Vehicle registration plates of Oregon

Last updated

Oregon
Oregon License Plate3.jpg
Current series
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial format123 ABC
IntroducedNovember 1989 (1989-11)
Availability
Issued by Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver & Motor Vehicle Services
Manufactured byIrwin-Hodson Company, Portland, Oregon
History
First issuedAugust 1, 1911 (1911-08-01)
(pre-state plates from 1905 through July 31, 1911)

The U.S. state of Oregon first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates. [1]

Contents

As of 2022, plates are issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation through its Driver & Motor Vehicle Services branch. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

Passenger baseplates

1911 to 1949

No slogans were used on passenger plates during the period covered by this subsection.

ImageDates issuedDesignSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1911Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; vertical "ORE" and "1911" at left and right respectively12341 to approximately 6200
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1912Embossed black serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "ORE" and "1912" at left and right respectively12341 to approximately 9999
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1913Black serial on silver plate; vertical "ORE" and "1913" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 14000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1914Debossed white serial on blue plate; vertical "ORE" and "1914" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 16500
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1915Debossed black serial on yellow plate; vertical "ORE" and "1915" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 22500
1916 Oregon license plate.jpg 1916Embossed white serial on dark red plate; vertical "ORE" and "1916" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 34000
1917 Oregon license plate.jpg 1917Embossed white serial on green plate; vertical "ORE" and "1917" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 49000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1918Embossed black serial on light blue plate; vertical "ORE" and "1918" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 70000
1919 Oregon license plate.jpg 1919Embossed black serial on orange plate; vertical "ORE" and "1919" at left and right respectively123451 to approximately 84000
1920 Oregon license plate.jpg 1920Embossed white serial on red plate; "ORE 1920" at right1234561 to approximately 104000
1921 Oregon Vehicle License Plate.jpg 1921Embossed white serial on green plate; "ORE 1921" at right1234561 to approximately 119000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1922Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ORE 1922" at right1234561 to approximately 135000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1923Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; "ORE 1923" at right1234561 to approximately 168000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1924Embossed white serial on red plate; "ORE 1924" at right123-4561 to approximately 197-000
1925 Oregon License plate.jpg 1925Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ORE 1925" at right123-4561 to approximately 220-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1926Embossed white serial on black plate; "ORE 1926" at right123-4561 to approximately 236-000
1927 Oregon License plate.jpg 1927Embossed white serial on black plate; "OREGON-1927" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 261-000First use of the full state name.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1928Embossed black serial on white plate; "OREGON-1928" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 256-000
1929 Oregon License plate.jpg January 1, 1929 
June 30, 1930
Embossed white serial on black plate; "OREGON-1929" at top123-4561 to approximately 330-000Validated from January 1 through June 30, 1930, with windshield sticker.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg July 1, 1930 
June 30, 1931
Embossed orange serial on black plate; "OREGON EXPIRES JUNE 30 1931" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 296-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg July 1, 1931 
June 30, 1932
Embossed white serial on black plate; "OREGON JUNE 30 1932" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 265-000
1933 OR license plate 2.jpg July 1, 1932 
June 30, 1933
Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "OREGON JUNE 30 1933" at top123-4561 to approximately 250-000
1933 Oregon license plate.jpg July 1 – December 31, 1933Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; "OREGON DEC. 31 1933" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 218-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1934Embossed black serial on gray plate with border line; "OREGON-1934" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 249-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1935Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "OREGON-1935" at top123-4561 to approximately 272-000
1936 Oregon License plate.jpg 1936Embossed black serial on silver plate with border line; "OREGON-1936" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 276-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1937Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "OREGON-1937" at top123-4561 to approximately 293-000
1938 Oregon license plate.jpg 1938Embossed black serial on silver plate with border line; "OREGON-1938" at top123-4561 to approximately 327-000
1939 Oregon license plate.jpg 1939Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "OREGON-1939" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 344-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1940Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "OREGON-1940" at top123-4561 to approximately 359-000
1941 Oregon license plate.JPG 1941Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "19 OREGON 41" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 390-000
1942 Oregon license plate.JPG 1942–45Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "19 OREGON 42" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 495-000Revalidated for 1943, 1944 and 1945 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II.
1946 Oregon Vehicle License Plate.jpg 1946Embossed black serial on gray plate with border line; "46 OREGON 46" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 480-000Only rear plates issued due to ongoing metal shortages. A windshield sticker was carried at the front of the vehicle.
1947 Oregon license plate.jpg 1947Embossed black serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "47 OREGON 47" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 458-000
1948 Oregon License plate.jpg 1948Embossed red serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "48 OREGON 48" at top123-4561 to approximately 511-000
1949 Oregon License Plate.jpg 1949Embossed black serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "19 OREGON 49" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 567-000

1950 to present

Some of Oregon's current license plate designs License plates (10728525246).jpg
Some of Oregon's current license plate designs

In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes. [2] The 1955 (dated 1956) issue was the first Oregon license plate that complied with these standards.

