Oregon license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plate to a newly acquired vehicle. Oregon plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed through the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com. Oregon is a rear-plate-only state. Oregon has no state sales tax on vehicle purchases.
Plate Transfer Eligibility
Does Oregon allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Oregon allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove your plate and transfer it to your new vehicle through the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com.
Transfer Process
How do you transfer a license plate in Oregon?
Plate transfers are processed through the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com.
- Remove your plate from the vehicle you are selling. Oregon plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller must sign the title over with all liens released.
- Visit the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com with all required documents.
- Pay the transfer fee and any applicable registration and tax fees on the new vehicle.
- Receive updated registration for the new vehicle using your transferred plate.
Required Documents
What documents do you need to transfer a plate in Oregon?
Have these ready before visiting the DMV or starting the online process.
- Valid Oregon driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, signed by the seller with all liens released for private purchases
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration for the plate you are transferring
- The physical license plate
- Proof of current Oregon liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for the transfer fee and applicable registration and tax fees
Transfer Fees
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in Oregon?
The vehicle sales or excise tax on the new vehicle purchase is typically the largest cost component. The plate transfer fee itself is modest.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Contact the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com for the current fee |
| State sales tax on new vehicle | None - Oregon has no state sales tax |
| Vehicle use tax (for out-of-state purchases) | 0.5% of the purchase price |
| Biennial registration fee (passenger vehicle) | Varies by weight and type - typically $122 to $252 for two years |
Specialty and Personalized Plates
Can you transfer a personalized or specialty plate in Oregon?
Oregon specialty and personalized plates can generally be transferred to a new vehicle. Contact the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com for current procedures and any additional fees.
Old Registration
What happens to the old registration when you transfer a plate in Oregon?
When you sell your vehicle and remove your plate, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers the vehicle and pays the applicable fees. Remove your plate before the buyer takes possession.
Third-Party Transfers
Can you transfer a license plate to someone else in Oregon?
No. Oregon plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles. When selling, remove your plate and allow the buyer to register with new plate.
Plates and Vehicle Sales
Do Oregon plates stay with the vehicle or the owner when you sell a car?
Oregon plates stay with the owner. Remove your plate when selling your vehicle. Transfer your plate to your new vehicle through the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com.
Transfer Deadline
Is there a deadline to complete a plate transfer in Oregon?
Oregon requires new vehicle registration within 30 days of purchase or of establishing Oregon residency.
Surrendering Plates
What should you do if you do not want to transfer the plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may surrender your plate to the Oregon DMV at oregondmv.com or retain it for a future vehicle.