Abstract: An oil filter with drain mechanism comprises a canister having a continuous wall, a closed end and an open end; a filter element; a means for retaining the filter element within the canister, the means for retaining the filter closing the canister open end; a means for sealing the oil filter against a surface, the means for sealing attached to the means for retaining the filter element; a means for attaching the oil filter to the surface; and a drain valve to drain fluid accumulated in the oil filter from the filter. Another embodiment includes an oil filter and a separate drain valve, which can be attached to the filter prior to the filter's removal from a surface, such as an engine. This embodiment is designed for use where there is limited space for access to a filter.