Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV)
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314
(503) 945-5000 | www.oregondmv.com
Oregon Department of State Police
255 Capitol Street NE
400 Public Service Building
Salem, OR 97310
(503) 378-3720 | www.oregon.gov/OSP
Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT)
355 Capitol Street NE
Salem, OR 97301-3871
1-888-ASK-ODOT | www.odot.state.or.us
Title is required for most vehicles operated on the roads of the state, unless exempt. Snowmobiles must be titled and registered. ATVs may be optionally titled. Titles are not issued for certain vehicles such as bicycles, emergency fire apparatus providing public fire protection, golf carts, farm tractors and trailers, implements of husbandry, U.S. government owned vehicles, motor assisted scooters.
An application for title must be in the form specified by the DOT and must include: a full description of the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number (VIN); the name of the owner of the vehicle; the identity of any security interests in order of priority; the identity of the interest of any lessor; a disclosure of whether the vehicle is a replica or is specifically constructed; and any other information the department may require.
A title does not require renewal and is valid until the vehicle is destroyed, dismantled, or substantially altered. However, any change in ownership interest requires renewal.
A duplicate or replacement title may be issued if a certificate of title is lost, mutilated, or destroyed.
The DOT will not grant a title to a vehicle from another jurisdiction or any assembled or reconstructed vehicle until a VIN inspection has been performed and the appropriate fee for such inspection has been paid.
If the name or address of a person changes from that displayed on the title, the person has 30 days to notify the DOT.
Upon the transfer of any interest in a vehicle, the transferee must submit an application for title to the DOT within 30 days of the transfer of interest. This provision does not apply if the change involves only a change in the security interest when the security holder is a bank or financial institution, the vehicle is transferred to a vehicle dealer, the vehicle is to be titled in another jurisdiction, or the vehicle has been destroyed.
Upon the transfer of interest in a vehicle, the transferor must notify the DOT within 10 days of the transfer.
Upon the transfer of interest in a vehicle, the transferor must also submit an odometer disclosure statement to the transferee, and both parties must sign the statement. This provision does not apply to a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating of more than 16,000 lbs., a vehicle that is not self-propelled, a vehicle that is at least 10 years old, or a vehicle sold directly by the manufacturer to any agency of the United States.
Motor homes must be titled. There is a $77.00 fee.
All vehicles owned by a person in the state are subject to registration except: farm tractors, road rollers, trolleys, and traction engines; bicycles; a vehicle that is not operated on the highways; trailers equipped with pneumatic tires that are not operated with a loaded weight of more than 1,800 lbs.; implements of husbandry; farm tractors; vehicles currently registered and titled in another country, state, or territory, unless the owner is a resident of the state or the vehicle is operated on the highways of the state for profit; vehicles owned and operated by the U.S. government and emergency fire fighting apparatus providing public fire protection.
An application for registration must contain: the owner’s name and residence or business address; a description of the vehicle, including the VIN; an odometer disclosure; and a statement that the applicant is a resident of Oregon, domiciled in the state or required to register under Oregon law.
If the application is for original registration, the applicant must also include a statement that the applicant is in compliance with financial responsibility requirements.
Registration will not be renewed unless the owner is able to certify compliance with financial responsibility requirements.
An application for registration will not be granted unless the applicant simultaneously applies for, or has already been issued, title to the vehicle.
Upon registration, the DOT issues a registration card which contains the name of the owner, the make and model year of the vehicle, the VIN, and the mileage as reported on the odometer at the time of application for registration.
The owner of a registered vehicle must carry the registration card in the vehicle at all times.
There is not period of grace for late registration.
Non-residents are exempt from both titling and registration requirements. A person becomes a resident when he or she engages in gainful employment or takes any action to indicate the acquiring of residency such as: remaining in the state for 6 months or more; placing children in a public school without paying nonresident tuition fees; maintaining a main office, branch or warehouse in the state; or making a declaration of residency for purposes of acquiring a state license.
A person who is gainfully employed but takes no further steps to become a resident, such as a student paying non-resident tuition fees, is not considered a resident.
The owner of a private motor vehicle who lives in an adjoining state is permitted to operate their vehicle in the state without having it registered in the state for so long as the vehicle is registered in an adjoining state.
Military personnel in active duty in Oregon may maintain out-of-state vehicle registration.
