Oregon License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Oregon License Plates
When you want to look up specific publicly accessible information about a vehicle in Oregon, a license plate lookup can be done. Certain information specific to a vehicle can be viewed, such as the vehicle model, color, and year of manufacture. This information can be accessed via the Driver and Motor Vehicle division of the Oregon Department of Transportation. However, for privacy reasons, the Oregon DMV only allows authorized individuals, such as law enforcement, to access motor vehicle records maintained with the department.
Still, you can access public vehicle information by using a third-party license plate lookup service. GoodCar, a third-party license plate lookup service provider, allows users of its service to look up license plates. You can perform a license plate lookup via any of the following methods:
License Plates
Using the license plate number is the quickest means to conduct a license plate lookup. The license plate has an imprinted serial that can be provided in the search field on the GoodCar license plate lookup webpage to obtain results. Ensure you select Oregon in the state field in order to limit search results to vehicles registered in the state. Although you will only get basic vehicle information, such as vehicle model, make, year of manufacture, and registration status, from a free search, you can opt for a paid plan on GoodCar’s website for a comprehensive result, including information such as salvage history and accident history.
VIN
While the Vehicle Identification number, called the VIN, has a longer serial (17 digits) compared to license plate serials, you can still use it to look up vehicle information. The VIN can be imprinted on the driver-side door jamb, the bottom corner of the windshield, or inside the owner’s manual. You need the correct VIN to perform a lookup on a third-party site. Once you have the current VIN, input it on the GoodCar VIN search field, select Oregon in the state field, and click on the search button. The search results will be similar to that displayed by providing the license plate serial, but the VIN is more difficult to obtain and to input than a license plate number, making it less popular.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Oregon?
There are many benefits to performing a license plate lookup. A license plate lookup can help you obtain a critical vehicle history if you are buying a used car. By verifying a vehicle's accident history, title status, and other information available via a comprehensive vehicle history report, you can make informed decisions about a car.
If you are looking to obtain more information about a vehicle, it may be better to use a license plate rather than the VIN. While searches using either option return similar results, license plate numbers are shorter than VINs and are more easily accessible.
License plate numbers are typically 6-character serials, while VINs are 17-digit characters. This makes a license plate lookup quicker to complete, especially in emergency scenarios. Also, license plates are affixed to the rear or front of vehicles and can be easily accessed. On the other hand, VINs may be located on the engine firewall, underneath the front chassis, or inside the driver-side door jamb. Hence, it may require more time to determine the VIN than a license plate number.
What Can You Get Out of a Oregon License Plate Lookup?
A lot of vehicle information can be readily accessed via an Oregon license plate lookup. Usually, you will only get basic information from a simple search, as third-party sites require a subscription or payment to view comprehensive vehicle reports.
Vehicle Records
Getting access to a vehicle's detailed vehicle records is important when doing an Oregon license plate lookup. The records contain information on odometer readings, rebuilt records, accident history, theft alerts, lien information, salvage history, and other potential issues associated with a vehicle.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
Cars with branded titles and a checkered history can put vehicle buyers at risk. Many such vehicles no longer carry any warranty, as they have been written off at some point due to issues like theft, flood, fire, or collision. Therefore, a license plate lookup can avoid issues that may be associated with branded titles.
Tracing a Vehicle’s History for Used Car Purchases with Oregon Plate Checks
By performing a license plate lookup, you can verify that the vehicle has not been reported stolen elsewhere and can avoid potential issues with law enforcement if you buy the car.
Why Choose GoodCar for Oregon Plate Lookups?
Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.
Oregon License Plates
Oregon license plates are issued by the Driver and Motor Vehicles division of the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Mopeds, campers, motorcycles, antique vehicles, and special interest vehicles are issued one license plate to be affixed to the rear of the vehicles. Other vehicles not in the listed category must have two license plates. Typically, Oregon license plates measure 6 inches in height and 12 inches in length. The Oregon DMV issues license plates in different categories.
