee remittance with physically disabled license plate; requiring the Oklahoma Tax Commission to promulgate rules; prohibiting alteration of certain apportionment; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Sections 1135.2 and 1135.4, as last amended by Sections 4 and 6, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, which relate to official special license plates and personalized license plates; requiring the Oklahoma Tax Commission to send renewal notification by electronic mail; providing exception if no electronic mail address is provided; and providing an effective date.
SUBJECT: License plates
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
<< OK ST T. 47 § 1135.1 >>
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1135.1, as last amended by Section 3, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, is amended to read as follows:
Section 1135.1. A. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hereby authorized to design and issue appropriate official special license plates to persons as provided by this section.
Special license plates shall not be transferred to any other person but shall be removed from the vehicle upon transfer of ownership and retained. The special license plate may then be used on another vehicle but only after such other vehicle has been registered for the current year.
Except as provided in subsection B of this section, special license plates shall be renewed each year by the Tax Commission or a motor license agent. The Tax Commission shall annually notify by mail all persons issued special license plates. The notice shall contain all necessary information and shall contain instructions for the renewal procedure upon presentation to a motor license agent or the Tax Commission. The license plates shall be issued on a staggered system. The motor license agent fees shall be paid out of the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund.
On and after January 1, 2022, if a special license plate is issued pursuant to this section, except for Legislative License Plates issued pursuant to paragraph 30 of subsection B of Section 1135.2 of this title, any registration fee required for such plate pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitted at the same time and subject to a single registration period. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall determine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments if a special license plate is obtained during a twelve-month period for which a registration fee has already been remitted pursuant to Section 1132 of this title. The combination of fees in a single remittance shall not alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section.
On and after January 1, 2022, if a physically disabled license plate is issued pursuant to paragraph 3 of subsection B of this section, any registration fee required for such plate pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitted at the same time and subject to a single registration period. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall determine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments when a physically disabled license plate is obtained during a twelve-month period for which a registration fee has already been remitted pursuant to Section 1132 of this title. The combination of fees in a single remittance shall not alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section.
B. The special license plates provided by this section are as follows:
1. Political Subdivision Plates—such plates shall be designed for any vehicle owned by any political subdivision of this state having obtained a proper Oklahoma certificate of title. Such political subdivisions shall file an annual report with the Tax Commission stating the agency where such vehicle is located. Such license plates shall be permanent in nature and designed in such a manner as to remain with the vehicle for the duration of the life span of the vehicle or until the title is transferred to an owner who is not a political subdivision.
The registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title;
2. Tax-Exempt or Nonprofit License Plates—such plates shall be designed for:
a. any motor bus, manufactured home, or mobile chapel and power unit owned and operated by a religious corporation or society of this state holding a valid exemption from taxation issued pursuant to Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(a), and listed as an exempt organization in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3), and that is used by the corporation or society solely for the furtherance of its religious functions,
b. any vehicle owned and operated only by nonprofit organizations devoted exclusively to youth programs including, but not limited to, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America,
c. any vehicle, except passenger automobiles, owned or operated by nonprofit organizations actually involved in programs for the employment of the handicapped and used exclusively in the transportation of goods or materials for such organization,
d. any vehicle owned and operated by a nonprofit organization that provides older persons transportation to and from medical, dental and religious services and relief from business and social isolation,
e. any vehicle owned and operated by a private nonprofit organization that:
(1) warehouses and distributes surplus foods to other nonprofit agencies and organizations, and
(2) holds a valid exemption from taxation issued pursuant to Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c), and listed as an exempt organization in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and
(3) uses such vehicle exclusively for the transportation of such surplus foods,
f. any vehicle which:
(1) is owned and operated by a private, nonprofit organization which is exempt from taxation pursuant to the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3), and which is primarily funded by a fraternal or civic service organization with at least one hundred local chapters or clubs, and
(2) is designed and used to provide mobile health screening services to the general public at no cost to the recipient, and for which no reimbursement of any kind is received from any health insurance provider, health maintenance organization or governmental program, or
g. any vehicle owned and operated by the Civil Air Patrol, a congressionally chartered corporation that also serves an auxiliary of the United States Air Force and which is exempt from taxation pursuant to the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3), and is used exclusively for its corporate missions of aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. Such license plates shall be permanent in nature and designed in such a manner as to remain with the vehicle for the duration of the life span of the vehicle or until the title to such vehicle is transferred to an owner who is not subject to this exemption. Such vehicles shall be exempt from the registration fees levied under Section 1132 of this title, except that an initial registration fee of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) shall apply to each vehicle.
