License Plate Lookup in Oregon
An Oregon license plate lookup involves using a vehicle's license plate number to search the vehicle information. This search reveals details about a car and the individual assigned the license plate number. The information retrieved from an Oregon license plate lookup can also help potential vehicle buyers negotiate on price and prevent them from purchasing a stolen car.
A license plate lookup reveals the odometer readings, model, year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), mileage, inspection, weather damage, and accident history of a vehicle. It can also retrieve selected Oregon traffic records, a car's repair history, recalls, and title information. To get information on a vehicle in Oregon or the person registered to its license plate number, an individual can speak to law enforcement or hire a private investigator. Alternatively, they can file an official request at the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) of the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT).
Various online tools provide free license plate lookup for searching license plates registered in Oregon. However, the information returned by free license plate lookup services is usually limited. It does not include confidential information like license plate transfer to a different vehicle or a driver's detailed criminal history. Also, a free license plate lookup in Oregon may not return completely accurate data. Conversely, paid license plate lookup services provide valid and reliable information on a vehicle or its owner.
What is an Oregon License Plate?
A license plate is a metal or plastic with numbers and letters inscription displayed publicly on a motor vehicle indicating that it is registered with authorities of the state listed on it. Section 803.525 of the Oregon Revised Statutes requires the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue two license plates to every registered vehicle. However, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, campers, vehicles of special interest, and antique vehicles are given one license plate each. Section 803.540 of the Oregon Revised Statutes requires vehicle owners to display their license plates at the rear and front of their vehicles. If one license plate is required, it must be displayed at the vehicle's rear. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) issues different categories of license plates, including:
- Antique license plates: This license plate is issued to persons whose vehicles are older than half the number of years between the year the license plate was issued and 1900.
- Bus license plates: These are for buses used in transporting people and luggage for commercial purpose.
- Dealer license plates: These types of license plates are issued to car dealers with valid business licenses. It is given to the business, not a specific vehicle, and displays the business license number.
- Custom license plates: These types of license plates allow vehicle owners to choose letter or number combinations for their license plate. The Oregon DMV must first approve any configuration they choose.
- Disabled veteran license plates: These are for veterans with service-related disabilities.
- Ex-pow license plates: These are issued to people who qualify as former prisoners of war.
- Farm license plates: These are for motor vehicles used for farm operations.
- For-rent license plates: These are for pneumatic tire-equipped trailers for hire.
- Government exempt license plates: These are for publicly owned vehicles in Oregon used by the state, city, or county authorities.
- Governor license plates: These license plates are reserved for Oregon governors.
- Gold star family license plates: These are license plates issued to family members of persons killed in action while serving in the US army.
- Heavy fixed load license plates: These license plates are for vehicles weighing over 3,000 pounds, excluding trailers, tow trucks, farm equipment, and self-propelled cranes.
- Heavy trailer license plates: These license plates are for trailers weighing over 8,000 pounds.
- Low-speed vehicle license plates: These are given to four-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed between 20 and 25 miles per hour.
- Medium-speed vehicle license plates: These types of license plates are for four-wheeled electric motor vehicles with a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.
- Motorhome license plates: These are for vehicles used as homes or motor vehicles with campers or travel trailers permanently attached to them.
- Special interest license plates: These are given to vehicles that have existed for at least 25 years and are maintained as a collector's item and used strictly for club activities, exhibitions, and parades.
- Transporter license plates: These are issued to certified transporters in Oregon who drive unregistered vehicles from dealers or manufacturers to prospective buyers.
- National guard license plates: These are for members of the Oregon National Guard.
- Passenger license plates: The DMV issues these license plates to owners of passenger vehicles.
- School bus license plates: These are given to buses used to transport school children between their homes and school and other school activities.
- Secretary of State license plates: These are license plates reserved for the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Speaker of the House license plates: These license plates are given to the Oregon Speaker of House.
How Do I Get a License Plate in Oregon?
To obtain a license plate in Oregon, a vehicle owner can apply to the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) by mail, online, or in person. A license plate applicant in Oregon must:
- Complete an Application for Title and Registration Form.
- Provide relevant documentation, including the vehicle's original manufacturer's certificate of origin, odometer disclosure, original sale agreement, and proof of residency in Oregon. Acceptable proofs of residency include state tax return documents, utility bills, property tax records, rental or lease agreement, and Oregon voter registration card.
- Provide evidence of passing their vehicles emissions test, if applicable.
- Complete a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection and pay a $7 VIN inspection fee.
- Pay the required title and registration fees.