Standard Issue License Plates
The standard-issue license plate in Oregon is rectangular with a tree design at the center. The plate shows the evergreen conifer species Douglas Fir in the middle. It has "Oregon" printed in dark blue at the center top and its serial printed in dark blue. The serial is screened on a mountain skyline with a light blue sky in the background.
Personalized License plates
Oregon personalized plates are licensed plates customized by customers with the serials printed on them a combination of numbers and letters chosen by the individual requesting the plates. The Oregon DMV outlines specific regulations for personalized plates to be approved for production. For instance, the combination of numbers and letters chosen by a requester must not be offensive or refer to illegal acts. You may contact the Oregon DMV's customer assistance line at (503) 945-5000 or (503) 299-9999 for more inquiries on personalized license plates.
Specialty License Plates
Special plates are issued to charitable groups, organizations, or other societies or communities. Such groups are allowed to have a unique style or plate design. Examples include the National Guard, the University of Oregon, Pacific Wonderland, and Watch for Wildlife.
How to Get a
License Plate in Oregon
The Oregon DMV issues a license plate after you complete the titling and registration process for your vehicle at a DMV location. Individuals living in a DEQ area must complete a DEQ emissions test prior to completing a vehicle titling and registration process. License plate fees vary depending on the type of license plate required, county of residence, and vehicle type. The fees for Oregon license plates are outlined in the standard plate and registration fees for passenger vehicle plates and other vehicle types.
Oregon allows the transfer of license plates to another vehicle if both vehicles are the same type, the license plate is readable, and the plate style has not been discontinued by the DMV. A license plate transfer typically costs $30.
OR License Plate Renewal
An Oregon license plate is renewed when the vehicle registration is renewed. This renewal process can be completed by mail, at a local DMV office, or online. An online renewal can be completed online via the DMV2U portal of the Department of Transportation. Note that if the DEQ on your vehicle renewal notice is marked "Yes", you must first pass an emissions test before renewing your vehicle registration.
To complete a renewal by mail, submit a completed application and the appropriate fee (paid by check or money order made out to the DMV) to:
DMV Services
Attn: Renewal
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314
You can renew your license in person at your local DMV office. Bring your completed application and payment (check, credit or debit card, or money order) to the office.
OR License Plate Replacement
Lost or stolen Oregon license plates can be replaced by the DMV. An application for an Oregon license plate renewal can be online on the DMV2U portal or by mail. To apply for a plate renewal by mail, submit a completed application form and pay the required fees by check or money order made out to the DMV to:
DMV Service
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314
Frequently Asked Questions about
Oregon License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up OR License Plates for Free?
You can look up Oregon license plates for free on the GoodCar website. You will only get a basic report with a free search. You must pay a minimal fee if you want a more comprehensive report containing salvage history, odometer history, and other detailed information.
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Can I Use Oregon License Plate Lookup Services to Find Out About a Vehicle’s Accident History?
Yes, you can use Oregon license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle’s accident history. For example, using GoodCar, you can look up a vehicle's history, including accidents, odometer readings, and brand title status, to determine whether it is worth purchasing.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Oregon?
Before applying for a vanity license plate, you must first check for its availability online. To do that:
- Visit the Oregon DMV2U portal
- Under the ‘Vehicle Title & Registration’ section, select ‘Order a new plate.’
- Click the ‘Custom Plate Search’ section and select ‘Check custom plate availability.’
After confirming the availability of the plate, you can continue on the portal to apply for a vanity plate online.
Alternatively, if you prefer a paper application, submit a completed custom plate application and the vehicle title or registration document to your local Oregon DMV office or by mail to
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem OR 97314Note that you will be required to pay an annual $50 fee for a vanity plate. This fee is exclusive of the standard plate fee, registration fee, and another applicable surcharge for a special plate background.
The processing time for an Oregon vanity plate is approximately 6-8 weeks. If you need further help applying for a vanity plate, call the Oregon DMV’s customer assistance phone number at (503) 945-5000 or (503) 299-9999 (Portland).