Any person claiming to be eligible for a tax-exempt or nonprofit license plate under the provisions of this paragraph must have the name of the tax-exempt or nonprofit organization prominently displayed upon the outside of the vehicle, except those vehicles registered pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph b of this paragraph, unless such display is prohibited by federal or state law or by state agency rules. No vehicle shall be licensed as a tax-exempt or nonprofit vehicle unless the vehicle has affixed on each side thereof, in letters not less than two (2) inches high and two (2) inches wide, the name of the tax-exempt or nonprofit organization or the insignia or other symbol of such organization which shall be of sufficient size, shape and color as to be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of fifty (50) feet while the vehicle is not in motion.
Except as provided in subparagraph g of this paragraph, the registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title;
3. Physically Disabled License Plates—such plates shall be designed for persons who are eligible for a physically disabled placard under the provisions of Section 15–112 of this title. It shall prominently display the international accessibility symbol, which is a stylized human figure in a wheelchair. The Tax Commission shall also design physically disabled license plates for motorcycles owned by persons who are eligible for a physically disabled placard pursuant to the provisions of Section 15–112 of this title. Upon the death of the physically disabled person, the disabled license plate shall be returned to the Tax Commission. There shall be no fee for such plate in addition to the rate provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act for the registration of the vehicle. For an additional fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00), a person eligible for a physically disabled license plate shall have the option of purchasing a duplicate physically disabled special license plate which shall be securely attached to the front of the vehicle. The original physically disabled special license plate shall be securely attached to the rear of the vehicle at all times.
Any person who is eligible for a physically disabled license plate and whose vehicle has had modifications because of the physical disability of the owner or of a family member within the second degree of consanguinity of the owner, may register the vehicle for a flat fee of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00). This fee shall be in lieu of all other registration fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act;
4. Indian Tribal License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any vehicle of a native American Indian Tribal Association exempted in Sections 201 through 204 of Public Law 97–473 and used by the tribal association exclusively for the furtherance of its tribal functions.
The registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title;
5. Hearing Impaired License Plates—such plates shall be designed for persons who are hearing impaired. Such persons may apply for a hearing-impaired license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less upon the presentment of an application on a form furnished by the Tax Commission and certified by a physician holding a valid license to practice pursuant to the licensing provisions of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes, attesting that the person is hearing impaired. The license plate shall be designed so that such persons may be readily identified as being hearing impaired. There shall be no additional fee for the plate, but all other registration fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act shall apply;
6. Antique or Classic Vehicles License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued for any vehicle twenty-five (25) years of age or older, based upon the date of manufacture thereof and which travels on the highways of this state primarily incidental to historical or exhibition purposes only.
The registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title. Any person registering an antique or classic vehicle may elect to have the vehicle registered for a ten-year period. The registration fee for the elected ten-year registration shall be Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00). The motor license agent registering the antique or classic vehicle for a ten-year period shall receive one hundred percent (100%) of the fees the motor license agent would have otherwise received pursuant to subsection A of Section 1141.1 of this title if the antique or classic vehicle had been registered on an annual basis; and
7. Honorary Consul License Plates—such plates shall be designed to include the words “Honorary Consul” and issued to persons who are honorary consuls authorized by the United States to perform consular duties. Persons applying for such license plates must show proof of standing as an honorary consul. The fee for such plate shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees required by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. The owner of the vehicle that possesses such license plates shall return the special license plates to the Oklahoma Tax Commission if the owner disposes of the vehicle during the registration year or ceases to be authorized to perform consular duties.
C. Special license plates provided by this section shall be designed in such a manner as to identify the use or ownership of the vehicle. Use of any vehicle possessing a special license plate provided by this section for any purpose not specified herein shall be grounds for revocation of the special license plate and registration certificate.
