Is Inspection Required for Registration in Oregon?
Vehicle registration in Oregon requires an emissions test in the Portland and Medford metropolitan areas. Safety inspections are not required. Applicants must provide a valid title, proof of financial responsibility, and applicable registration fees at an Oregon Department of Transportation office or authorized agent.
Emissions Testing in Oregon
Vehicles registered in the Portland metro or Medford metro areas must pass an emissions inspection every two years to maintain registration. The requirement applies to non-exempt passenger vehicles older than four model years. Testing verifies compliance with the federally mandated State Implementation Plan for air quality standards. Vehicles registered outside these two metropolitan areas are not subject to emissions testing. Use the VIP Boundary Lookup tool to determine if your vehicle's registered address is within a testing area.
Oregon Vehicle Registration Requirements by Origin
| Vehicle Origin | Registration Type | VIN Inspection | Safety Inspection | Emissions Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state initial | Initial registration | Required | Not required | Required (Portland/Medford areas only) |
| Out-of-state renewal | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (Portland/Medford areas only) |
| In-state initial | Initial registration | Not required | Not required | Required (Portland/Medford areas only) |
| In-state renewal | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (Portland/Medford areas only) |
Out-of-state and foreign-titled vehicles require a $9 VIN inspection when registering in Oregon.
Oregon Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Services
1905 Lana Avenue Northeast
Salem, OR 97314
Phone: (503) 945-5000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Official Website: Oregon Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Services
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Vehicle Emission Testing
811 Southwest 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 229-5696
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Official Website: Vehicle Emission Testing
