Resources
Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

Oregon

as a non-US resident

Oregon
Address requirements
Proof of Oregon residency must be provided to register a vehicle in Oregon. An income tax return filed with the Oregon Department of Revenue is acceptable proof. If you do not have a copy of your Oregon income tax form, acceptable alternative documents include a property tax record, utility bills, or educational enrollment records.
Identity requirements
A valid, current government-issued photo ID.
Average cost to own a vehicle
0.5% of the vehicle's value
Plus registration fees of:
$205

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

Oregon address required to own a vehicle in Oregon.

Proof of Residency at Address

Proof of Oregon residency must be provided to register a vehicle in Oregon. An income tax return filed with the Oregon Department of Revenue is acceptable proof. If you do not have a copy of your Oregon income tax form, acceptable alternative documents include a property tax record, utility bills, or educational enrollment records.

Identity

A valid, current government-issued photo ID.

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
  • Sales tax
  • Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

0.5% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$205

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Biennial emissions inspection required for Portland and Medford metro areas. Oregon DMV personnel must verify the vehicle’s VIN if not previously registered in Oregon.

There are 38 states that

Don't require proof of residency.

There are 21 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.

There are 7 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.

Montana is the only US state that

Allows non-residents to register vehicles through a company.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.

Want an easier way?

Let visitor.us register your vehicle in Montana, which has:
• No US driver's license requirement
• No vehicle inspection requirement
• No sales tax (purchase your vehicle in any US state)
West Coast

How to register a vehicle in other states in the region

How to register a vehicle in Alaska as a non-US resident

Alaska

How to register a vehicle in Alaska as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in California as a non-US resident

California

How to register a vehicle in California as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Hawaii as a non-US resident

Hawaii

How to register a vehicle in Hawaii as a non-US resident
How to register a vehicle in Washington as a non-US resident

Washington

How to register a vehicle in Washington as a non-US resident

Let's Get You on the Road

We make US vehicle ownership easy so you can enjoy your visit.