D. The fees provided by this section shall be deposited in the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund.
<< OK ST T. 47 § 1135.2 >>
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1135.2, as last amended by Section 4, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, is amended to read as follows:
Section 1135.2. A. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hereby authorized to design and issue appropriate official special license plates to persons in recognition of their service or awards as provided by this section.
Special license plates shall not be transferred to any other person but shall be removed from the vehicle upon transfer of ownership and retained. The special license plate may then be used on another vehicle but only after such other vehicle has been registered for the current year.
Special license plates shall be renewed each year by the Tax Commission or a motor license agent. The Tax Commission shall annually notify by mail all persons issued special license plates. The Tax Commission shall send the notifications to the electronic mail address provided by the person. If a person does not provide an electronic mail address, the Tax Commission shall notify the person by mail. The notice shall contain all necessary information and shall contain instructions for the renewal procedure upon presentation to a motor license agent or the Tax Commission. The license plates shall be issued on a staggered system except for legislative plates and amateur radio operator license plates.
On and after January 1, 2022, if a special license plate is issued pursuant to this section, any registration fee required for such plate pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitted at the same time and subject to a single registration period. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall determine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments if a special license plate is obtained during a twelve-month period for which a registration fee has already been remitted pursuant to Section 1132 of this title. The combination of fees in a single remittance shall not alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section.
The Tax Commission is hereby directed to develop and implement a system whereby motor license agents are permitted to accept applications for special license plates authorized under this section. The motor license agent shall confirm the applicant's eligibility, if applicable, collect and deposit any amount specifically authorized by law, accept and process the necessary information directly into such system and generate a receipt accordingly. For performance of these duties, motor license agents shall retain the fee provided in Section 1141.1 of this title for registration of a motor vehicle. The motor license agent fees for acceptance of applications and renewals shall be paid out of the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund.
B. The special license plates provided by this section are as follows:
1. Prisoner of War License Plates—such plates shall be designed for honorably discharged or present members of the United States Armed Forces and civilians who were former prisoners of war held by a foreign country and who can provide proper certification of that status. Such persons may apply for a prisoner of war license plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The surviving spouse of any deceased former prisoner of war, if the spouse has not since remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, may apply for a prisoner of war license plate for one vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title;
2. National Guard License Plates—such plates shall be designed for active or retired members of the Oklahoma National Guard. Retirees who are eligible for such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually;
3. Air National Guard License Plates—such plates shall be designed for active or retired members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Retirees who are eligible for such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually;
4. United States Armed Forces—such plates shall be designed for active, retired, former or reserve members of the United States Armed Forces, and shall identify which branch of service, and carry the emblem and name of either the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, according to the branch of service to which the member belongs or did belong. Former members who have been dishonorably discharged shall not be eligible for such plates. Persons applying for such license plate must show proof of present or past military service by presenting a valid Uniformed Services Identity Card or the United States Department of Defense Form (DD)214 form DD 214. Retired or former members who are eligible for such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually;
5. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Such persons may apply for a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. There shall be no registration fee for the issuance of this plate;
6. Missing In Action License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who are missing in action. The spouse of such missing person, if the spouse has not since remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, and each parent of the missing person may apply for a missing in action license plate upon presenting proper certification that the person is missing in action and that the person making the application is the qualifying spouse or the parent of the missing person. The qualifying spouse and each parent of the missing person may each apply for the missing in action license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
7. Purple Heart Recipient License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state presenting proper certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States certifying that such resident has been awarded the Purple Heart military decoration. Such persons may apply for a Purple Heart recipient license plate for vehicles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The surviving spouse of any deceased veteran who has been awarded the Purple Heart military decoration, if such spouse has not since remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage has been terminated by death, divorce or annulment, may apply for such plate for one vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plate created by this paragraph shall be exempt from the fee provided by this section for special license plates;
8. Pearl Harbor Survivor License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who can be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as being:
a. a member of the United States Armed Forces on December 7, 1941,
b. stationed on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Hawaii time at Pearl Harbor, the island of Oahu, or offshore at a distance not to exceed three (3) miles, and
c. a recipient of an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces.
Such person may apply for a Pearl Harbor Survivor license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
9. Iwo Jima License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who can be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as being:
a. a member of the United States Armed Forces in February of 1945,
b. stationed in February of 1945 on or in the immediate vicinity of the island of Iwo Jima, and
c. a recipient of an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces.
