Just Moved to Oregon. How Do I Transfer My Driver's License and Vehicle Registration?

Welcome to the Beaver State! Before you get settled in, you need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration. Here’s your guide to getting everything situated with your out-of-state documents and moving them to the state of Oregon.

Required Documentation to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Oregon

There are different documents that are required to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Oregon. These documents include:

• Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form 735-173)

• Proof of your legal name

• Proof of your U.S. legal presence

• Your social security number

• Proof of Oregon address

• Payment for the necessary OR driving fees:

  • $60 - driver’s license

  • $23 - instruction permit

  • $5 - knowledge test

  • $9 - road test

• Your out-of-state driver’s license

Steps You Need to Take to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Oregon

There are different steps you need to take to successfully transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Oregon, such as:

• Study the Oregon Driver’s Manual (this manual contains the information you’ll need to pass the OR knowledge test)

• Complete the application for Driving Privileges or ID card with a parent’s signature, if required, and take it to your local Oregon Department of Motor Vehicle (OR DMV) office.

• Submit any other required documents

• Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license

• Pass the OR vision and knowledge tests

• Schedule a road test (in-car)

• Pass the driving test

• Pay the OR fee of $60

• Have your photo taken

• Wait for your license to arrive in the mail

Exceptions to Transferring Your Driver’s License to Oregon

There are some exceptions to transferring your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Oregon. If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license that has been expired for less than one year, the OR DMV may not require you to take the driving test, which will otherwise be required for first-time OR driver’s license applicants.

You are required to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license upon submitting the OR driver’s license application. Be advised that even if your out-of-state driver’s license is still valid, you are still required to obtain an Oregon driver’s license if you’re considered an official resident of the state of Oregon, meaning that you have been in Oregon for 6 months or more or paying resident tuition fees.

Oregon Vision Screening

In Oregon, the vision standards require you to have 20/70 vision without wearing corrective lenses to obtain an OR driver’s license without any restrictions. 20/70 vision means that you can clearly see at 20 feet what an individual with 20/20 unimpaired vision can see from 70 feet away.

If your best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is between 20/40 and 20/70, you are able to receive your OR driver’s license. However, you may be restricted to driving only during daylight hours unless a licensed vision specialist states otherwise.

If you are required to wear glasses or corrective lenses to obtain 20/70 vision, you must wear the corrective eyewear while driving.

Limited Vision Condition Program

The state of Oregon has a special set of rules that allow individuals with limited vision to operate a motor vehicle. To qualify for the Oregon Vision Condition Program, you must:

• Obtain visual acuity in your best eye of no more than 20/80 and no less than 20/200 with the best lens correction

• Not have a current diagnosis or prognosis that could result in your corrected vision becoming 20/200 or worse

• Obtain a visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically

• Potentially benefit from a telescopic lens when operating a motor vehicle

The purpose of the Oregon Vision Condition Program is to allow people who can safely operate a motor vehicle (if they were to use a bioptic telescopic lens) to drive. Bioptic telescopic lenses are a special type of glasses that work similarly to binoculars or a telescope.

Be advised that this program has some restrictions. The Oregon Vision Condition Program is limited to daytime driving. Unless approved by a vision specialist, you are not permitted to drive at night.

Oregon Written Exam

The written exam in Oregon consists of 35 questions, 28 of which you must answer correctly to pass the test with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply for the Oregon written exam is 15 years old.

Oregon Road Test (in-Car)

The Oregon road test is a test that will determine how well you can safely operate a motor vehicle on the highways and roadways of Oregon. You will be tested on how well you use your turn signals, change lanes, and obey traffic signs and laws.

Hooray! You’re now an expert at transferring your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Oregon. Now it’s time to discuss everything you need to know to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration to Oregon.

Transferring Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to Oregon

When you’re transferring your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state of Oregon, you need to visit your local Oregon Department of Motor Vehicle (OR DMV) office in person. As a new resident of the Beaver State, you will need to title your vehicle at the same time you register your vehicle. You need to have proof of a valid OR auto insurance policy and proof of an emissions inspection, if applicable.

Transferring Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to Oregon as a New Resident

New residents of Oregon have 30 days to register and title their vehicle once they establish residency in the state. You will need to have a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection performed when you visit your local OR DMV office. The state of Oregon considers you a resident of the state if you:

• Lease, rent, or buy an apartment or home in the state of Oregon

• Work in Oregon

• Stay in Oregon for at least 6 months (even if your permanent home is in a different state)

• Enroll your children in an Oregon school

• Declare residency in order to get in-state tuition for any type of school

You will be required to fill out a Certification of Oregon Residency or Domicile (Form 735-7182) and provide documented proof of your Oregon residency. You can provide 2 or more of any of the following documents as proof of Oregon residency:

• Utility bills

• Property tax record

• Rental or lease agreement

• Any kind of receipts or documents that show you have been in Oregon for at least 6 months of the year

• Current bank/credit union account that has been active for at least 60 days

• Receipts of Oregon public assistance

• Oregon voter registration card

Registering a Vehicle with a Lien

If your vehicle has a lien, the state of Oregon will not be able to complete your vehicle registration until it has an actual vehicle title from the lending agency. You must complete the steps listed below to successfully title and register your vehicle and send the lienholder a Security Interest Holder Letter (Form 735-6603).

If your old previous vehicle registration will expire before you obtain your new vehicle registration, you can apply for a 21-day trip permit that allows you to continue to drive your vehicle.

Registering Your Vehicle in Oregon

In Oregon, you must title and register your vehicle simultaneously. If you’re purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, they often handle the vehicle titling and registration paperwork on your behalf. If you are new to the state of Oregon, and you are buying a vehicle from a private party (an individual seller), you need to submit the paperwork yourself. Keep in mind that you need to have an active OR auto insurance policy when in order to register your vehicle.

To successfully register your vehicle in Oregon, you need to visit your local OR DMV office and:

• Complete the Application for Title and Registration (Form 735-226)

• Submit your proof of ownership documents:

  • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for new vehicles

  • Title for vehicles purchased from a private party or from out of state

  • Bill of sale (if applicable)

  • Lien release (if applicable)

• Provide proof of a passed emissions test (if applicable). Vehicles that are model year 2009 and newer are required to prove compliance with the low emissions vehicle requirement.

• Complete a VIN inspection (if applicable) and pay the $7 fee

• Submit an odometer disclosure statement on the back of the vehicle title or on the application

• Submit an odometer disclosure statement on the back of the vehicle title or on the application

• Pay all vehicle title, registration, and license plate fees

You will receive your license plates and vehicle registration once you have completed your application.

Registering a Foreign Vehicle

If you’re bringing a vehicle to Oregon from a different country, there are extra requirements you must meet. The above-listed documents must be completed, as well as:

• Complete a Certification of Liens on an Imported Vehicle (Form 735-6436)

• Provide the foreign vehicle title and all other foreign ownership documents

• Submit a certified translation of the vehicle title (if the language is not in English)

• Provide proof that your vehicle meets the requirements of the U.S. Federal Vehicle Standards

Registering a Reconstructed Vehicle

In Oregon, a reconstructed vehicle is also known as a salvage vehicle. In this state, a reconstructed vehicle is defined as a vehicle that:

• Has a salvage vehicle title

• Is a replica built vehicle

• Has been reconstructed

• Is homemade

If you need to register a reconstructed or salvage vehicle, you are required to complete all the requirements listed above, and also:

• Complete the Assembled, Reconstructed, or Replica Vehicle Certification (Form 735-6511)

• Submit the receipts and bills of sale for all major parts used in the rebuilding process of the vehicle

Oregon Vehicle Registration Fees

Oregon has different vehicle registration fees, including standard registration, title, and license plate fees. In Oregon, you have the option of a 4-year registration or a 2-year registration. All new vehicles that have a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin will pay a 4-year initial registration. Used vehicles vehicle registration renewals on 4-year registrations are likely to be issued a 2-year registration. However, check with your local OR DMV office for specific details regarding your vehicle’s model and year.

If your vehicle has an initial 4-year registration, you will switch to a 2-year vehicle registration once the first registration period is complete and you are required to renew your registration. Each vehicle renewal after this will be a 2-year registration.

Vehicle Title Fees

• The vehicle title fees in Oregon are based on vehicle type and miles per gallon (MPG) ratings: $101 to $192.

Initial Vehicle Registration Fees

• Passenger vehicle 2-year registration fee by MPG:

  • 0 to 19 MPG: $126

  • 20 to 39 MPG: $136

  • 40 MPG or more (not enrolled on OReGO): $156

  • 40 MPG and over (enrolled on OReGO): $86

  • 40 MPG and over (electric vehicle not enrolled on OReGO): $316

  • 40 MPG and over (electric vehicle enrolled on OReGO): $86

• Motorcycles and mopeds (2 years): $88

• Hybrid or electric motorcycles (2-year registration only): $88

• Low-speed vehicles (2-year registration only) $126

If you are registering your vehicle in Multnomah County, you must pay an extra $56 for every year you are registering your vehicle.

If a VIN inspection needs to be performed, be prepared to pay the $7 inspection fee. Trucks and SUVs weighing over 10,000 pounds are required to register as heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicle registration in Oregon is based on weight and is available on the fee schedule for heavy motor vehicles and buses.

License Plate Fees

• Single plate (motorcycles, trailers, etc.): $17

• Two plates (cars, trucks, etc.): $29.50

• Transfer plates: $6

Emissions Inspection Requirements

If you’re a resident of the Portland-Metro or Medford-Ashland areas, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires vehicles to have emissions tests performed prior to being registered.

In the Portland-Metro area, any vehicle built since 1975 will need to be tested. In the Medford-Ashland arena, any vehicle up to 20 years old will need to have an emissions test performed.

Emissions Inspection Exemptions

The two cities listed above are the only cities in Oregon that require emissions testing. There are different vehicles in these cities that are exempt from emissions testing in the Portland-Metro and Medford-Ashland areas, such as:

• Diesel vehicles that weigh or exceed 8,501 pounds

• Motorcycles

• Low-speed vehicles (mopeds, tractors, golf carts, etc.)

• Vehicles built before 1975 (applies to the Portland-Metro area)

• Vehicles more than 20 years old (applies to the Medford-Ashland area)

Oregon DMV Locations

There are different Department of Motor Vehicle locations throughout the state of Oregon where you can transfer your out-of-state documents and handle other motor vehicle transactions.

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles - Salem Branch

1905 Lana Ave NE

Salem, OR 97314

• 945-5000*

Monday - Friday (8 AM - 5 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles - Corvallis Branch

870 NE Circle Blvd

Corvallis, OR 97330

• 757-4191*

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (8 AM - 5 PM)

Wednesday (10 AM - 5 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles - Bend Branch

63085 N Highway 97

Ste 110

Bend, OR 97703

• 388-6322*

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (8 AM - 5 PM)

Wednesday (9 AM to 5 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles - Portland Branch

10280 SW Park Way

• 299-9999*

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (8 AM - 5 PM)

Wednesday (10 AM - 5 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)