Registration FAQs

How do I renew my registration with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)?

Vehicle registration renewal in Oregon is basically a matter of paying the appropriate fees for the vehicle, which will also require a smog check in the Portland and Medford areas.

Can I renew my registration with the Oregon DMV even if I did not get a renewal notice?

Yes. Call the DMV at (503) 945-5400 and it will send another notice. Otherwise, you may renew in person at the DMV with proper identification or at a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) station if an emissions check is required.

When is the best time to conduct Oregon DMV business?

The best times to visit an Oregon DMV location is before noon during the middle of the week and the middle of the month. Lunch time and the beginning and end of weeks and months are busiest.

When is emissions testing required in Oregon?

The Oregon DMV requires emissions testing and certification with registration only in the Portland and Medford, also known as Rogue Valley, areas. Testing can be done at a number of DEQ stations throughout those areas, and registration can often be renewed along with a successful smog check.

When may I register my car along with DEQ testing?

As long as the vehicle is not new to Oregon, there are no changes to registration, and vehicle passes the DEQ test, you may register it at the same time, provided DEQ testing is required where you are.

For how long is my Oregon vehicle registration valid?

For most vehicles and motorcycles, including light trailers, the Oregon registration period is initially four years. After the initial four years, vehicle registration increases to every two years.

What happens with my registration if my vehicle is damaged, totaled, or otherwise inoperable?

You must notify the DMV if your registered vehicle is totaled or otherwise damaged, but you do not need to notify the DMV if you are letting registration lapse because the vehicle is inoperable.

When do I need a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection?

A VIN inspection, which costs $7, is required for the following vehicles:

• Out-of-state vehicles being titled in Oregon.

• Vehicles titled for the first time as totaled, assembled, reconstructed, or replica.

• Any vehicle that had a title surrendered, including stolen vehicles that are not totaled.

• Oregon salvage-titled vehicles with applications for regular titles.

• Any vehicle the DMV has reason to believe was not certified by the manufacturer to U.S. federal vehicle standards.

What if I don't get my registration?

Call the DMV's Registration Department at (503) 945-5000 to have another one mailed to you.

How do I get a duplicate registration card?

If you need a duplicate registration card because yours has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get one by completing the required application. The DMV charges $5, which you will have to pay with a check or money order. Take the completed application to your local DMV office or mail it to the following address:

• DMV Vehicle Mail

• 1905 Lana Ave. NE

• Salem, OR 97314

How do I get replacement tags or decals?

If you need to replace your license plates or annual registration stickers, fill out the required application. Fees vary:

• Replacing plates and stickers if it's 120 days or more before your registration's expiration date is $15.

• Replacing plates and stickers if it's within 120 days of your registration's expiration date is $10. You will also have to pay the regular renewal fee.

• Replacing only the year stickers is $10.

If you have questions, call (503) 945-5000. The DMV only accepts check or money orders made out to "Oregon DMV." You can mail your completed application with the appropriate fee to:

• DMV Vehicle Mail

• 1905 Lana Ave. NE

• Salem, OR 97314

How do I get a duplicate title?

The DMV only issues duplicate titles if you have lost, destroyed, or damaged yours.

1. Fill out the required application for a replacement title, making sure that all vehicle owners sign.
2. Pay the appropriate fees with a check or money order. Typically it costs $55 to replace a title.
3. Take your application to your local DMV or mail it to:
   • Oregon DMV
   • 1905 Lana Avenue NE
   • Salem, OR 97314

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

Does the DMV have a special registration for vehicles that are nonoperable or in storage?

No. There's no specific registration to cover these types of situations.