All plates from 1955 until present are still valid, provided they are displayed on the vehicle to which they were originally issued and the vehicle has been continuously registered.

ImageDates issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1950Embossed black serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; month of expiration, "OREGON" and "50" or "51" at topnone123-4561 to 710-000Monthly staggered registration introduced. Dated plates were generally issued to existing registrants, while all undated plates were issued to new registrants. All were revalidated with tabs each year until 1955.
1955 Oregon license plate.JPG 1951–54As above, but without "50" or "51"710-001 to approximately 995-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1955Embossed golden yellow serial on blue plate with border line; month of expiration, "OREGON" and "56" at topnone1A-1234Letter corresponds to month of expiration (see right)Letters A through M (excluding I) were used for January through December respectively, followed by letters N through Z (excluding O). All 1955–59 plates were revalidated with tabs each year until 1960 and with stickers thereafter, while all "Pacific Wonderland" plates were revalidated with stickers.
Oregon 1962 license plate - Number 8D-1403.jpg 1956–59As above, but without "56"
1963 Oregon license plate.jpg 1960–63As above, but with shorter dies for the serial, state name and month of expiration"PACIFIC WONDERLAND" at bottom
Oregon 1964-72 license plate with 1976 sticker - Number GGT 297.jpg 1964–73Embossed golden yellow serial on blue plate; border line around plate and around registration year sticker spot at bottom right; "OREGON" centered at bottom; month of expiration at bottom leftnoneABC 123First letter corresponds to month of expirationLetters A through M (excluding I) were used for January through December respectively.
1974 Oregon Passenger License Plate.jpg 1973–85Embossed blue serial on golden yellow plate; border line around plate and around registration year sticker spot at bottom right; "OREGON" centered at bottom; month of expiration at bottom leftnoneABC 123First letter corresponds to month of expirationSerials for each month continued from where the 1964–73 plates left off.
Oregon Passenger Plate - Gold Month Sticker.jpg 1985 
June
1988
As above, but without month of expiration and sticker spot border lineABC 123NAA 001 to PDM 999Month coding discontinued.
Oregon license plate, 1988-1989 series with July 1991 sticker.png July
1988 – November 1989
Embossed dark blue serial on mountain skyline with pale lavender mountains, light khaki sky and pale green Douglas Fir in the center; "Oregon" screened in pale blue centered at topnoneABC 123PDN 001 to QNL 999Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 1988 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first time Oregon was so honored.
Oregon 2006 license plate.jpg November 1989 – February 2004Embossed dark blue serial on mountain skyline with lavender mountains, light blue sky and dark green Douglas Fir in the center; "Oregon" screened in dark blue centered at topnoneABC 123QNM 001 to ZZZ 999Same design as previous, but with the colors changed in response to public criticism of the original colors. [3]
Oregon License Plate3.jpg February 2004 – present123 ABC001 BAA to 379 PPX (as of January 04, 2024)No change to design or colors. Formatting changed to numbers first. 'A' series of serials skipped to avoid confusion with optional Oregon Trail plates.

Optional plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Oregon Trail License Plate1.jpg Oregon Trail 1993–2000Black on blue, yellow and green background. Embossed serials.123 ABC001 AAA to 999 ASZFeatured a Covered Wagon print. Printing of plates to this design ceased in 1998, [4] but the design continued to be issued to vehicle owners requesting it until the supply of pre-printed plates ran out, circa early 2000. [5]
Oregon 2006 Original Salmon Passenger License Plate.jpg Salmon 1998–2021Dark blue on multicolored background. Embossed serials. Discontinued September 1, 2021.S/L 12345S/L 00001 to S/L 93326 (as of May 8, 2021)$30 surcharge supports the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and is charged at each renewal time (every two years). First available in February 1998, the Salmon design has been less popular than had been expected, and by 2002 had only raised about one-third as much revenue as originally predicted. [6]
2021–presentWhite on multicolored background. Surface-printed serials. Redesigned in 2021, released September 1, 2021S/M 12345S/M 00001 to present
Oregon 2004 Crater Lake Old CL Passenger Plate.jpg
Oregon 2008 Crater Lake New CL Passenger Plate.jpg
Oregon 2019 Crater Lake CK Passenger Plate.jpg
Crater Lake Centennial2002–2022White on multicolored background. Surface-printed serials. Discontinued September 9, 2022.C/L 12345C/L 00001 to C/L 99999Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 2002 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the second time Oregon was so honored. Surcharge supports Crater Lake National Park.
C/K 12345C/K 00001 to C/K 99999
C/A 12345C/A 00001 to C/A 99999
C/B 12345C/B 00001 to approx. C/B 44000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Crater Lake 2022–presentWhite on multicolored background. Surface-printed serials. Redesigned in 2022, released September 9, 2022.C/B 12345C/B 44001 to presentSurcharge supports Crater Lake National Park.
Oregon Undated Cultural Trust Sample License Plate.jpg Cultural Trust2006–2021Black on multicolored background. Embossed serials. Discontinued October 1, 2021.C/U 12345C/U 00001 to presentSurcharge supports the Oregon Cultural Trust.
Cultural Trust Oregon License Plate CU81248.jpg Cultural Trust2021–presentWhite on multicolored background. Embossed serials. Redesigned in 2021, released October 1, 2021
Honoring Their Sacrifice2009-presentAs current passenger base, but with a picture of the State of Oregon with an American Flag in the center behind a firefighter and police officer replacing the two left-most serials.A BCDSurcharge supports the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Trust Fund. [7]
Oregon 2019 Sesquicentennial Passenger License Plate with 9S Prefix and Alternate Dies.jpg
Oregon Undated Sesquicentennial Passenger License Plate with 9X Prefix.jpg
Oregon 2025 Sesquicentennial Passenger License Plate with 0A Prefix.jpg
Pacific Wonderland2009–presentGold on blue. Embossed serials.9A-12349P-0001 to 9Z-9999Special re-issue of 1960–63 passenger base to celebrate Oregon's 150 years of statehood. Surcharge supports the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and the Oregon Historical Society. Originally limited to 40,000 plates; increased to 80,000 in 2015.
0A-12340A-0001 to 0F-4281 (as of September 3, 2024)
HigherEducationPlate.jpg Higher Education2005–presentAs current passenger base, but with school logo replacing two left-most serials. Embossed serials.A BCDSurcharge supports the school of choice. Available for EOU, OSU, U of O, UP, and Willamette.
Oregon Share the Road PBAL.jpg Share the Road2008–presentWhite and yellow text on blue background. Surface-printed serials.ABCDSurcharge supports The Street Trust and Cycle Oregon.
Wine CountryMay 14, 2012 [8]  – presentWhite text on multi-colored background. Surface-printed serials.W/C 12345W/C 00001 to W/C 62360 (as of August 6, 2024)Surcharge supports "agricultural and culinary tourism". [8]
Keep Kids SafeOctober 16, 2012 – early 2015White text on blue burst background with two children in front of red heart. Surface-printed serials.ABCDSurcharge supported child abuse prevention programs. Production discontinued October 31, 2014 due to low sales.
Oregon 2022 Trail Blazers License Plate.jpg Portland Trail Blazers September 1, 2016 – presentBlack on white background, with Trail Blazer colors around border. Embossed serials.T/B 12345T/B 00001 to T/B 46061 (as of July 10, 2024)The design includes the Trail Blazers pin wheel between the stacked TB and the numbers, 'ripcity' at the bottom and red, black and gray stripes at the top. Also available as a vanity plate and as an amateur radio operator (ham) plate.
Coastal PlaygroundFebruary 1, 2019 – presentWhite on two-shade-blue background, with mother gray whale and calf swimming just below surface of ocean; small lighthouse at upper left.G/W 12345G/W 00001 to G/W 34740 (as of August 25, 2024)Surcharge supports Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute. [9]
Oregon smokey bear optional license plate.jpg Smokey BearAugust 1, 2019 – presentWhite on forest green background, changing to light green in the shape of a forest silhouette at top, with portion of face of Smokey Bear at left and "Keep Oregon Green" along the bottom.S/B 12345S/B 00001 to S/B 77683 (as of August 6, 2024)Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 2019 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the third time Oregon was so honored. Surcharge, paid partly in the form of a voucher purchased from the non-profit Keep Oregon Green Association, supports that organization's efforts to reduce instances of human-caused wildfires. [10] [11]
Watch for WildlifeMay 4, 2022 – presentDark blue on multicolored background, with a mule deer at left and Mount Hood prominently in the righthand background [12] W/W 12345W/W 00001 to W/W 27005 (as of Sept 7, 2024)Surcharge supports the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. [12] [13]
Pollinator-paradise-plate.jpg Pollinator paradiseNovember 1, 2023 – presentWhite on multicolored background, with honey bee and bumble bee amid red clover [14] B/Z 12345B/Z 00001 to presentSurcharge supports Oregon State University programs studying how to maintain healthy pollinator populations. [15]
OSU beavers licence plate.webp OSU (Oregon State University)Early 2025A black and gray background with the logo of Oregon State University and the text "the beaver state" in orangeB/V 12345Supports OSU sports teams and better education

There are also special plates available for special interest vehicles, antique vehicles, veterans, and various service clubs.

Non-passenger plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Oregon ham radio license plate.jpg Amateur Radio Operator Serial begins with 'A', 'K', 'W' or 'N'Reflects call letters issued to amateur radio operators by the FCC These plates can be issued on the optional Salmon, Crater Lake and Cultural Trust designs. They were also issued on the Oregon Trail design.
Oregon 2016 Moped license plate.jpg Amateur Radio Operator – Motorcycle/MopedSerial begins with 'A', 'K', 'W' or 'N'Reflects call letters issued to amateur radio operators by the FCC
Oregon 2018 Apportioned Truck license plate.jpg Apportioned Truck1975–presentBlue on gold; "APPORTIONED" at bottomY123456Y000001 to presentIssued to trucks based in Oregon that operate interstate and have a GVW of 26,000 pounds or less. Trucks are not subject to Oregon's weight mile tax.
Oregon 2018 Apportioned Truck license plate - DOT.jpg
Oregon 2018 Apportioned Truck License Plate.jpg
White on red or black on white with "APPORTIONED" at bottom and "DOT" or "PUC" at upper right cornerYABC123YAAA001 to presentIssued to trucks based in Oregon that operate interstate and have a GVW of more than 26,000 pounds. Trucks are subject to Oregon's weight mile tax.
Oregon 1988 Apportioned Trailer License Plate.jpg Apportioned Trailer1975 to ?Blue on gold; "APPORTIONED" at bottomZ123456Z000001 to presentIssued to trailers based in Oregon that operate interstate. May have been discontinued in favor of the Heavy Permanent license plate.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Bus Orange on aluminum; "OREGON" at topB 123
B 1-234
Issued to buses designed and used for carrying passengers, baggage and express for compensation. Also any vehicle with a registration weight of more than 10,000 pounds (e.g. church bus, private school bus, worker bus, etc.) that is primarily used for carrying passengers. Also bus trailer.
Oregon 2018 Bus License Plate 5 Digit.jpg
Oregon 2018 Bus License Plate - Bus, New Alternative Dies.jpg
Oregon 2018 Bus License Plate 6 Digit.jpg
Blue on gold; "OREGON" at topB 1-234
B 1234
B 12345
B012345
Oregon 1978 Black Camper License Plate.jpg Camperbefore 1973White on black; "CAMPER" at bottomK123456K700001 to approx. K760000Issued to “camper” which is a structure with a floor designed to be mounted upon a motor vehicle but not permanently attached.
Oregon 1980 Camper license plate.jpg 1973 to ?Blue on gold; "CAMPER" at bottomK760001 to approx. K790000
Oregon 2012 Camper license plate.jpg Blue on gold; sticker box at top and "Oregon" at bottomK790001 to approx. K810000
1993–99Oregon Trail baseApprox. K990000 to K999999
Oregon 2010 Camper License Plate with Tall K.jpg ? to presentBlue on gold; "OREGON" at topK810001 to present
Oregon 1998 Charitable Non-Profit license plate.jpg Charitable/Non-Profit1989–early 2000sBlue on gold; "OREGON" at top with sticker box at bottomC/N 12345C/N 00001 to approx. C/N 02400Issued to trucks or buses owned and used by charitable or nonprofit organizations.
Oregon 2017 Charitable Non-Profit license plate - Tall dies.jpg early 2000s–mid 2000sBlue on gold; "OREGON" at topC/N 02401 to approx. C/N 03200
Oregon 2018 Charitable Non-Profit license plate.jpg mid. 2000s–presentBlue on gold; "OREGON" at top with sticker box at bottomC/N 03200 to C/N 04617 (as of August 23, 2021)
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Coach
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Commercial Truck1966–73Orange on aluminumT123456T200001 to approx. T346500Issued to trucks that only operate within Oregon and have a GVW of 26,000 pounds or less.
Oregon 1989 Truck License Plate with Polyvend Dies.jpg
Oregon 2011 Truck license plate.jpg
Oregon 2005 Truck License Plate with Waldale Dies.jpg
Oregon 2007 Truck License Plate New.jpg
1974–presentBlue on goldApprox. T346501 to present
Oregon 2018 Commercial Truck license plate.jpg White on red or black on white with "COMMERCIAL" at bottom and "DOT" or "PUC" at upper right cornerYCBC123YCAA001 to presentIssued to trucks that only operate within Oregon and have a GVW of more than 26,000 pounds.
Oregon Dealer License Plate - Gold 1978.jpg
Oregon 1981 Dealer License Plate.jpg