Such person may apply for an Iwo Jima license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less.
Such license plate shall have the legend “Oklahoma OK” and shall contain three letters and three numbers. Between the letters and numbers shall be a logo of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima. Below the letters, logo and numbers, the plate shall contain the words “FEB.” at the left, “Iwo Jima” in the center and “1945” at the right. Such plates shall not be subject to the design requirements of any other license plates prescribed by law other than the space for the placement of the yearly decals for each succeeding year of registration after the initial issue;
10. D-Day Survivor License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who can be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as being:
a. a member of the United States Armed Forces on June 6, 1944,
b. a participant in the Allied invasion of the coast of Normandy on June 6, 1944; provided, if such participation cannot be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States, the Tax Commission may, in its discretion, accept evidence of such participation from the person applying for the license plate, and
c. a recipient of an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces.
Such person may apply for a D-Day Survivor license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
11. Killed in Action License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who were killed in action. The spouse of the deceased person, if the spouse has not remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, may apply for a killed in action license plate upon presenting proper certification that the person was killed in action and that the person making the application is the qualifying spouse of the deceased person. The qualifying spouse may apply for a killed in action license plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title;
12. Gold Star Parents License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who were killed during a war. The parents of the deceased person may apply for a gold star license plate upon presenting proper certification that the person was killed during a war and that the person making the application is the parent of the deceased person. The parent may apply for a gold star parent license plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title;
13. Military Decoration License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star military decoration or the Silver Star military decoration. Such persons may apply for a military decoration license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
14. Vietnam Veteran License Plates—such plates shall be designed for honorably discharged or present members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam Conflict. Such persons may apply for a Vietnam veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
15. Police Officer License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any currently employed, reserve or retired municipal police officer or full-time, reserve or retired university police officer certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training or common education police officer certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. Police officers may apply for police officer license plates for vehicles with a rated capacity of one (1) ton or less or for a motorcycle upon proof of employment by or retirement from a municipal, university or common education police department by either an identification card or letter from the chief of the police department or the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement Board. Retirees who are eligible for such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with municipal police departments of this state; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate;
16. World War II Veteran License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor honorably discharged former members of the United States Armed Forces who are residents of this state and who can be verified by the Oklahoma Military Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as having served on federal active duty anytime during the period from September 16, 1940, to December 7, 1945. The former members may apply for a World War II Veteran license plate for vehicles with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less.
The license plate shall have the legend “Oklahoma” and shall contain, in the center of the plate, either the Thunderbird Insignia of the 45th Infantry Division in the prescribed red and gold coloring or the emblem of the Army, Navy, U.S. Army Air Corps, Marines or Coast Guard according to the branch of service to which the member belonged. For the purpose of license plate identification, the plate shall contain four digits, two digits at the left and two digits at the right of the insignia or emblem. Centered on the bottom of the license plate shall be the words “WORLD WAR II”;
17. Korean War Veteran License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor honorably discharged former members of the United States Armed Forces who are residents of this state and who can be verified by the Oklahoma Military Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as having served on federal active duty anytime during the period from June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955, both dates inclusive. The former members may apply for a Korean War Veteran license plate for vehicles with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less.
