Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Oregon in 2025
Oregon law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 806, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Oregon Department of Transportation Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the Automobile Insurance Verification Program. The requirement applies to both initial vehicle registration and registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 806 establishes the mandatory liability insurance requirement, which requires all motor vehicles operated in Oregon to maintain liability insurance or other acceptable proof of financial responsibility at all times. Under ORS 806.010, a person commits the offense of failure to carry proof of compliance with financial responsibility requirements if the person operates a motor vehicle on premises open to the public without carrying proof of compliance.
Operating a vehicle without the required liability insurance constitutes a Class B traffic violation and may result in fines up to $1,000, suspension of driving privileges for one year, suspension of vehicle registration, and a $75 fee to reinstate driving privileges. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation regulates insurance companies and handles consumer complaints related to automobile insurance.
Oregon Department of Transportation - Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division
1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314
Phone: (503) 945-5000
Official Website: Oregon DMV
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Oregon Revised Statutes Section 806.070 establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Oregon requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $20,000 |
| Oregon law does not mandate collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, though lenders typically require these coverages for financed vehicles. Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility include a surety bond of $95,000 filed with the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division, a certificate of deposit of $95,000 with the State Treasurer, or certification as a self-insured individual by the Division. |
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation
350 Winter Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (888) 877-4894
Official Website: Oregon Division of Financial Regulation
Proof of Insurance Documents
Oregon requires vehicle operators to carry proof of insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation during registration and maintain proof while driving. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance identification card issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Oregon
- Electronic display of insurance information on a mobile device or portable electronic device
- Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Oregon law pursuant to ORS 806.020:
- Motor vehicles owned by the United States government, the state of Oregon, or any political subdivision of the state
- Motor vehicles owned by a tribal government operating within the boundaries of a federally recognized Indian reservation
- Motor vehicles covered by a certificate of self-insurance issued by the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division
- Farm tractors and implements of husbandry operated occasionally on highways
- Motor vehicles owned by licensed motor vehicle dealers when operated with dealer plates, provided the dealer maintains a garage liability policy
- Off-road vehicles and all-terrain vehicles operated in accordance with Oregon law on designated trails or private property
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Oregon or when renewing an existing registration. The insurance identification card must show the vehicle identification number, policy number, coverage effective dates, and confirmation that coverage meets Oregon minimum requirements.
Oregon residents who establish residency must register their vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident. New residents must obtain Oregon insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements, including both liability insurance and Personal Injury Protection coverage, before completing vehicle registration.
Oregon motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at DMV offices. The Automobile Insurance Verification Program monitors all registered vehicles to ensure continuous compliance with insurance requirements.
Vehicle owners whose insurance lapses will receive a Notice of Insurance Cancellation from the DMV. If proof of insurance is not provided within 45 days, driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended. To restore driving privileges after suspension, vehicle owners must obtain valid insurance coverage, submit proof to the DMV, pay a $75 reinstatement fee, and maintain an SR-22 certificate filing until the requirement ends.
