
Replacing your vehicle's registration tags (stickers) in Oregon costs a flat $12 for the set. If you need both the metal license plates and the new tags replaced together, the total fee is $26 for a standard two-plate vehicle. This fee breaks down to $13 for the pair of plates plus the $12 for the stickers. For vehicles like trailers that only require one plate, the replacement cost would be $13 (for the single plate) + $12 (for the tag), totaling $25.
The process is handled by the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV). It's crucial to differentiate between the tags (the annual registration stickers) and the physical license plates. The $12 fee is specifically for replacing lost, damaged, or stolen stickers. If your plates are also in poor condition or missing, you must replace both. These are the state's standard fees, but there is a significant county-specific exception.
Residents of Multnomah County are subject to an additional local vehicle registration fee. For passenger vehicles, this is a $112 fee for a two-year registration period. This fee is separate from and in addition to any replacement costs for tags or plates. Always account for this if your vehicle is registered in Portland or the surrounding Multnomah County area.
You have two main options to complete your replacement request: in-person at a local Oregon DMV office or by mail. The mail-in option requires you to fill out the appropriate application form, which can be downloaded from the official Oregon DMV website. Processing and delivery times will vary, so if you need the tags urgently, an office visit is the faster choice.
Payment methods are typically flexible, including cash, check, money order, or debit/ cards. However, it's wise to verify accepted payment types for mail-in applications or at your specific DMV office beforehand. Keep in mind that these fees are for replacement only; they do not cover your annual registration renewal, which is a separate transaction with its own cost.
To summarize clearly:
| Item Being Replaced | Standard State Fee (2-plate vehicle) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Tags (Stickers) Only | $12 | For lost, faded, or stolen stickers. |
| License Plates & Tags Together | $26 | Includes $13 for two new plates + $12 for stickers. |
| Additional Multnomah County Fee | $112 (for 2 years) | Applies to passenger vehicles registered in Multnomah County. |

I just went through this last month after my parking permit sticker covered the renewal tab. The damage wasn’t my fault, but I still had to pay. The DMV clerk told me it’s a flat $12 to get two new year stickers mailed out. Whole thing took about ten minutes at the counter. If your actual metal plate is bent or peeling, they’ll make you replace that too—that’s more expensive. Mine was fine, so I was in and out for just the twelve bucks. Just bring your current registration card or your plate number.

Let’s break this down simply, because the DMV’s wording can be confusing. The “tag” is just the sticky decal with the year on it. The “plate” is the big metal rectangle. If you only need new decals, you pay $12. If you need a new metal plate (or two), you pay for the plate itself plus the new decals. For most cars, that’s $13 for two plates plus $12 for decals, totaling $26.
You can do this by mail or in person. I recommend the DMV office if you can; you get the new decals right there. If you mail it in, you’re without a valid tag until the new one arrives. Don’t forget the Multnomah County fee if you live there—that’s a big extra charge on top of everything else, but it’s for your registration, not the replacement itself. The key is knowing exactly what you need to replace before you go.

As a college student in Eugene, my budget is tight. I lost one of my registration stickers when I was cleaning my windshield. I was worried it would be a huge fee, but I checked the Oregon DMV site. It clearly said replacement stickers are $12. I didn't have to replace the plate. I downloaded the form, mailed a check, and got the new sticker in about ten days. It was a relief. Just make sure you’re only paying for what you actually need. If it's just the sticker, it's an affordable fix. Always double-check the official site so you know the exact cost before you go or mail anything in.

My perspective comes from helping several neighbors sort this out. The cost is straightforward, but people often get tripped up on the process. First, identify what's missing: is it the paper tab (the tag/sticker) or the entire metal license plate? $12 for the tab, $26 for plate and tab together. Second, know your county. Multnomah County adds a separate $112 fee every two years, but that's for registration, not a replacement penalty.
Third, choose your method. Going to the DMV office gives you immediate proof of application, which is useful if you get pulled over while waiting for mail. When mailing, use a trackable method and keep a copy of everything. The DMV won't rush it for you. Finally, pay with a money order if mailing—it’s more secure than a personal check. The system works if you follow the steps precisely and provide exactly what the forms ask for.


