Moving to a new state involves several steps, and getting a new driver’s license is one of them. When moving to Oregon, here’s what you might need to know and do regarding getting a new driver’s license:

Getting a New Driver’s License in Oregon

1. Establishing Residency

Before applying for a driver’s license, establish your residency in Oregon, usually evidenced by an in-state address. You will need proof of address, such as utility bills or a lease agreement as well as your social security number. You must notify the DMV within 30 days of moving to the state.

2. Surrendering Your Previous License

• Typically, you will need to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license when you apply for an Oregon one.

3. Application Process

• Visit a DMV Office: Locate your nearest Oregon DMV office and ensure to check if an appointment is required.
• Documents: Bring proof of identity, residence, and legal presence in the United States.
• Vision Test: Most likely, you’ll need to pass a vision test.
• Knowledge Test: You may have to take a class C knowledge test, covering Oregon traffic laws. This test costs $5 to take.
• Driving Test: Some applicants might be required to take a road skills test (though this is not always the case for everyone, especially if you have a valid out-of-state license).
• Photograph: Your picture will be taken for the new license.

Registering Your Vehicle in Oregon

1. Inspection:

• Depending on your county, your vehicle might need to pass an emissions test before it can be registered.
• ​​Vehicle Testing Fee:
• In the Portland Area, the vehicle testing fee is $25. This fee is due only after your vehicle receives a passing test result, and is issued a Certificate of Compliance.
• There is no charge if your vehicle fails.

2. Visit Local DMV:

• Bring your out-of-state title and registration.
• If there’s a lien on the vehicle, you might need to request your lienholder to send the title to the Oregon DMV.

3. Documents:

• Provide proof of residency (such as a utility bill).
• Complete and submit an Application for Title and Registration.
• Proof of insurance is generally needed.

4. Fees:

• Pay the applicable vehicle registration fees ($77) and any county-specific fees.

5. Receive New Plates:

• After completing the process, you’ll receive Oregon license plates.

6. VIN Inspection:

• A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is usually required for out-of-state vehicles.

Car Insurance in Oregon

Oregon law requires drivers to have auto insurance. Below are the minimum coverage limits:

Minimum Insurance Requirements:

• Bodily Injury Liability:
  • $25,000 per person.
  • $50,000 per crash for injuries to others.
• Property Damage Liability:
  • $20,000 per crash.
• Personal Injury Protection:
  • $15,000 per person.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage:
  • $25,000 per person.
  • $50,000 per crash for bodily injury.

Strange Laws About Pumping Your Own Gas In Oregon

Traditional Law:

• Self-Service Prohibition: Historically, Oregon was known for prohibiting customers from pumping their own gas at gasoline stations across the entire state.

Revisions and Exceptions:

In recent years, there have been some revisions and exceptions to this rule:

• Rural Areas: In 2015, Oregon passed a law allowing self-service between 6 PM and 6 AM in rural areas (counties with a population of less than 40,000). This change aimed to ensure that motorists could access fuel during hours when a service station attendant might not be available.
• Expanded Self-Service: In 2018, further modifications to the law allowed for self-service refueling in rural areas at all hours, not just during the night, though not all gas stations in these areas have opted to allow self-service.

License & Registration Offices In Oregon

OREGON (Portland metro region)

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Oregon Department of Motor Vehicle Offices
Phone: 503-299-9999
Website: www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV

Location	Address
Beaverton	10280 SW Park Way
Gladstone	10 82nd Drive
Gresham	1519 NE 181st Avenue
Hillsboro	1300 SW Oak St Suite H
Lake Oswego	3 SW Monroe Parkway Suite D
McMinnville	2260 NE McDaniel Lane
Portland Downtown	1502 SW Sixth Avenue
Portland North	1186 N Hayden Meadows Drive
Portland Northeast	1836 NE 82nd Avenue
Portland Southeast	9910 SE Washington Street
Sandy	37395 Hwy 26
Sherwood	14240 SW Galbreath Drive

Tip: Oregon DMV offices only accept cash or checks. They do not accept credit or debit cards. However, the offices listed above offer an ATM in the lobby.

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Oregon DEQ Emissions Testing Stations
Phone: 503-229-5066
Website: www.deq.state.or.us

Location	Address
Clackamas	9350 SE Clackamas Road
Gresham	1200 SW Highland Drive
Portland Northeast	7701 NE 33rd Drive
Sherwood	14962 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road
Hillsboro	5130 NW Five Oaks Drive