Other Vehicle Registrations in Oregon

SUMMARY: How to Register Your Special Vehicle in Oregon

Certain other vehicle types in Oregon require different registration processes, forms, and fees than standard cars and trucks. These include custom-built cars, trailers, and recreational vehicles (RVs). Find your vehicle type below for details.

Registering ATVs

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) doesn't issue registration for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Check the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's ATV information page to see how you can get a permit to ride your ATV, as well as other riding information.

Registering Snowmobiles

If you are an Oregon resident and own a snowmobile, you must register it with the DMV. To register your snowmobile, follow the same registration procedure as a normal vehicle.

Make sure to include the following:

If you're visiting from another state that does not require you to register your snowmobile, the DMV lets you buy an Oregon Snowmobile permit (valid up to 60 days). Obtaining a permit is easy. Visit either a local DMV office or request a permit via mail.

Be sure to include:

  • Your name, address, and home state.
  • The year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of your snowmobile.
  • Length of permit (up to 60 days).
  • $7 permit fee payable by check or money order to "Oregon DMV".

Mail your request and materials to the following address:

DMV Headquarters
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314

Registering Trailers

The Oregon DMV requires registration for various kinds of trailers. If you own a trailer, see which category it falls under and take the steps below to obtain the appropriate registration.

Recreational Trailers and Campers

The DMV defines a camper as a structure that isn't permanently attached to the the vehicle but is mounted on the vehicle, has facilities for habitation, and is at least 6 feet long and at least 5.5 feet high (floor to ceiling). A camper has no more than one axle to support the total weight of the structure.

The DMV defines trailers as campers that are permanently affixed to the vehicle.

You can register your trailer or camper by doing the following:

  • Complete an Application for Title and Registration (Form 735-226). Registration is valid for 2 years.
  • Pay fees.
  • You can use the DMV's Camper and Travel Trailer Schedule of Registration Fees to see how much you'll have to pay for registration. Typically, the DMV charges $81 for up to 10 feet and the fee increases from there.
  • The DMV requires your trailer or camper to have a registration plate. If it doesn't, you'll have to pay a plate fee.
  • If you need to title your trailer or camper at the same time, you must also pay the title fee.

Boats and Boat Trailers

The Oregon DMV does not require you to register boats. If your loaded trailer weighs under 1,800 lbs., it's not necessary to register, title or apply for a permit to use it on public roads. However, make sure that your trailer meets safety standards. You can also call the Transportation Safety Office at (503) 986-3883.

Keep in mind that the DMV considers some boat trailers "light trailers." If your loaded trailer weighs 1,800 lbs. to 8,000 lbs., you will need to register it under the "light trailer" classification. The only exception is for rental trailers, special use trailers, recreational trailers, and fixed loads. See the category below for more information.

Light Trailers

If your loaded trailer weighs no more than 8,000 lbs., you will need to register it with the DMV. Exceptions include rental trailers, special use trailers, recreational trailers, and fixed loads.

To register your light trailer, take the following steps:

  • Complete an Application for Title and Registration (Form 735-226).
  • Pay fee.
    • Registration periods and costs vary. You can register a new light trailer for 4 years, and registration for any other trailer is good for 2 years. Refer to the state's other vehicle types fee schedule for a list of registration fees. 
  • DMV requires your light trailer to have a registration plate. If it doesn't, you'll have to pay a plate fee.
  • If you need to title your light trailer at the same time, you must also pay the title fee.

Heavy Trailers

The DMV defines heavy trailers as those with weights over 8,000 lbs. when loaded. Exceptions include recreational trailers and campers, special use trailers, and fixed loads.

To register your heavy trailer, take the following steps:

  • Complete an Application for Title and Registration (Form 735-226).
  • Pay fees.
  • DMV requires your heavy trailer to have a registration plate. If it doesn't, you'll have to pay a $13 plate fee
  • If you need to title your heavy trailer at the same time, you must also pay the $90 title fee.

Motorhomes and RVs in Oregon

When you buy an RV or motorhome, you must title and register it with the DMV. If you buy the vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will usually handle the registration and title paperwork for you. However, if you buy from a private seller, you'll need to ensure that you get the appropriate paperwork to submit to the DMV yourself.

To register an RV or motor home with the Oregon DMV:

Motor home and RV registration in Oregon is valid for 2 years. Before your registration expires, you'll need to renew it. See our page Registration Renewal in Oregon for more information.

Trip Permits for Unregistered RVs

You may obtain a recreational trip permit from the Oregon DMV for anywhere up to 10 days, if you need to move your unregistered RV.

To obtain a trip permit, you must provide the following information to the OR DMV:

  • You name, address, and driver license or ID number.
  • Vehicle information, including the make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title.
  • Insurance information including the insurance company name and policy number.
  • Permit fee of $35.

Send all of the information above to the DMV at:

DMV Headquarters
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314

Custom-Built Vehicles

If you have a custom-built vehicle in Oregon, register it by visiting your local OR DMV office with:

NOTE: You will also need to have a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection completed while at the DMV office. There is a $9 fee for this.

OR Mopeds and Scooters

Oregon has different regulations for mopeds, scooters, and electric bicycles.

There are many classifications of scooters, mopeds, and other powered vehicles, you should check the brochure offered by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division to see what is required for each type of vehicle.

A moped MUST be registered to be used on public roads, just as you would register a car. You also need a driver's license to operate a moped.

A vehicle is considered a moped if it has:

  • No more than 3 wheels.
  • A seat for the rider.
  • An automatic transmission.
  • A motor displacement from 35.01 to 50 cc (cubic centimeters).
  • A top speed of 30 MPH on a flat surface.

NOTE: Vehicles that exceed a moped's defined speed or engine size limits are classed as motorcycles and require motorcycle registration and licensing.

A scooter DOES NOT have to be registered. Scooters are defined as vehicles with:

  • A gas-powered engine up to 35 cc OR an electric motor up to 1,000 watts.
  • A maximum speed of 24 MPH on a level surface.

An electric bicycle DOES NOT have to be registered. Electric bicycles have:

  • Pedals AND a motor for propulsion.
  • An electric motor up to 1,000 watts.
  • A top speed of 20 MPH on flat ground.

Forms

735-226
Application for Title and Registration
Request a new Oregon title OR registration, registration renewal, plate transfer, OR replacement registration from the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division.
735-6511
Assembled, Reconstructed, or Replica Vehicle Certification
Submit to the DMV when applying for an OR title branded “Reconstructed,” “Assembled,” OR “Replica.”
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