The license plate shall have the legend “OKLAHOMA” and shall contain, in the center of the plate, either the Thunderbird Insignia of the 45th Infantry Division in the prescribed red and gold coloring or the emblem of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard according to the branch of service to which the member belonged. For the purpose of license plate identification, the plate shall contain four digits, two digits at the left and two digits at the right of the insignia or emblem. Centered on the bottom of the license plate shall be the word “KOREA”;
18. Municipal Official License Plates—such plates shall be designed for persons elected to a municipal office in this state and shall designate the name of the municipality and the district or ward in which the municipal official serves. The plates shall only be produced upon application;
19. Red Cross Volunteer License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor American Red Cross volunteers and staff who are residents of this state. Such persons must present an identification card issued by the American Red Cross and bearing a photograph of the person. The license plate shall be designed with the assistance of the American Red Cross and shall have the legend “Oklahoma OK!” in the color Pantone 186C Red. Below the legend the symbol of the American Red Cross and no more than three letters and three numbers shall be in the color Pantone 186C Red. Below the symbol and letters and numbers shall be the words “American Red Cross” in black. The plates shall not be subject to the design requirements of any other license plates prescribed by law other than the space for the placement of the yearly decals for each succeeding year of registration after the initial issue;
20. Desert Storm License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Persian Gulf Crisis and the Desert Storm operation. Such persons may apply for a Desert Storm license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
21. Military Reserve Unit License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of a reserve unit of the United States Armed Forces. Such persons may apply for a Military Reserve Unit license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
22. Oklahoma City Bombing Victims and Survivors License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any victim or survivor of the bombing attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995;
23. Civil Air Patrol License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any person who is a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Such persons may apply for a Civil Air Patrol license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less upon proof of membership in the Civil Air Patrol. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Civil Air Patrol;
24. Ninety-Nines License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to members of the Ninety-Nines. Persons applying for such license plate must show proof of membership in the Ninety-Nines. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the Ninety-Nines;
25. Combat Infantryman Badge License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor recipients of the Combat Infantryman Badge. The plate shall have the legend “Oklahoma OK”. Below the legend shall be the Combat Infantryman Badge and three numbers. Below the badge and the numbers shall be the words “Combat Infantryman Badge”. Such persons may apply for a Combat Infantryman Badge license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
26. Somalia Combat Veterans License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who saw combat in the United Nations relief effort. Such persons may apply for a Somalia Combat Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
27. Police Chaplain License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to members of the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) who have completed the ICPC requirements for basic certification as a police chaplain. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the ICPC;
28. Joint Service Commendation Medal License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any resident of this state who has been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by the United States Secretary of Defense;
29. Merchant Marine License Plates—such plates shall be designed, subject to criteria to be presented to the Tax Commission by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, and issued to any person who during combat was a member of the Merchant Marines as certified by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. Such license plate may be issued for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
30. Legislative License Plates—such plates shall be designed for persons elected to the Oklahoma Legislature and shall designate the house of the Legislature in which the legislator serves and the district number;
31. Disabled Veterans License Plates—such plates shall be designed for persons presenting proper certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States certifying such veteran has a service-connected disability rating of fifty percent (50%) or more, regardless which agency pays the disability benefits, or that such veteran has been awarded a vehicle by the United States government or receives a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the purchase of an automobile due to a service-connected disability rating or due to the loss of use of a limb or an eye. Such persons may apply to the Tax Commission for a disabled veterans license plate or to a motor license agent for a regular license plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The surviving spouse of any deceased disabled veteran, if the spouse has not since remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, or a surviving spouse in receipt of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, may apply for a disabled veterans license plate for one vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title. The total expense of this license plate shall not exceed Five Dollars ($5.00).
If the person qualifies for a disabled veterans license plate and is also eligible for a physically disabled placard under the provisions of Section 15–112 of this title, the person shall be eligible to receive a disabled veterans license plate that also displays the international accessibility symbol, which is a stylized human figure in a wheelchair. Upon the death of the disabled veteran with a disabled veterans license plate with the international accessibility symbol, the plate shall be returned to the Tax Commission;
32. United States Air Force Association License Plates—such plates shall be designed for members of the United States Air Force Association. Persons applying for such license plate must show proof of membership in the Association. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the Association;
33. Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any resident of this state who is an alumnus of the Oklahoma Military Academy. Such persons may apply for an Oklahoma Military Academy Alumnus license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the Oklahoma Military Academy and shall contain the shield of the Academy;
34. Amateur Radio Operator License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any person, holding a valid operator's license, technician class or better, issued by the Federal Communications Commission, and who is also the owner of a motor vehicle currently registered in Oklahoma, in which has been installed amateur mobile transmitting and receiving equipment. Eligible persons shall be entitled to two special vehicle identification plates as herein provided. Application for such identification plates shall be on a form prescribed by the Tax Commission and the plates issued to such applicant shall have stamped thereon the word “Oklahoma” and bear the official call letters of the radio station assigned by the Federal Communications Commission to the individual amateur operator thereof. All applications for such plates must be made to the Tax Commission on or before the first day of October of any year for such plates for the following calendar year and must be accompanied by the fee required in this section together with a certificate, or such other evidence as the Tax Commission may require, of proof that applicant has a valid technician class or better amateur operator's license and proof of applicant's ownership of a vehicle in which radio receiving and transmitting equipment is installed. Applicants shall only be entitled to one set of special identification plates in any one (1) year, and such calendar year shall be stamped thereon. The right to such special identification plates herein provided for shall continue until the amateur radio operator's license of the person to whom such plates are issued expires or is revoked;
35. American Legion License Plates—such plates shall be designed for members of the American Legion. Persons applying for such license plate must show proof of membership. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the American Legion of Oklahoma;
36. Deputy Sheriff License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any currently employed or retired county sheriff or deputy sheriff. County sheriffs or deputy sheriffs may apply for such plates for vehicles with a rated capacity of one (1) ton or less upon proof of employment by or retirement from a county sheriff's office by either an identification card or letter from the county sheriff or a government-sponsored retirement board from which the county sheriff or deputy sheriff may be receiving a pension. Retirees who are eligible for such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the county sheriff offices of this state;
37. Gold Star Surviving Spouse License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor the surviving spouses and children of qualified veterans. As used in this paragraph, “qualified veteran” shall mean:
a. any person honorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Forces or as a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, who died as a direct result of the performance of duties for any branch of the United States Armed Forces or Oklahoma National Guard while on active military duty, or
b. any person honorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Forces or as a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, who died as a result of injury, illness or disease caused by the performance of such duties while on active duty, whether the death occurred while on active duty or after the honorable discharge of such person.
The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title;
38. Korea Defense Service Medal License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any resident of this state who has been awarded the Korea Defense Service Medal by the United States Secretary of Defense. Such persons may apply for a Korea Defense Service Medal license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
39. 180th Infantry License Plates—such plates shall be designed for members and prior members of the 180th Infantry. Persons applying for such license plate must obtain and provide proof of their membership from the 180th Infantry Association. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the 180th Infantry;
40. Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Such person may apply for an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate;
41. United States Air Force Academy Alumni License Plates—such plates shall be designed and issued to any resident of this state who is an alumnus of the United States Air Force Academy. Such persons may apply for a United States Air Force Academy Alumnus license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
42. Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran License Plate—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who served in Operation Enduring Freedom on or after September 11, 2001. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma. Such person may apply for an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate;
43. Military Multi-Decoration License Plate—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who qualifies for more than one military decoration license plate pursuant to the provisions of this section. The Tax Commission shall develop and implement a system whereby the designs of the eligible license plates can be included together on a single license plate. Such person may apply for a Military Multi–Decoration license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
44. Global War on Terror Expeditionary License Plate—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who has earned a Global War on Terror Expeditionary decoration. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the United States Institute of Heraldry and the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma. Such person may apply for a Global War on Terror Expeditionary license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
45. Legion of Merit Medal Recipient License Plates—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state presenting proper certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States certifying that such resident has been awarded the Legion of Merit military decoration. Such persons may apply for a Legion of Merit recipient license plate for vehicles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma;
46. 1–179th License Plates—such plates shall be designed for members, prior members and members of the household of a member or former member of the 1–179th Infantry. Persons applying for such license plate must obtain and provide proof of their membership association with the 1–179th Infantry Association. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the 1–179th Infantry;
47. 2–179th License Plates—such plates shall be designed for members, prior members and members of the household of a member or former member of the 2–179th Infantry. Persons applying for such license plate must obtain and provide proof of their membership association with the 2–179th Infantry Association. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the 2–179th Infantry;
48. Combat Action Ribbon Recipient License Plates—such plates shall be designed to honor recipients of the Combat Action Ribbon who present proper certification from the United States Department of the Navy. The license plate shall include the Combat Action Ribbon earned by the recipient. Such persons may apply for a Combat Action Ribbon Recipient license plate for vehicles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less;