Vehicle registration may be 1 of 5 types:
Vehicles from the 1975 model year and newer must be submitted for emissions inspection in the Portland Vehicle Inspection Area. In the Medford-Ashland Air Quality Maintenance Area, light duty vehicles that are up to 20 years old and heavy duty vehicles must be submitted for emissions inspection. Visit the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles for more information on the Department of Environmental Quality emissions testing program.
Motor vehicle pollution control systems are required to be tested once during the period for which registration or renewal of registration for a motor vehicle is issued.
OBD is utilized as part of the state emissions inspection process.
A state police officer may require a person driving a vehicle or combination of vehicles to stop and submit the vehicle to an inspection of the mechanical condition and equipment of the vehicle.
| Automobile | Motorcycle | Duplicates | ||||||
| Title Fee | Registration Fee | Title Fee | Registration Fee | Plate Fee | Registration Fee | Driver’s License Fee | Title Fee | Special Plates |
| $77.00 | $86.00 – 2 year; $172.00 – 4 year | $77.00 | $48.00 – 2 years; $96.00 – 4 years 16 | $22.00 for 1; $33.00 for 2 | $10.00 | $26.50 | $77.00 | $123.00 – $153.00 |
Upon filing of an application for registration and payment of the appropriate fees, the DOT will issue 1 license plate for a moped, motorcycle, any trailer or camper, or an antique vehicle or vehicle of special interest. Two reflectorized license plates are issued for all other vehicles.
In lieu of new plates, the DOT issues stickers upon renewal of registration.
Special plates are available for special groups and vehicles including veterans’ organizations, institutions of higher education, nonprofit groups, amateur radio operators and special vehicles. Personalized plates are also available.
Disabled person parking placards issued upon application to DMV, with certification by licensed physician attesting to permanent or temporary disability.
License plates have a graphic background.
In some circumstances, plates may be transferred to another vehicle upon completion of an application for transfer of plates and payment of the appropriate fee.
Examinations for a license include a test of the applicant’s eyesight; a test of the applicant’s knowledge of the traffic laws; and a roadside ability test.
An applicant’s visual acuity must be 20/70 or better when looking through both eyes. If an applicant’s visual acuity in the applicant’s best eye is worse than 20/40, the applicant will be restricted to daytime driving only.
All drivers 50 years of age or older must have their eyesight checked by the DMV once every 8 years.
The demonstration test may also be waived if the person is applying for a commercial driver’s license or Class C license, and the applicant holds a valid out-of-state license, or applies for the commercial license or Class C license within 1 year of the expiration of a valid out-of-state license.
State has a system of graduated drivers licensing for teen drivers. At 15, teens are eligible for an instruction/learner’s permit.
At 16, teens are eligible for a provisional/intermediate license.
At 18, teens are eligible for an unrestricted license.
An application for a license must contain: the applicant’s name, date of birth, sex, residence address; information relating to any previous license or permit held by the applicant; the class of license sought; and the applicant’s social security number. An applicant’s social security number is not displayed on the license itself.
Non-residents are permitted to drive in Oregon without obtaining an Oregon driver’s license as long as they possess a current license issued by the person’s home jurisdiction.
Restricted Class C licenses are issued as disability golf cart permits, emergency driver permits, special student driver permits, hardship driver permits, probationary driver permits, Class C instruction permits, and motorcycle instruction driver permits.
Licenses contain a description of the licensee; the name, date of birth, and residence address of the licensee; the signature of the licensee; an indication of the class of the license; and a photograph of the licensee.
Whenever a person changes their name or residence address, notice of such change must be sent in writing to the DOT within 30 days of the change.
A first license, or renewal of expired license within 1 year, is valid for 8 years.
The DOT is required to provide reasonable notice of pending expiration by mail, unless the person’s license has been suspended or revoked, or the person has failed to notify the DOT of a change of address.
An application for renewal of an expired license must be completed within 1 year of expiration otherwise the licensee does not qualify for renewal and must apply as for an original license.
Drivers age 50 and over are subject to a vision screening at renewal.
Class A Commercial License: authorizes the operation of any vehicle or combination of vehicles except any vehicle for which an endorsement is required.
Class B Commercial License: authorizes the operation of any single vehicle and to tow a vehicle that is not in excess of 10,000 lbs. GVW rating.
Class C Commercial License: authorizes the operation of any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers if the GVW rating of the vehicle is less than 26,001 lbs.; any vehicle owned by a mass transit district, regardless of the number of passengers, if the GVW rating of the vehicle is less than 26,001 lbs.; any vehicle used for the transportation of hazardous material if the GVW rating of the vehicle is less than 26,001 lbs.; and any vehicle that may be operated by the holder of a Class C driver’s license.
