In Oregon, vehicle registrations must be renewed every year, not every two years. Your specific renewal month is based on the first letter of your last name. Residents of Multnomah County have an additional fee, but this county-specific charge is billed on a biennial (every two-year) cycle alongside the standard annual state registration renewal.
The core process is managed by the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV). You will receive a renewal notice by mail approximately 6-8 weeks before your expiration. The total cost is comprised of the standard state registration fee and, if applicable, the Multnomah County vehicle registration fee.
Standard State Registration Fee:
This is an annual charge. The base fee varies by vehicle type and age. For example, the registration fee for a standard passenger vehicle is around $122-$132 for two years, which breaks down to approximately $61-$66 per year. This fee is prorated if you register for a partial period.
Multnomah County Vehicle Registration Fee:
This is a separate, voter-approved fee for vehicles “domiciled” in Multnomah County, used for local transportation projects. It is charged on a two-year cycle.
- For cars and pickup trucks: $112 every two years.
- For motorcycles: $78 every two years.
This fee appears as a separate line item on your renewal notice in the years it is due. It is not an annual charge.
You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal through the Oregon DMV website is the fastest method, provided you have your renewal notice and meet the standard criteria (e.g., no changes to your address, vehicle, or insurance). The process requires proof of active insurance.
Renewal Month Schedule (Based on Last Name):
- A-F: January
- G-K: February
- L-R: March
- S-Z: April
There is a grace period until the end of your assigned month to renew without penalty. Driving with an expired registration can result in a traffic citation.
Your registration sticker and card are valid for two years, but the financial obligation to the state renews annually. The DMV’s biennial sticker issuance is for administrative convenience. Always check your renewal notice for the exact total due, as it will clearly itemize the annual state fee and the biennial county fee if applicable.
| Fee Component | Frequency | Approximate Cost (Example) | Notes |
|---|
| State Registration | Annual | $61-$66 per year | Varies by vehicle type/weight. Prorated. |
| Multnomah County Fee | Biennial (Every 2 Years) | $112 (Cars/Trucks) / $78 (Motorcycles) | Only for vehicles domiciled in Multnomah County. |