49. Oklahoma Submarine Veterans License Plate—such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who is a United States submarine veteran and presents either a Department of Defense form DD 214 or other documentation certifying such service. Such persons may apply for an Oklahoma Submarine Veterans license plate for vehicles having a rated capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plate design shall include both gold and silver dolphins to represent both officer and enlisted service members;
50. United States Navy Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps License Plate—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Navy Seabees or Civil Engineer Corps. Such persons may apply for a United States Navy Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps license plate for vehicles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma;
51. Combat Action Badge Recipient License Plate—such plates shall be designed to honor recipients of the Combat Action Badge who present proper certification from the United States Army. The license plate shall include the Combat Action Badge earned by the recipient. Such persons may apply for a Combat Action Badge Recipient license plate for vehicles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate;
52. Iraq Combat Veteran License Plate—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who saw combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Such persons may apply for an Iraq Combat Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate;
53. Afghanistan Combat Veteran License Plate—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who saw combat in Operation Enduring Freedom. Such persons may apply for an Afghanistan Combat Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate; and
54. Special Forces Association—such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the Army Special Forces qualified and authorized to wear upon the person's United States military uniform the Army Special Forces Tab. Persons applying for the Special Forces Association license plate must provide a copy of the orders awarding the Special Forces Tab or authorizing its wear upon a United States military uniform. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Special Forces Association, Chapter 32–50. The Tax Commission shall produce up to two distinct designs for the Special Forces Association license plate. Qualified persons may select one design at the time of application. The plates shall be issued to any qualified person in any combination of numbers and letters from one to a maximum of seven, as for personalized license plates.
C. Unless otherwise provided by this section, the fee for such plates shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. Such fees shall be deposited in the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund to be used for the administration of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act.
<< OK ST T. 47 § 1135.4 >>
SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1135.4, as last amended by Section 6, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, is amended to read as follows:
Section 1135.4. A. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hereby authorized to design and issue personalized license plates. The personalized license plates shall be issued on a staggered system except for vintage decals.
Personalized special license plates shall not be transferred to any other person but shall be removed from the vehicle upon transfer of ownership and retained. The personalized special license plate may then be used on another vehicle but only after such other vehicle has been registered for the current year.
Personalized special license plates shall be renewed each year by the Tax Commission or a motor license agent, unless authorized by the Tax Commission to be renewed for a period greater than one (1) year. The Tax Commission shall notify by mail all persons issued special license plates. The Tax Commission shall send the notifications to the electronic mail address provided by the person. If a person does not provide an electronic mail address, the Tax Commission shall notify the person by mail. The notice shall contain all necessary information and shall contain instructions for the renewal procedure upon presentation to a motor license agent or the Tax Commission. The motor license agent fees for renewals shall be paid out of the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund.
On and after January 1, 2022, if a personalized license plate is issued pursuant to this section, any registration fee required for such plate pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitted at the same time and subject to a single registration period. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall determine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments if a special license plate is obtained during a twelve-month period for which a registration fee has already been remitted pursuant to Section 1132 of this title. The combination of fees in a single remittance shall not alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section.
B. Such plates shall be designed and issued for the following:
1. Any person in any combination of numbers or letters from one to a maximum of seven;
2. Persons eligible for two or more of the military decoration special license plates provided for in this title. Such plates may be issued in any combination of emblems. However, such plates shall only display up to three emblems and shall also display any combination of letters or numbers from one to a maximum of three;
3. Motorcycles in any combination of numbers or letters from one to a maximum of six;
4. Persons eligible for Korean War Veteran license plates provided for in this title. Such plates may display any combination of letters or numbers up to three on each side of the insignia or emblem;
5. Persons eligible for World War II Veteran license plates provided for in this title. Such plates may display any combination of letters or numbers up to three on each side of the insignia or emblem; and
6. Persons owning vehicles which are twenty-one (21) years and older are qualified to submit for approval by the Tax Commission or a motor license agent a vintage but expired official Oklahoma license plate which is twenty-one (21) years and older. Upon approval of such personalized plate, the owner shall be issued the annual registration decal which the Tax Commission or agent shall direct to be affixed.
C. The fee for such plates shall be Twenty Dollars ($20.00) per year of renewal and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. Eight Dollars ($8.00) per year of renewal of the personalized tag fee shall be deposited in the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund to be used for the administration of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. Twelve Dollars ($12.00) per year of renewal of the personalized tag fee shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title.
SECTION 4. This act shall become effective November 1, 2022.
Approved May 26, 2022.
End of Document