- Pay a $24.5 license plate fee for a two-plated vehicle or $12 for a one-plated vehicle.
Persons applying by mail should send all the required documents and fees to:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314
The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) advises license plate applicants to keep copies of all the documents they send. An in-person applicant should schedule an appointment with the DMV office and provide all the required documents and fees on the day appointed. The DMV also provides the DMV2U portal for vehicle owners in Oregon to apply for license plates online.
Passenger License Plates vs Commercial License Plates
Passenger license plates are tagged on motor vehicles, including vans, cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks used in transporting people for non-business purposes. On the other hand, commercial license plates are tagged on vehicles meant for business purposes. Section 801.210 of the Oregon Revised Statutes defines commercial vehicles as:
- Cars used to transport persons for monetary compensation
- Vehicles used primarily for transporting property
To get a passenger license plate in Oregon, a vehicle owner should follow the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) guide and pay the required fees. To obtain a commercial license plate in Oregon, a vehicle owner should complete the Oregon Commercial Registration Application Form. The completed form and fees should be submitted to the Commerce and Compliance Division of the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT).
How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Oregon?
To check the owner of a vehicle in Oregon, a person can use a free license plate lookup tool online. Alternatively, they can order license plate records from the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) for a fee. However, personal information such as the car owner's name, address, and phone number is usually withheld. Any information obtained from such search can be run through online resources like phone number lookup tools to retrieve information on the vehicle owner.
Third-party aggregate sites are a reliable alternative for obtaining license plate information. These sites are maintained by independent establishments which collate the information from government-run repositories. Obtaining records from these sites often proves substantially easier than government alternatives. However, requestors may be required to provide any information required to facilitate the record search and pay any required fees to access the record of interest.
Oregon License Plate Renewal
The Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) renews vehicle license plates in Oregon. Oregon license plates are valid for two years. The DMV mails license plate renewal notices to car owners 45 to 60 days before their existing license plates expire. Car owners can renew their license plates via either of the following channels:
-
Online: Persons renewing online should use the DMV2U online portal and provide their:
- License plate number
- Renewal access code provided in their renewal notice
- Renewal fee
The processing time for online license plate renewal in Oregon is between 3 to 7 working days.
-
Mail: To renew a license plate by mail in Oregon, a vehicle owner must provide:
- A completed application form
- DEQ emissions test result, if applicable
- Renewal fee
Applicants using this option should mail the required fees (as money orders or checks) and documents to:
Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314
Oregon license plate renewal by mail takes about six weeks. However, the DMV advises applicants to wait up to seven weeks before canceling their checks.
Can You Look Up License Plates with VIN?
Yes, VINs can be used to lookup license plates. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) assigns license plate numbers to all registered vehicles. The registration documents carry a unique VIN, which is linked to the registered license plate in Oregon public vehicle records.
VIN Number Lookup
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifying number stamped on a vehicle. Anyone can conduct a VIN lookup using available free online tools. Oregon VIN lookups can reveal a vehicle's manufacturer information, mileage, sale history, and market value. VINs can be found on a car's engine, dash, and driver's side door pillar.
Can Civilians Lookup License Plates in Oregon?
Yes. Any civilian who is eligible can look up license plates in Oregon using a platform that offers this service. Residents look up license plates for various reasons, such as researching a used car they wish to buy. Some information that might be provided during a license plate search includes the owner's details, title verification, and the vehicle's history.
What Do Police See When They Run Your Plates in Oregon?
When the police run a license plate, the law enforcement officer gets access to information about the vehicle and the owner. The officer can see the details of the car, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make of the car, the type of car, and the registration status (expired or not).
The officer can also see who the car is registered to and whether the vehicle is insured or not. Law enforcement officers are legally permitted to run license plates if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime. Police officers may also run license plates to confirm if a car is stolen or if the driver has outstanding warrants.
Free License Plate Lookup in Oregon
The Oregon Judicial Department provides a free online records search tool that may be used for license plate lookups in connection to cases. Interested parties can quickly search using a known name or case number. Requesters can also filter results for a specific location. Drivers can search using a booking number, business name, or filing date. In addition to this, residents may also be able to conduct searches using third-party non-government platforms that offer this service.
How to Search for Ticket by License Plate in Oregon
Residents can search for tickets by license plate using an online search tool provided by the Oregon Judicial Department. Searches can be conducted using the license plate as a cross-reference number.
Drivers can also conduct searches using the alphanumeric citation number printed on the ticket. Search results provide different information, such as the date the ticket was issued, the type of ticket, and whether the ticket has been paid or is still pending.
