TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
Oregon State Driver License
Newcomers must apply for an Oregon driver license at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office as soon as possible after establishing permanent residency. New residents with a valid out-of-state license must provide two additional pieces of proof of identification as well as proof of Oregon residency. They must also pass the driver knowledge test, the vision screening, and pay the fees based on the class of license and endorsements.
The minimum age for a licensed driver is 16, although restrictions apply. Teenagers must pass an approved driver safety course or drive with a permit for six months and complete 50 hours of supervised training. The DMV may waive the driving test for newcomers with a valid out-of-state license, although you will be required to relinquish that license upon issue of an Oregon license. For further information, contact:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Oregon Department of Transportation
Salem, OR 503-945-5000
www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv
DMV Field Office Locations
Information 503-299-9999
www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/offices
Note: Express offices offer limited services and do not give knowledge tests, driving tests, or VIN inspections.
Oregon Vehicle Registration
Oregon requires that newcomers register and title their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency in the state. New residents must complete the Application for Title and Registration, the VIN verification process, and pay applicable fees. In metro Portland, vehicles that are 1975 models or newer are required to pass emissions testing as part of the registration requirement. This includes cars, truck, vans, motor homes, and buses powered by gasoline or alternative fuels with a manufacturer’s gross weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. For complete information on emissions testing in Oregon, contact the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) headquarters:
Oregon DEQ
Portland, OR 503-229-5696
Statewide Toll Free 800-452-4011
www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Mandatory Insurance
Driving without the state’s guidelines for minimum insurance coverage is against the Oregon state law. Coverage encompasses bodily injury and property damage liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage. You must show proof of insurance when registering a vehicle and also when purchasing a light vehicle trip permit. Oregon law requires that you carry proof of your insurance in the vehicle at all times. For details, contact the DMV or visit the website page:
Oregon Accident
& Insurance Information
503-299-9999
www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV
