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LicensePlates Oregon

Oregon Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Oregon?

Oregon issues two different short-term permits: a temporary registration permit under ORS 803.625 and a trip permit under ORS 803.600. Both allow operation on public roads until permanent plates are obtained.

Designated dealers issue temporary registration permits at the point of sale. Oregon DMV field offices, DMV agents, and certified dealers issue trip permits. The Oregon Corporation Commission is not involved in issuing these permits.

Both types of permits are paper documents. The temporary registration permit is placed inside the rear window according to OAR 735-032-0030. Trip permits must remain on the vehicle or accompany it.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Oregon?

Class Official Name Trigger Issuing Authority
Dealer Sale Temporary Registration Permit Purchase of a vehicle from a dealer Designated Dealer
Light Vehicle Light Vehicle Trip Permit Unregistered vehicle up to 10,001 lbs DMV or Dealer
Recreational Vehicle Recreational Vehicle Trip Permit Unregistered camper, trailer, or motorhome DMV
Heavy Motor Vehicle Heavy Motor Vehicle Trip Permit Unregistered vehicle over 10,000 lbs DMV
Heavy Trailer Heavy Trailer Trip Permit Unregistered trailer over 8,000 lbs with load DMV

The temporary registration permit cannot be extended or reissued according to OAR 735-150-0060. DMV limits the light vehicle trip permit to two per vehicle within any 12-month period.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Oregon?

  • A designated dealer must issue a temporary registration permit upon delivery for each unregistered vehicle sold pending permanent plates from DMV.
  • A buyer from a private party of an unregistered vehicle needs a light vehicle trip permit before operating it on Oregon roads.
  • Dealers use their own dealer plates for transport and demonstration according to ORS 822.040; a trip permit is not required for this.
  • An out-of-state buyer removing an unregistered vehicle from Oregon must obtain a trip permit matching the vehicle’s weight class.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Oregon?

  1. Gather the vehicle identification number, proof of insurance, and identification.
  2. For a dealer purchase, the dealer issues the temporary registration permit at the point of sale after collecting all title and registration fees.
  3. For a private sale or non-dealer situation, purchase a trip permit online through DMV2U or at any DMV field office.
  4. Pay the trip permit fee (see the section on fees below).
  5. Print the permit at home if purchased online, or receive it at the counter if purchased in person.
  6. Place the permit on or in the vehicle as directed.

The Oregon DMV trip permits page outlines each type of permit and its purchase options in detail.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Oregon?

Class Fee Automation / Add-on Who Pays
Temporary Registration Permit Free None Dealer covers costs
Light Vehicle Trip Permit $35.00 None Vehicle owner
Recreational Vehicle Trip Permit $35.00 None Vehicle owner
Heavy Motor Vehicle Trip Permit $43.00 None Vehicle owner
Heavy Trailer Trip Permit $10.00 None Vehicle owner

A dealer or towing company issuing a 10-day trip permit under ORS 803.600(2) charges $15.00 according to ORS 803.645, as currently published by the Oregon DMV.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Oregon?

Yes, for trip permits. The Oregon DMV sells trip permits directly through DMV2U.

DMV2U accepts credit and debit cards. The buyer prints the permit immediately after purchase. Waiting for mail delivery does not apply.

An in-person alternative is any Oregon DMV field office, where staff issue the permit at the counter. The temporary registration permit is available only through a designated dealer at the point of sale and cannot be purchased online or at a DMV office.

For a dealer purchase, the dealer handles the temporary registration permit; for all other situations, DMV2U is the fastest route.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Oregon?

Class Validity Mileage or Geographic Cap Extension
Temporary Registration Permit 90 consecutive days Statewide None
Light Vehicle Trip Permit 21 consecutive days Statewide Maximum 2 permits per 12 months
Recreational Vehicle Trip Permit Up to 10 days Statewide Maximum 10 days per 12 months
Heavy Motor Vehicle Trip Permit 10 consecutive days Statewide Can be repurchased as needed
Heavy Trailer Trip Permit 10 consecutive days Statewide Can be repurchased as needed

Operating after a permit expires or without any permit is a Class D traffic violation according to ORS 803.300. Misuse of a temporary registration permit carries the same classification according to ORS 803.635.

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