Class C Driver’s License: authorizes the operation of any vehicle for which a commercial license is not required except those vehicles requiring an endorsement.
Individual license endorsements permit the operation of various vehicles including a motorcycle, school bus, double and triple trailers, and farm vehicles.
All drivers are prohibited from text messaging. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a mobile communication device while driving. Drivers over 18 may not use a mobile communications device without a hands-free accessory.
Citizen band radio channel 9 is monitored for emergency calls. Emergency cell number is 911.
Wearing radio headsets while driving is permitted with some local exceptions.
State law requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, including roadside assistance and tow vehicles, traveling in the same direction, to vacate the lane closest if safe and possible to do so, or to reduce speed to at least 5 mph under the posted speed limit.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers age 8 and older or over 4 feet 9 inches.
Violation of the seat belt law is a standard offense.
Riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck is not permitted for persons under age 18 unless secured by passenger restraint; some other exceptions apply.
Children under 8 weighing more than 40 lbs. and who are 4 feet 9 inches or shorter, must ride in a child safety system which elevates them (i.e. booster seat) so the lap and shoulder belt fit them properly.
Child passengers who weigh 40 lbs. or less must be properly secured in a child safety system.
Child passengers under 1 year of age, regardless of weight, or children who weigh 20 lbs. or less, must be properly secured in a child safety system in a rear-facing position.
Violation of the child restraint law is a standard offense.
The operator of a vehicle must stop not less than 15 feet or more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing under any of the following circumstances: an electric signal warning of a coming train is given; a crossing gate is lowered; a flagman indicates the approach of a train; an approaching train is clearly visible; or an approaching train has given an audible signal.
The operator of a school bus, a school activity vehicle, a worker transport bus, any bus used to transport children to and from church or a church activity, a commercial bus, any vehicle used for transportation of persons for hire for a nonprofit entity, and any vehicle carrying hazardous materials must stop not less than 15 or more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing and may proceed only if it is safe to do so without changing gears.
Color is “National School Bus Yellow.” The words “School Bus” are prominently marked on front and rear in letters not less than 8 inches high. When the school bus’ red warning lights are flashing, drivers meeting or overtaking a bus from either direction must stop before reaching the bus, and remain stopped until the flashing lights are turned off. However, on a divided highway separated by a median strip, one must stop only if on the same side of the road as the school bus.
Modification of original vehicle bumper height is permitted; lighting equipment must stay within minimum/maximum heights. No portion of the vehicle, except tires, can be lower than the lowest portion of any rim of any wheel in contact with the roadway.
Headlights must be used when visibility less than 1000 feet.
Hazard light use is permitted unless otherwise posted.
Tire chains are permitted.
Studded tires are permitted November 1 to April 1.
Tinting material may be applied to the side and rear windows of a motor vehicle if the material has a light transmittance of 50% or more; a light reflectance of 13% or more; and the total light transmittance through the window is 35% or more.
Tinting material with a total light transmittance lower than 35% may be applied to the top 6 inches of a windshield, but may not be applied to any other portion of the windshield.
Tinting material with a total light transmittance lower than 35% may be applied to all windows of a multipurpose passenger vehicle that are behind the driver, but only if the vehicle is equipped with rearview mirrors on each side of the vehicle.
A signed affidavit by a physician or optometrist may permit the use of tinting material with a total light transmittance lower than 35%.
Mirror finish tinting, red tinting, yellow tinting, gold tinting, amber tinting, black tinting, or tinting material that is in liquid form and is brushed or sprayed on is prohibited.
It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle on a highway if the vehicle is equipped with any television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast if such device is located in the vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is visible to the operator while driving the motor vehicle.
Radar detectors are permitted but are prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.
It is unlawful to place any material on a window or windshield if the material, sign, poster, or adhesive film prohibits or impairs the ability to see into or out of the vehicle.
The operator of a motorcycle, and all passengers on a motorcycle, must wear a safety helmet.
Motorcycles and mopeds must be equipped with at least 1 and no more than 3 headlights, 1 tail light, 1 brake light, a registration plate light, turn signal lights, and rear reflectors.
Motorcycles manufactured before 1973 are not required to be equipped with turn signals.
A moped may not be equipped with more than 2 headlights.
