Owner-operators who claim Oklahoma as their base registration plate are not included in the state’s new rules relating to established place of business requirements.

According to a spokesman for the state tax commission, there is some ongoing discussion with the International Registration Plan regarding owner-operators, but Oklahoma currently does not feel they should be covered under the stricter rules.
The changes, which became effective Feb. 4, require each registrant to have a physical address in the state where operational records can be made available for audits. If a lease or rental contract for the facility is signed by someone other than the registrant, an original power of attorney must be provided.
A registrant must also have a person or persons conducting business at that address, which cannot be an employee of the licensing agent. There must be a telephone number, located in the structure, which is publicly listed in the registrant’s name. It must be the only listing for that number.
Although the changes now prohibit carriers from using the addresses of registration agents or other third party services, the state made it clear that carriers, as well as owner-operators, may still use registration agents to prepare and file applications and other documents. For more information, contact the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Motor Vehicle Prorate Section, (405) 521-3036.