New to Oregon

SUMMARY: New Oregon Residents

To obtain a new Oregon driver's license/ID card when you move to the state, you'll need to visit your local DMV office in person. As a new resident, you'll also need to register your out-of-state car with the DMV. If you would like, you can also register to vote in the state and register as an organ donor.

This page contains helpful links to information you'll need to complete all of your tasks with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV), and then some.

Oregon State Departments

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) is the main agency that administers services related to your vehicle and licensing needs. The DMV is a subdivision of the Oregon Department of Transportation.

You will visit the DMV for such things as:

  • Applying for a driver's license or ID card.
  • Registering and titling your vehicle.
  • Obtaining a motorcycle endorsement.
  • Applying for a handicapped parking permit.

There are other Oregon agencies you may interact with, as well, including:

  • The State Marine Board, which handles boat registration.
  • The Oregon Judicial Department, which oversees traffic violations and penalties.
  • The Secretary of State's Elections Division, which regulates voter registration and Oregon elections.
Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

Register Your Car in Oregon

If you're new to Oregon, you have 30 days to register and title your out-of-state vehicle with the DMV from the time you establish residency. Our Car Registration in Oregon page provides all the important details.

Special Vehicle Registration

If you own a recreational vehicle (RV), trailer, moped, or other unique vehicle, you must also have it registered with the Oregon DMV. In some cases, your registration process will be different to a standard car or motorcycle. For more information, please refer to our Special Vehicles in Oregon page.

Required Car Insurance

When you visit the OR DMV office to have your car registered, you will need to show proof of your car insurance. Moving to another state is a great time to take a look at some other auto insurance options and see which one is right for you. Visit our Car Insurance page to compare quotes today.

Required Car Inspections

In Oregon, most vehicles are required to pass an emissions inspection prior to being registered in the state; however, there are some exceptions. For more information, please refer to our Car Inspections in Oregon page.

OR Driver's License/ID Cards

Once you move to Oregon, you'll need to transfer your out-of-state driver's license to the state. You'll need to visit your local OR DMV office, surrender your current driver's license, pay the required licensing fee, and provide any other required documents.

You may also need to pass the vision, written, and driving exam. See our Applying for a New Driver's License page for more information.

NOTE: If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), follow the instructions on our Applying for a CDL page.

If you're a teenager, you will be eligible for an Oregon driver's license as long as you meet all of the requirements of the state's graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program. Check out our Applying for a Teen Driver's License page for more information.

Identification Cards

If you don't need a driver's license just yet, you can apply for an identification card instead. Our Identification Cards in Oregon page explains what you need to bring with you to the DMV.

Organ Donor & Voter Registration

If you were on your previous state's organ donor registry, you'll need to register again in Oregon. Each state keeps its own registry and your details are not automatically forwarded when you move to a new state. To register now or to learn more about how donating your organs can save lives, visit our Organ Donation page.

Would you like to vote at the next election? If so, make sure you're registered to vote in Oregon before the deadline date. You can register once you officially become a resident, but remember, you won't be able to vote in your previous state. Visit our Voter Registration page for more information.

Military Members Stationed in Oregon

When it comes to Oregon's requirements for driver's licensing and vehicle registration, you may have a few exemptions if you're an active-duty military member. You'll find all the relevant information on our Drivers in the Military page.

DMV Office Locations & Manuals

When you're ready to head down to the DMV, our Office Finder will help you locate any office in the state.

Before hitting the road with your new OR driver's license, make sure you're aware of all the driving rules:

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review