How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Oregon in 2025
Oregon operates a unique vehicle registration system that bases fees on fuel efficiency ratings and incorporates significant county-level fees in select jurisdictions. The state's registration structure emphasizes environmental considerations through higher fees for less fuel-efficient vehicles and electric vehicles, while offering reduced rates through the OReGO road usage charge program.
Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
Oregon registration fees for passenger vehicles are determined by the vehicle's combined miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating as determined by the EPA and decoded through the vehicle identification number (VIN). Registration periods are typically two years, with new vehicles receiving four-year initial registration.
**Current Registration Fees **
Through December 31, 2025:
| Vehicle Type | Two-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 0-19 MPG vehicles | $126 |
| 20-39 MPG vehicles | $136 |
| 40+ MPG vehicles (not in OReGO) | $156 |
| Electric vehicles (not in OReGO) | $316 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $88 |
Increased Registration Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)
Significant fee increases take effect at the beginning of 2026:
| Vehicle Type | Two-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 0-19 MPG vehicles | $210 |
| 20-39 MPG vehicles | $220 |
| 40+ MPG vehicles (not in OReGO) | $300 |
| Electric vehicles (not in OReGO) | $460 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $172 |
OReGO Road Usage Charge Program
Oregon offers an alternative to higher registration fees through the OReGO program, where drivers pay per mile rather than higher registration fees.
- OReGO registration fee: $86 for two years (regardless of vehicle type)
- Eligibility: Available to vehicles rated 40+ MPG and electric vehicles
- Requirement: Must remain enrolled for the full registration period or pay the difference
New Vehicle Four-Year Registration
New passenger vehicles with a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin receive four-year initial registration:
| Vehicle Type | Four-Year Registration Fee (Current) |
|---|---|
| 0-19 MPG vehicles | $252 |
| 20-39 MPG vehicles | $272 |
| 40+ MPG vehicles (not in OReGO) | $312 |
| Electric vehicles (not in OReGO) | $632 |
| 40+ MPG or electric (in OReGO) | $172 |
Other Vehicle Types
Oregon registers various specialized vehicle types with specific fee structures:
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Light Trailers (8,000 lbs and below) | $126 | 2 years |
| Heavy Trailers (over 8,000 lbs) | $10 | Permanent |
| Motor Home | See Motor Home Schedule | 2 years |
| Antique (Historic) | $100 | Permanent |
| Special Interest | $100 | Permanent |
| Snowmobile | $10 | 2 years |
Commercial trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles follow separate fee schedules based on gross vehicle weight ratings.
Local and County Fees
Oregon has significant variation in registration costs based on county location, with three counties imposing substantial additional fees.
Multnomah County
| Vehicle Type | Two-Year County Fee | Four-Year County Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $112 | $224 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $78 | $156 |
| Light trailers | $112 | $224 |
| Heavy trailers (permanent) | $10 (one-time) | N/A |
Washington County
| Vehicle Type | Two-Year County Fee | Four-Year County Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $60 | $120 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $34 | $68 |
| Light trailers | $60 | $120 |
| Heavy trailers (permanent) | $10 (one-time) | N/A |
Clackamas County
| Vehicle Type | Two-Year County Fee | Four-Year County Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $60 | $120 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $30 | $60 |
| Light trailers | $10 | $20 |
| Heavy trailers | Exempt | Exempt |
Other Oregon Counties
The remaining 33 Oregon counties do not charge local vehicle registration fees. Residents of these counties pay only state registration fees plus any applicable processing charges.
Mandatory Processing and Administrative Fees
License Plate Fees
Oregon charges separate fees for license plates:
| Service Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New plates (two plates) | $26 |
| New plates (one plate) | $13 |
| Plate transfer fee | $30 |
| Replacement plates | $12 |
Title Fees
Oregon title fees are based on vehicle type and MPG rating for light vehicles:
Light Vehicle Title Fees (Based on MPG Rating)
The Oregon DMV fee schedule shows title fees varying by vehicle efficiency, though specific amounts for each MPG category are not published in the summary fee charts.
Heavy Vehicle and Specialized Title Fees
| Vehicle Type | Title Fee |
|---|---|
| Heavy vehicles (over 26,000 lbs GVWR) | $90 |
| Heavy trailers (over 8,000 lbs loaded weight) | $90 |
| Park Model Recreational Vehicle | $101 |
| Salvage Certificate | $27 |
| Title correction (non-DMV error) | Regular title fee |
Additional Processing Fees
| Service Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| VIN inspection | $9 |
| Replacement sticker only | $10 |
| Transfer on Death (TOD) filing | $13 |
| Duplicate registration card | $5 |
Special Requirements and Regional Variations
Specialty License Plates
Oregon offers numerous specialty plate options with additional surcharges:
| Plate Type | Surcharge (Two-Year Period) |
|---|---|
| Salmon plates | $30 per set |
| Crater Lake plates | $30 per set (initial only) |
| Cultural plates | $50 per set |
| Wine Country plates | $30 per set |
| Portland Trail Blazers plates | $40 per set |
| Special Registration Program plates | $40 per set |
| Group plates (institutions) | $64 per set |
| Group plates (non-profit/veterans) | $20 per set |
Rental Vehicle Registration
Rental and leasing companies have flexible registration periods:
| Period | Registration Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| 1 year | Approximately half of two-year rate |
| 2 years | Standard rate plus $2 |
| 4 years | Standard rate plus $4 |
Regional Variations and Special Requirements
Oregon does not have emissions testing requirements or regional variations in base registration fees. However, the concentration of county fees in the Portland metropolitan area (Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties) creates significant regional cost differences.
2026 Fee Increase Impact
Using the same 2023 passenger car example for 2026 registration:
- Base registration fee (20-39 MPG): $220 (+$84 increase)
- Multnomah County fee: $112 (unchanged)
- Plates: $26 (unchanged)
- Total registration costs: $358+ (plus title fee)
The 2026 increases represent substantial cost jumps, with electric vehicle fees nearly doubling from $316 to $460 for non-OReGO participants.
Future Fee Changes
Electric Vehicle Fee Restructuring
Starting July 1, 2027, Oregon will implement a tiered system for electric vehicles:
- Used electric vehicles: $170 two-year registration fee with choice between flat fee or OReGO
- New electric vehicles: New structure effective January 1, 2028
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrids: New structure effective July 1, 2028
Oregon's registration system creates significant cost variations based on vehicle efficiency, county location, and participation in the OReGO program. The state's environmental focus through MPG-based fees and the substantial county fees in the Portland metro area make Oregon one of the more expensive states for vehicle registration, particularly for less fuel-efficient vehicles and those registered in Multnomah County.
Vehicle owners can reduce costs by enrolling eligible vehicles in OReGO and considering county location when establishing residency. The upcoming 2026 fee increases will make the OReGO program even more attractive for owners of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.
For current fee calculations and specific vehicle requirements, vehicle owners should consult the Oregon DMV fee calculator and verify county fee requirements based on their vehicle's location.