Dealer1977-1983Blue on gold with "OREGON DEALER" and 2-digit year or valiation sticker at bottomD/A 1234 AIssued to dealers with current business license
Oregon 1995 Dealer License Plate.jpg 1984-early 2000sBlue on gold with "OREGON" at bottom; 1984 issues included "84" at bottom, other years used validation stickersD/A 1234 A
D/A 1234AB
D/A 1234 A/B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg early 2000s-late 2000sBlue on gold with "OREGON" at topD/A 1234 A
D/A 1234AB
Oregon 2014 Dealer License Plate - Silver with DA Prefix.jpg late 2000s-presentBlue on gold or black on silver with "OREGON" at top and "DEALER" at bottomD/A 1234 A
D/A 1234AB
D/L 1234 A
D/L 1234AB
Oregon 2015 Motorcycle Dealer license plate.jpg Dealer – Motorcycle/Moped/
Snowmobile/ATV
Blue on gold or black on silverIssued to dealers with current business license.
Oregon disabled person license plate.jpg
Oregon 1978 disabled license plate.jpg
Oregon disabled person license plate 2.jpg
Oregon 1990 Disabled License Plate - D[?] Prefix.jpg
Disabled Person
Oregon Disabled Veteran License Plate with D Wheelchair Prefix.jpg Disabled Veteran1973 – early 1990sBlue on gold; "PERMANENT" at top, "VETERAN" at right and wheelchair under 'D' prefixD12345D00001 to approximately D06000Serials continue on from those on the blue-on-gold plates, with D/1 99 99 followed by D/2 00 00, D/2 99 99 followed by D/3 00 00, etc.
Oregon Disabled Veteran License Plate with D Prefix.jpg As above, but with no wheelchairD06001 to approximately D10000
Oregon Disabled Veteran Plate - D17768.jpg As above, but with "PERMANENT" at bottomD10001 to approximately D18000
Oregon Disabled Veteran Plate D1 Prefix.jpg
Oregon Disabled Veteran Plate D2 Prefix.jpg
Oregon Disabled Veteran Plate D5 Prefix.jpg
Oregon 1996 Disabled Veteran Permanent license plate - D6 Prefix.jpg
Oregon-Disabled-Veteran-Plate-D7-Prefix.jpg
early 1990s – present1989 Douglas Fir graphic; "PERMANENT" at bottom and "VETERAN" at rightD/1 23 45D/1 80 01 to present
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Ex-POWIssued to persons qualifying as former prisoners of war.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Ex-POW – Motorcycle/MopedIssued to persons qualifying as former prisoners of war.
1955 Oregon Farm License Plate.jpg
1958 Oregon Farm License Plate.jpg
Farm Vehiclebefore 1965Various colors on aluminum with date stamped at topF12-345F10-000 and aboveFor use on motor vehicles used in farm operations.
Oregon 1965 Farm Truck license plate.jpg 1965–72Orange on aluminum; sticker box at bottomF10-000 to approximately
F71-500
Oregon 1979 Farm Truck license plate.jpg 1973–presentBlue on gold; sticker box at bottomF71-501 to
F99-999
Oregon 2018 Farm Truck license plate - F173434.jpg F123456F100000 to present
Oregon For Rent License Plate - Dec 2020 Expiry.jpg For-RentBlue on gold; "OREGON" at top and "DEC." and year of expiration at bottomF/R 1-2345Issued to trailers having a loaded weight of 8,000 lb or less that are for hire and are equipped with pneumatic tires. All plates expire on December 31 of the stated year.
Oregon Exempt Publicly Owned license plate (blue) 02.jpg
Oregon Exempt Publicly Owned license plate (blue).jpg
Government ExemptGold on blue; "PUBLICLY OWNED" at top and "OREGON" at bottomE12-345
E123-456
E123456
E95-000 to approximately E122000Issued to vehicles registered to state, local and regional agencies
Oregon Exempt Publicly Owned license plate (yellow).jpg Blue on gold; "PUBLICLY OWNED" at top and "OREGON" at bottomE123456E122001 to approximately E226000
Oregon Government Plate Short Bottom Legend.jpg
Oregon Government Plate Tall Bottom Legend.jpg
Blue on gold; "OREGON" at top and "PUBLICLY OWNED" at bottomE226001 to present
Oregon Government Exempt License Plate - Motorcycle.jpg Government Exempt – Motorcycle/MopedBlue on gold; "OREGON" at top and "EXEMPT" at bottomE/9 12345
Oregon 1975 Heavy Fixed Load License Plate - Short Numbers, Blue, December.jpg
Oregon Heavy Fixed Load License Plate - Short Numbers, Yellow, December.jpg
Oregon 1998 Heavy Fixed Load License Plate - Short Numbers.jpg
Oregon 2019 Heavy Fixed Load License Plate.jpg
Heavy Fixed LoadH/F 12345Issued to vehicles, both motorized and non-motorized, that weigh over 3,000 lb. and are not designed to carry people or property.
Oregon Heavy Trailer Plate HT 58 676.jpg Heavy Trailer1973 – late 1980sBlue on gold; sticker box at bottomH/T 12-345
H/T 12345
H/T 06–001 to approximately H/T 62000Issued to trailers having a loaded weight over 8,000 lb.
Oregon Heavy Trailer Permanent license plate - HP Prefix.jpg
Oregon Heavy Permanent Plate - HU Prefix Waldale Dies.jpg
late 1980s – presentBlue on gold; "PERMANENT" at bottomH/B 12345H/P 00001 to H/S 99999; H/U 00001 to H/V 74602 (as of April 6, 2022)
Oregon 2017 Light Fixed Load license plate.jpg
Oregon Light Fixed Load Plate Aug 2020.jpg
Light Fixed LoadBlue on goldL/F 12345Issued to vehicles, both motorized and non-motorized, that weigh 3,000 lb. or less and are not designed to carry people or property. Examples of such vehicles are temporary lighting rigs and portable VMSes.
Oregon 2012 Low Speed Vehicle License Plate - Short Dies.jpg Low-Speed VehicleBlue on gold; "OREGON" at top and sticker box at bottomL/S 12345L/S 00001 to ?Issued to four-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed of between 20 and 25 miles per hour.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Blue on gold; "OREGON" at top? to L/S 00521 (as of September 23, 2016)
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Medium-Speed VehicleBlue on gold; "OREGON" at topM/S 12345M/S 00001 to presentIssued to four-wheeled electrical vehicles that are equipped with a roll cage or a crushproof body design and have a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.
Oregon 2016 Moped license plate.jpg Moped1980s – presentBlue on goldM/P 12345M/P 00001 to presentIssued to two- or three-wheeled cycles or bicycles equipped with an independent power source, with an engine size of up to 50 cubic centimeters and a maximum speed of up to 30 miles per hour.
Oregon 1990 Motor Home License Plate, Yellow Irwin-Hodson.jpg Motor HomeBlue on yellowH123456H900001 to approx. H913000
Oregon 1981 Motor Home License Plate, Orange Irwin-Hodson H9 Prefix.jpg Blue on gold; "MOTOR HOME" at bottomH913001 to approx. H952000
Oregon 2019 Motor Home License Plate - H9 Prefix.jpg
Oregon 2009 Motor Home License Plate - H1 Prefix.jpg
Blue on gold; sticker box at bottomH952001 to H999999
H100001 to approx. H135000
Oregon Trail baseH800001 to approx. H809999
H/C 12345H/C 00001 to approx. 17999
Oregon 2018 Motor Home License Plate - HC Prefix Short.jpg Blue on gold; sticker box at bottomH/C 99999 to approx. H/C 58000 (issued in reverse)
Oregon Motor Home License Plate - HC Prefix Tall, Waldale.jpg
Oregon 2018 Motor Home License Plate - HC Prefix Tall.jpg
Blue on goldH/C 57999 to 18000 (issued in reverse)
Oregon 2019 Motor Home License Plate - HD Prefix.jpg H/D 12345H/D 00001 to present
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Motorcycle1968–70White on blue; sticker box at bottom123451 to approximately 85000White-on-blue and gold-on-blue plates are still valid and may be renewed. In the current serial format, M/2 99999 was followed by M/3 00000, M/3 99999 was followed by M/4 00000 and so on.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg M12345M85001 to approximately M90000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1970–72Gold on blue; sticker box at bottomM12345
M123456
M90001 to approximately M188000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1973–75Blue on gold; sticker box at bottomM123456M188001 to approximately M199999
Blank License Plate Shape.svg M/1 23456M/2 00000 to approximately M/2 55000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1975–presentAs above, but without sticker boxM/2 55001 to present
Blank License Plate Shape.svg National GuardN/G12 345N/G00 001 to presentIssued to current active members of the Oregon National Guard.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Old Timer 1952–54Black on aluminum; "OLD TIMER" at leftA-123A-1 to approximately
A-636
Issued to any vehicle that is older than half the number of years between 1900 and the current year (so, in 2021, any vehicle that dates from 1960 or before). Black-on-aluminum Old Timer plates were revalidated with tabs until 1955, while gold-on-blue versions were revalidated with tabs until 1960, then with stickers until 1964.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1955–59Gold on blue; "OLD TIMER" at leftA-123A-1 to A-999
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1-2341-000 to approximately
2-100
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1960–63As above, but with "PACIFIC WONDERLAND" at bottom2-101 to approximately
3-000
Oregon 1964 Historic Vehicle license plate.jpg Historic Vehicle 1964–72Gold on blue; "HISTORIC VEHICLE" at left3-001 to approximately
6-000
Oregon Historic Vehicle License Plate.jpg 1973 – early 1980sBlue on gold; "HISTORIC VEHICLE" at left6-001 to approximately
8-500
Oregon Undated Historic Vehicle License Plate - Polyvend Dies.jpg early 1980s – late 1980s12348501 to 9999
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Antique Vehicle late 1980s – late 1990sBlue on gold; "ANTIQUE VEHICLE" at topA/Q 12345A/Q 00001 to approximately A/Q 02000
Oregon Undated Antique Vehicle License Plate - Tall Numbers.jpg late 1990s – presentAs above, but with "ANTIQUE VEHICLE" at bottomA/Q 02001 to present
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Permanent Fleetc. 1973–2004Blue on gold; "PERMANENT FLEET" at top and "OREGON" at bottomP/F 12345P/F 00001 to approximately P/F 27000Issued to owners of fleets of 50 or more vehicles used within Oregon. Fleet vehicles can be passenger cars, trucks, buses or utility trailers.
Oregon Permanent Fleet License Plate - Text Below.jpg c. 2004–presentBlue on gold; "OREGON" at top and "PERMANENT FLEET" at bottomP/F 27001 to P/F 44010 (as of July 4, 2021)
Oregon Undated School License Plate - Short Polyvend Dies.jpg School BusBlue on gold; "SCHOOL BUS" at top, "OREGON" at bottom and "PERM" at rightS/C 12345S/C 00001 to present
Oregon School Bus License Plate.jpg Blue on gold, "OREGON" at top, "SCHOOL BUS" at bottom and "PERM" at right
Oregon 1979 Special Interest Vehicle license plate - short numbers.jpg Special Interestbefore c. 2004Blue on gold; "OREGON" at bottomS/P 12345S/P 00001 to approximately S/P 10000Issued on vehicles that are maintained as collectors' items and are at least 25 years old.
Oregon 1979 Special Interest Vehicle license plate.jpg c. 2004–presentBlue on gold; "OREGON" at topS/P 10001 to S/P 33754 (as of December 25, 2021)
Oregon Special Use Trailer Plate.jpg
Oregon 2024 Special Use Trailer License Plate.jpg
Special Use TrailerS/T 12345S/T 00001 to present
Oregon 1994 Tow Truck License Plate.jpg
Oregon 2018 Tow Truck License Plate - Tall IH.jpg
Tow TruckBlue on gold; "OREGON" at topT/W 12345T/W 00001 to presentIssued to individuals who tow vehicles not owned by them in tow and recovery operations for direct or indirect compensation. Also issued to businesses which must transport damaged, disabled or abandoned vehicles.
Oregon 1982 Transporter license plate - TR prefix.jpg
Oregon 1984 Transporter License Plate.jpg
Oregon 1999 Transporter License Plate.jpg
Oregon 2016 Transporter License Plate with TR Prefix.jpg
Oregon 2020 Transporter License Plate - TN Prefix.jpg
TransporterTR 123
TR 123A
TR 123AB
T/R 123ABC
T/N 12345
Oregon 1984 Travel Trailer license plate.jpg Travel Trailer c. 1964–73White on pistachio green; "ORE" and sticker box at top and "TRAVEL TRAILER" at bottomR123456R400001 to approximately R499500
Oregon 1986 Travel Trailer license plate - Irwin-Hodson Type.jpg
Oregon 1983 Travel Trailer license plate - Polyvend.jpg
c. 1973–83Blue on gold; "ORE" and sticker box at top and "TRAVEL TRAILER" at bottomR499501 to approximately R575000
Oregon 1998 Travel Trailer license plate.jpg
Oregon 2017 Travel Trailer license plate.jpg
c. 1983–2004Blue on gold; sticker box at top and "OREGON" at bottomR575001 to approximately R750000
1993–99Oregon Trail baseR980001 to R999999
Oregon 2019 Travel Trailer license plate - tall numbers.jpg c. 2004–2022Blue on gold; "OREGON" at topR750001 to R979999
Oregon 2022 travel trailer license plate.jpg 2022–presentBlue on gold; "OREGON" at topR12345AR00001A to present
Oregon 1980 Utility Trailer license plate.jpg Utility Trailerc. 1979–83Blue on gold; "ORE" and sticker box at top and "TRAILER" at bottomU123456U000001 to approximately U041000Issued to trailers having a loaded weight of 8,000 lb or less.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg c. 1983–88Blue on gold; sticker box at top and "OREGON" at bottomU041001 to approximately U110000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg c. 1988–891988 Douglas Fir graphicU110001 to approximately U140000
Oregon 2014 Light Trailer License Plate - Blue Sky Short Numbers.jpg
Oregon 2019 Light Trailer License Plate - Blue Sky Tall Numbers.jpg
c. 1989–present1989 Douglas Fir graphicU140001 to present

