Oregon License Plates

From standard plates to special interest plates, Jerry has everything you need to know about Oregon’s license plates.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
In Oregon, most people go with the standard license plates. Some drivers qualify for veteran plate options or special plates, including special interest plates. There are several options and you’ll need to see what you are eligible for and which appeals to you the most. 
Sure, license plates act as an identification number, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add some personality to them. Certain people can apply for a special license plate, whereas any driver can choose from a variety of plate backgrounds. 
Don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed with plate options. Car insurance
super app
and license plate expert
Jerry
will guide you through the ins and outs of license plates in Oregon. We’ll go over the different types, which ones are the most eye-catching, and how you can get an Oregon license plate for your car. 
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever

What are Oregon license plates and why do I need them?

Plain and simple, license plates provide ID for your car. They serve a crucial role in society. For instance, if you’re in an accident, license plates can help with the process of determining who’s at fault. They are also imperative to help police officers locate stolen vehicles.
According to the
Oregon DMV
, you must have one or two plates and they must be displayed on your vehicle. If you are assigned one plate, it must be installed on the back of your vehicle. One plate is usually issued to:
  • Special interest vehicles
  • Mopeds
  • Motorcycles
  • Antique vehicles
  • Campers
  • Trailers 
Two plates will be assigned to all other vehicles. It’s important to note that no driver can alter their plates or have a frame that covers any of the info.

What license plates does Oregon have?

Oregon license plates fall into
two main categories
  • Standard plates: These are the most common and offer a ton of background options, including Oregon Masonic Family, Share the Road, Crater Lake, Wine Country, and more.  
  • Special plates: Special plates let people boast about their antique vehicles, racing activity vehicle, and more. 
  • This category also includes special interest plates. These plates display a driver’s support for causes or their military service (including proof of awarded medals). 

Standard license plates

The standard plate features a lovely tree between the characters of the plate. There is no additional fee for this plate.
If you want a different background for your plate, Oregon offers a ton of choices. Here are a few, and we’ve included their additional fees in parentheses:
  • Oregon State University (used: $32 / new: $64)
  • Gray Whale ($40)
  • Smokey Bear ($40)
  • The NBA’s Trailblazers ($40)
  • UOAA Ducks ($40)
  • Watch for Wildlife ($40)
  • Cultural ($50)
  • Pacific Wonderland ($100)
Browse through the options to find the one you like the best for your car! 
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever

Special license plates

In most cases, you must qualify for these plates:
  • Disabled Veteran: You will have to provide proof that you have a disability that’s connected to your military service. You must also complete the
    Application for Disabled Veteran Plates
  • Ex-POW: You will have to provide your qualifying POW status and complete the
    Ex-POW certification
  • Veteran Plate Options: These include First Marine Division FM, Gold Star Family, Purple Heart recipient, Veteran’s Recognition,and more. 
  • Amateur (HAM) Radio Operator: You will have to complete and submit the Application for
    Amateur Radio Operator Registration Plates form
  • Antique Vehicle: To obtain this plate, you will need to maintain your vehicle as a collector’s item. You will have to complete the
    Antique Vehicle Declaration form
    .  
  • Special Interest Vehicle: To get one of these plates, your vehicle will have to be maintained as a collector’s item, at least 25 years old, and sanctioned as a special interest by a qualified organization or it must be a street rod, a high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle or a racing vehicle. 
  • National Guard: You will need to provide proof that you are an active member of the Oregon National Guard.You can do so by contacting your unit commander to obtain Form 4309. 

How do I get an Oregon license plate?

Getting an Oregon license plate isn’t a very difficult process. To apply for a new Oregon plate, you should review one of these two guides:
You need to have all the required
certificate of title
documents and fees. You can apply by mail to:
DMV Services, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem OR 97314
You can also book an appointment at your local DMV office to complete your transaction.
To renew or replace your plates:
  • Apply online on
    DMV2U
    for most plates  
  • Log in and locate your vehicle under “replace your license plate” 
  • Follow the instructions
  • If you are unable to renew or replace your plates, simply follow the instructions below or contact your local DMV.
You might have to apply by mail. To do so, complete the application and mail it along with a check or money order to:
DMV Services, 1905 Lana Ave NE,
Salem
OR 97314
It’s recommended to confirm that your application needs to be mailed before you do this.

How to customize your car insurance for savings in Oregon

Picking a new license plate with a colourful background is great and all, but what you really need is to save money on your car insurance.
Jerry
, the insurance shopping super app, is your best bet to finding cheaper rates. We’re already helping our customers save an average of over $800 on their car insurance!
After downloading the
trustworthy super app
, take 45 seconds to sign up, and then let Jerry work its magic. We’ll find you the most affordable rates by leveraging our network of some of the nation’s top insurers. 
Switching providers with Jerry means you’ve joined over two million customers who have found better and cheaper
car insurance
by using Jerry!
 “When using
Jerry
, I was impressed at how their representative took care of my situation. He was so knowledgeable about my state’s insurance laws!” —Rabi B. 
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings (100% Free)
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store

FAQs

icon
Compare Car Insurance Quotes For Free
Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.
rating primary
4.7/5
Rating on App Store
Start saving money!
12,000+ Reviews
Trusted by 3.5M car owners like you

You might also be interested

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings — it's 100% free
Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year!)
Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.
Get quotes
Jerry App
15k Ratings
Close Signup Banner