At all times that a motorcycle or moped is operated on a highway, it must display a lighted headlight(s). Modulated headlights may be used during daylight hours.
It is unlawful to carry a passenger on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is equipped with footrests for the passenger, and the passenger is seated on a permanent and regular seat.
Motorcycle helmets must be used for all riders.
A motorcycle endorsement may be issued to the holder of a valid license provided any tests and demonstrations are successfully completed.
The roadside skills test will be waived if the applicant passes a motorcycle skills test given during a motorcycle rider education course, and the skills test meets or exceeds the motorcycle skills test administered by the DMV.
A motorcycle endorsement will not be issued to a person under 21 unless that person has successfully completed a motorcycle rider education course established by the DOT.
A motorcycle instruction permit may be issued only to persons who are at least 16 years old and is valid for 1 year. The holder of a motorcycle instruction permit may only operate a motorcycle during daylight hours, may not carry any passengers, and must wear an approved helmet.
The maximum sound level is 99 dBA for a stationary test at 20 inches. Standards vary further from city to city and county to county.
The operator of a moped must wear a safety helmet.
If a moped is modified such that the moped is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph, it no longer meets the definition of moped in the law and must surrender moped registration.
It is unlawful to carry any passenger, other than the operator, on a moped.
Trailers equipped with pneumatic tires that are not operated with a loaded weight of more than 1,800 lbs. are not required to be registered. Total length: 65 feet; trailer length: 45 feet; width: 102 inches; height: 14 feet.
Campers are subject to the same registration and titling requirements as any other vehicle.
Independent braking system not required, but combination of vehicles must be able to stop within legal limits. Every motor vehicle and combination of motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds, shall at all times be equipped with a parking brake system.
Adequate to control trailer under all conditions of varying speeds and weights; 1 safety chain is required on all trailers with 2 connections to the towing vehicle. The tensile strength of the safety chain must equal the gross weight of the trailer.
All trailers are required to be equipped with 2 taillights, registration plate lights, 2 brake lights, turn signal lights, and 2 rear reflectors.
Any trailer that is 80 inches or more in overall width and less than 30 feet in overall length must be equipped with 2 front and 2 rear clearance lights, and front and rear identification lights.
Any trailer that is 30 feet or more in overall length must be equipped with 2 front and 2 rear clearance lights, front and rear identification lights, and intermediate side marker lights and side reflectors on each side of the vehicle.
All vehicles must be equipped with mirrors such that the driver has a clear and unobstructed view of the rear at all times and under all conditions of load that will enable the driver to see an approaching vehicle from a distance of not less than 200 feet.
Any vehicle towing a trailer, any camper, and any vehicle with a registration weight of 8,000 lbs. or more must drive in the right lane of all roadways having 2 or more lanes for traffic proceeding in a single direction.
It is unlawful for a person to be a passenger in any towed vehicle. This provision does not apply to a 5th-wheel trailer if the 5th-wheel trailer is equipped with safety glazing materials on the windows and doors, an auditory or visual signaling device that may be used to contact the driver, and at least 1 unobstructed exit capable of being opened from both the interior and exterior.
Crashes are required to be reported when property damage exceeds $1500.00.
The deadline to file a report is 3 days.
N/A.
State has future-proof law for uninsured accidents.
Antique motor vehicles that have been issued a permanent registration, farm trailers, farm tractors, Class I or III all-terrain vehicles, special interest vehicles, and implements of husbandry need not comply with the liability provisions.
The minimum liability policy coverage is $25,000 per person with an aggregate limit of $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for all damages to or destruction of property. Requires equal liability coverage for each family member of the insured in the same household.
If a person has been convicted of driving under the influence, the minimum insurance coverage is elevated to $50,000 per person with an aggregate limit of $100,000 per accident.
State has non-resident service of process law and guest suit law. Mandatory 1 year license suspension for involvement in an uninsured accident.
State has “add-on,” no-fault insurance law. Sale and purchase mandatory. Benefits: Medical $10,000; 70% of wage loss up to $1,250 monthly (maximum 52 weeks); $30 per day loss of services (14-day retroactive waiting period and maximum 52 weeks).
Owners must certify liability insurance when initially registering, and provide insurance information when renewing.
All vehicles or combination of vehicles weighing 26,000 lbs. must stop.
Bicycle helmets must be used for riders under age 16.
Drivers passing a bicycle rider traveling in the same direction must pass on the left at a safe distance.
Oregon is not party to the Non-resident Violator Compact.
