Oregon car registration plates are used primarily for identification purposes, namely to identify a vehicle and its owner. A DMV license plate is like your car wearing a report card stating that it has passed all of Oregon’s tests that ensure it is safe to drive.

A license plate also serves as proof that a vehicle has been legally registered with the government and is in compliance with OR driving laws. To learn more about how to get license plate tags, including how to replace or renew them, continue reading the information in the sections provided below.

Types of License Plates in Oregon

For legal purposes, DMV license plates in Oregon are referred to as registration plates, and the two terms are interchangeable. Oregon offers dozens of types and designs of car registration plates to its drivers, including a wide range of passenger vehicle plates with designs centered around Oregon’s scenery and wildlife. Other categories of new registration plates you can get are designated for special interests, such as charitable organizations, military affiliations and antique vehicle hobbyists.

Drivers may also apply for personalized plates that feature a name or other unique statement. A license plate is issued by a car dealer and permits legal operation while waiting on the permanent car tags to arrive from the DMV.

How to Apply for a License Plate in Oregon

In order to get a license plate in Oregon, you will need to title and register your vehicle with the state. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, the dealer usually handles getting the new registration plates on your behalf. If you bought your car from a private seller, you must appear in person at your local DMV office and obtain the car registration plates and title yourself.

Complete an Application for Title and Registration and bring supporting documents including your proof of ownership via vehicle title, manufacturer’s statement of origin or bill of sale. You must also show proof of insurance, an emissions inspection report where required, and possibly, an odometer disclosure statement and vehicle identification number inspection. New plates must be obtained in person, not through the mail.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Oregon

You must renew license plate tags in Oregon before the expiration date, and can do so in person at an OR DMV branch office, by mail or through the state’s ODOT online system. You will need to follow the instructions on your car tag renewal notice, provide proof of insurance and make a payment for renewing license plate tags.

If you are wondering how to renew license plate tags online, look up the ODOT system and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for online renewal. To do so, simply follow the six easy steps outlined for renewing your license and pay the associated fees with your credit or debit card.

Furthermore, if you live in an area where the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) inspections are required, you may only apply for your renewal after obtaining the inspection report.

Note: Keep in mind that when you renew your plates, you will also be renewing your vehicle registration documents.

How to Replace License Plates in Oregon

Replace license plate tags that are damaged or missing by visiting your local DMV office in person or by mailing your application to the address shared below. Fill out the Application for Registration, Renewal, Replacement or Transfer of Plates and/or Stickers and pay the replacing license plate fee set by the OR DMV. If you are only wondering how you can replace the month stickers on your car tag, you can obtain those for free at any DMV branch office.

How to Transfer License Plates in Oregon

To transfer an Oregon DMV license plate to another vehicle, the car tag must go onto the same type of vehicle. The DMV license plate must be in good physical condition and in a style still issued by the OR DMV.

If your registration is expired, follow the steps above to renew it. Conversely, if it is still valid, follow the steps above for replacing plates using the appropriate forms, and pay the state’s transfer fee.

Oregon License Plate Fees

Most standard license plates in Oregon cost $24. However, this fee must be paid along with other car registration costs, which vary depending on your type of vehicle and its weight.

License Plate Lookups in Oregon

Under the state’s Record Privacy Law, only certain qualified individuals and entities are permitted to receive personal information, such as the history associated with a DMV license plate number. These entities must have a legal interest in obtaining car registration plate records, such as insurance companies, attorneys, and law enforcement agencies.

Although you may see many companies advertising license plate lookups online in Oregon, they are not permitted by law to provide private information in that way.

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