Remove Your Old License Plates
If you are the seller, remove the license plates from the car before you hand it over to the buyer. You can transfer your license plates between vehicles the vehicles are the same class. For example, you can transfer a motorcycle license plate to another motorcycle, but you cannot transfer it to a car. Otherwise, you can dispose of them or surrender them in person to the OR DMV office or mailing them to: DMV 1905 Lana Ave. NE, Salem, OR. 97314.
If you are the buyer, make sure that the seller removes their old plates before you take possession of the car. It's against the law to drive a car with the previous owner's plates. You will also have the option to transfer license plates from a previously OR registered vehicle onto your new vehicle. See the information provided above in the seller’s section. Keep your bill of sale and sellers title with you in order to prove ownership.
Obtain Temporary Operating Permits
As the buyer, you'll need to get temporary operating permits in order to drive the car while you wait for the new plates. You can get these permits at a DMV office, and they're valid for 21 days. Make sure to bring the vehicle title, proof of insurance, and $34 payment for the permit fee.
Complete the DMV Title Transfer
Visit your local DMV office and make sure to bring the vehicle title, bill of sale, and payment for the registration and title fee. The DMV will calculate any taxes due at the time of registration.The DMV will issue new plates for the car.
Attach the New License Plates
Once you have received the new plates, attach them to the front and back of the car. Make sure you attach the month and year sticker to the license plate on the back of your vehicle. This will display when your registration expires. You can choose to either attach them yourself or have a professional do it for you.
License Plate Fees
In Oregon, the cost of license plates varies depending on the type of vehicle and the length of time for which the plates are valid. Standard plates for a passenger vehicle are $25.50 for a one-year registration period, but can vary based on the year of the vehicle. Taxes will also be added at the time of transaction. If you are choosing to transfer your plates, you’;ll pay a $6 fee plus any other standard registration and taxes. Personalized plates, specialty plates, and other types of plates may have additional fees.
Conclusion
Transferring license plates is an important part of buying or selling a car in Oregon. Remember to remove the old plates, obtain temporary operating permits, complete the title transfer at the DMV, and attach the new plates once you have received them. With these steps, you can ensure that your transaction is completed smoothly and legally. For more information, check out the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services website.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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