How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Oregon?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Oregon residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Oregon Department of Transportation Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (Oregon DMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system. Oregon operates on a biennial (two-year) registration cycle for most passenger vehicles, with registrations expiring on the same calendar date every two years.
Oregon Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Oregon vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Oregon minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification: License plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Oregon Driver License or ID Card: Required for in-person transactions
- DMV Renewal Notice: Registration renewal form mailed approximately 60 days before expiration
- DEQ Emissions Test (if applicable): Required for vehicles registered in designated testing areas
Emissions Testing Requirements
Oregon requires emissions testing only for vehicles registered within specific geographic boundaries. Testing is mandatory in the Portland metropolitan area and the Medford-Ashland Air Quality Maintenance Area (AQMA).
- Portland Testing Area: Includes portions of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties within designated boundaries.
- Medford-Ashland Testing Area: Includes portions of Jackson County within designated boundaries.
You can go to DEQ VIP Boundary Lookup Tool to determine if your vehicle requires emissions testing based on your registration address.
Vehicles Subject to Testing:
- Gasoline-powered passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks (1975 and newer models)
- Diesel vehicles under 8,500 pounds GVWR
- Vehicles beyond the four-year new vehicle exemption
Vehicles Exempt from Testing:
- New vehicles (model year within the last four years)
- Electric vehicles
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Vehicles registered outside DEQ testing boundaries
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) operates testing stations in Portland and Medford areas. Testing fees are $21 in Portland and $10 in Medford. Alternative testing options include the DEQ Too program, which allows eligible vehicles to be tested at participating repair facilities.
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Registration Period: Oregon uses biennial (two-year) registration for passenger vehicles
- Early Renewal: Begin renewal process approximately 60 days before expiration when renewal notice is mailed
- No Late Fees: Oregon DMV does not assess late fees for registration renewal, though registration must be current to operate the vehicle legally
- Expired Registration: Registration can be renewed online even after expiration
- New Residents: Must title and register vehicles within 30 days of establishing Oregon residency
Important Note: While Oregon DMV does not charge late fees for renewing expired registrations, operating a vehicle with expired registration is a Class D traffic violation with fines of $70 (for tags expired 0-90 days) or $145 (for tags expired 91+ days).
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Oregon in 2025
2025 Oregon Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
Important Fee Changes: Registration fees are increasing effective December 31, 2025. Fees are based on the vehicle expiration date or the date registration is issued. If registration begins after the increase, regardless of when you pay for it, you will pay the new registration fees. If your expiration date is prior to the increase, you will pay the old fees, then pay the increased fees at your next renewal.
Oregon DMV uses the MPG rating assigned to the VIN as provided by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find your vehicle's combined MPG rating at FuelEconomy.gov.
Regular passenger registration is valid for two years. New passenger vehicles with a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin receive four-year registration. Fees are double the standard two-year registration fee plus any applicable county fees.
For two-year registration that begins or expires BEFORE December 31, 2025:
Vehicle Type | MPG Rating | Two-Year Registration Fee |
---|---|---|
Passenger Vehicles | 0 - 19 MPG | $126.00 |
Passenger Vehicles | 20 - 39 MPG | $136.00 |
Passenger Vehicles | 40+ MPG | $156.00 |
Electric Vehicles | All electric | $316.00 |
Motorcycles/Mopeds | All | $88.00 |
For two-year registration that begins or expires AFTER December 31, 2025:
Vehicle Type | MPG Rating | Two-Year Registration Fee |
---|---|---|
Passenger Vehicles | 0 - 19 MPG | $210.00 |
Passenger Vehicles | 20 - 39 MPG | $220.00 |
Passenger Vehicles | 40+ MPG | $300.00 |
Electric Vehicles | All electric | $460.00 |
Motorcycles/Mopeds | All | $172.00 |
County Registration Fees
Local county fees vary by jurisdiction and are added to the base registration fee:
County | Two-Year County Fee |
---|---|
Multnomah County | $112.00 |
Washington County | $60.00 |
Clackamas County | $60.00 |
All Other Counties | $0.00 |
Vehicles registered in Multnomah County must also pay an additional $14 per quarter for county registration fees ($56 annually). Vehicles registered in Washington or Clackamas County must also pay an additional $7.50 per quarter for county registration fees ($30 annually).
Additional Registration Fees
Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
New License Plates | $26.00 | Initial registration only |
Plate Transfer Fee | $30.00 | Moving plates to another vehicle |
Heavy Motor Vehicles and Buses Registration Fees
Heavy motor vehicles and buses with registration weight over 8,000 pounds use a separate fee schedule. Registration fees are based on vehicle weight and registration period (quarterly or annual). View the complete Heavy Motor Vehicles and Buses Fee Schedule (Form 6013) for detailed information.
Sample Heavy Vehicle Annual Fees:
Weight in Pounds | Annual Registration Fee |
---|---|
8,001 - 10,000 lbs. | $464.00 |
10,001 - 12,000 lbs. | $528.00 |
12,001 - 14,000 lbs. | $591.00 |
14,001 - 16,000 lbs. | $655.00 |
16,001 - 18,000 lbs. | $718.00 |
26,001 - 28,000 lbs. | $375.00 |
40,001 - 42,000 lbs. | $925.00 |
60,001 - 62,000 lbs. | $1,455.00 |
80,001 - 82,000 lbs. | $1,879.00 |
Vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 pounds may be subject to weight-mile tax through the Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD).
Camper and Travel Trailer Registration Fees
Campers and travel trailers are registered based on overall length. Registration fees are two-year fees. View the complete Camper and Travel Trailer Schedule (Form 464) for detailed information.
Sample Camper/Travel Trailer Fees (Two-Year):
Length | Two-Year Registration Fee |
---|---|
8 - 10 feet | $81.00 |
20 feet | $95.00 |
30 feet | $102.00 |
40 feet | $172.00 |
45 feet | $326.00 |
Campers are measured from the extreme front to the extreme rear of the camper body. Any fraction of a foot in length is rounded down to the nearest foot.
Farm Vehicle Registration Fees
Vehicles registered for farm use receive F plates and pay reduced registration fees based on weight. Farm vehicles may be registered quarterly or annually. View the complete Farm Vehicle Fee Schedule (Form 152) for detailed information.
Sample Farm Vehicle Annual Fees:
Weight in Pounds | Annual Registration Fee |
---|---|
8,000 or less | $50.00 |
8,001 - 10,000 lbs. | $65.00 |
12,001 - 14,000 lbs. | $97.00 |
16,001 - 18,000 lbs. | $129.00 |
20,001 - 22,000 lbs. | $162.00 |
26,001 - 28,000 lbs. | $204.00 |
40,001 - 42,000 lbs. | $324.00 |
60,001 - 62,000 lbs. | $474.00 |
80,001 - 82,000 lbs. | $636.00 |
104,001 - 105,500 lbs. | $831.00 |
Light Trailer Registration Fees
Light trailers have a loaded weight of 8,000 pounds or less (except trailers for hire, travel trailers, fixed loads, and special use trailers):
- Before December 31, 2025: Title fee $101.00, two-year registration $126.00
- After December 31, 2025: Title fee $240.00, two-year registration $210.00
Trailers with a loaded weight of 1,800 pounds or less do not require title or registration.
Heavy Trailer Registration Fees
Heavy trailers have a loaded weight over 8,000 pounds:
- Title fee: $90.00
- Permanent registration fee: $10.00
Heavy trailers must be pulled by a vehicle registered by weight. The loaded weight of heavy trailers is included in the registration weight of the power unit that pulls the trailer.
OReGO Road Usage Charge Program
OReGO is a road usage charge program where drivers pay for the miles they drive instead of the per-gallon fuel tax. If you enroll in OReGO, the registration fee is $86 every two years, and you don't pay the increased registration fee. Submit a copy of your enrollment email to DMV. If you leave the OReGO program, DMV will bill you for the full registration fee.
Important Update: Starting July 1, 2027, when it is time to renew, drivers of used electric vehicles must pay a $170 two-year registration fee and decide to either pay a flat fee or pay by the mile. This will go into effect January 1, 2028, for new electric vehicles and July 1, 2028, for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Oregon
Online Renewal Platforms
Oregon DMV offers online renewal services through the DMV2U online portal.
DEQ Requirements: If your vehicle requires emissions testing, you must pass the DEQ test before completing online renewal. The DEQ station can submit your test results electronically, or you can complete your renewal at the DEQ testing station after passing the test.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Complete DEQ Testing (if required)
- Verify if your vehicle requires testing using the DEQ Boundary Lookup Tool
- Pass emissions test at DEQ Clean Air Station or through DEQ Too program
- Ensure test results are electronically submitted to DMV
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Oregon Driver License, Instruction Permit, or ID card
- Insurance information (company name, policy number)
- Payment method (credit/debit card)
- DMV renewal notice (if available)
Step 3: Access DMV2U Portal
- Visit DMV2U.Oregon.gov
- Create account or log in to existing account
- Select vehicle registration renewal service
Step 4: Complete Application
- Enter vehicle identification information
- Verify insurance coverage
- Review registration period (two years)
- Review all applicable fees
Step 5: Submit Payment and Receive Confirmation
- Pay registration fees using credit or debit card
- Print or save electronic receipt
- Receipt serves as proof of registration for up to 30 days
- New registration card and stickers will be mailed within 7-10 business days
Alternative Renewal Methods
DEQ Station Renewal
If your vehicle requires emissions testing, you can complete both testing and registration renewal at DEQ Clean Air Stations:
- Complete emissions test at DEQ station
- Present completed renewal notice with insurance and signature sections
- Pay testing fee plus DMV registration fees
- Receive temporary registration receipt
DEQ accepts cash, PIN-less debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), or money orders.
Mail-In Renewal
Mail completed renewal application to Oregon DMV:
- Complete renewal notice including insurance information and signature
- Include payment (check or money order)
- Ensure DEQ testing requirements are satisfied (if applicable)
In-Person Renewal at DMV Office
Visit your local Oregon DMV office with:
- Oregon driver license or identification card
- Proof of insurance
- DEQ test results (if applicable)
- Payment for registration fees
Many DMV offices accept walk-in service on a standby basis when appointment capacity is available. Use DMV2U to schedule an appointment for guaranteed service.
Oregon Express Kiosks
Oregon DMV Express Kiosks are available at select locations throughout the state for quick registration renewal. Kiosks accept credit/debit cards and can process most standard vehicle renewals in approximately two minutes.
Contact Information and Resources
Oregon Department of Transportation Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314
Phone: (503) 945-5000
Official Website: Oregon DMV