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References

  1. "Old Oregon License Plates". LeatherLicensePlates.com. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  2. Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  3. Goetze, Janet (October 11, 1989). "Oregon plates are getting brighter: '89 Legislature agreed to alter color scheme". The Oregonian , p. B6.
  4. Boone, Jerry (January 5, 1998). "New traffic rules for '98 multiply". The Oregonian, p. B4.
  5. Oliver, Gordon (November 19, 1999). "Oregon Trail license plates going fast". The Oregonian, p. C6.
  6. Martins, Cheryl (January 18, 2002). "License plate goal looks like fish tale". The Oregonian, p. D1.
  7. "Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Trust Fund : Memorial Trust Fund : State of Oregon". www.oregon.gov. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  8. 1 2 "Handbook updated for May 2012" (PDF). Dealer Details. Oregon Department of Transportation. Spring 2012. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018. the new Wine Country registration plates ... have been available to the public since May 14, 2012
  9. Theen, Andrew (January 28, 2019). "Gray whale license plate available Friday in Oregon". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  10. "Smokey Bear license plates available in Oregon starting today". KGW. August 1, 2019 [July 9, 2019]. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  11. Fernandez, Ryan (July 9, 2019). "Oregon's Smokey Bear license plate available just in time for his 75th birthday". The Oregonian. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  12. 1 2 Bull, Brian (April 21, 2022). "New license plate will fund efforts to safeguard Oregon's wildlife". KLCC. Archived from the original on April 21, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  13. Lewin, Jasmine (April 19, 2023). "New Oregon license plate will fund safe animal crossings". OPB . Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  14. "Oregon Pollinator License Platee". College of Agricultural Resources, Oregon State University. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  15. Acker, Lizzy (October 19, 2023). "Oregon's new license plate is the bee's knees, and it's available soon". The Oregonian . Retrieved March 1, 2024.