Oregon DMV Trip Permit: How to Drive an Unregistered Vehicle Legally

Driving an unregistered vehicle on Oregon roads is illegal, but life often presents situations where full registration isn’t possible yet—like buying a car from a private seller, moving out of state, or needing an emissions test. The Oregon DMV trip permit solves this by providing temporary legal authorization to operate your vehicle.

When is an Oregon Trip Permit Required?

You generally need a trip permit if your vehicle does not have current, valid registration and you need to drive it on public roads. Common scenarios include:

• Buying a Used Car: You purchased a vehicle with expired tags (or no tags) and need to drive it home.
• DEQ Testing: Your tags are expired, and you must drive to a Department of Environmental Quality station to pass emissions before renewing.
• Moving Out of State: You are leaving Oregon permanently and don’t want to pay for a full year of registration just to exit the state.
• Unregistered Trailers: You need to tow a heavy trailer or camper that hasn’t been registered yet.

How to Purchase Your Oregon Trip Permit

Option 1: Online (Fastest) for Instant Printing

For most standard cars and light trucks, the easiest method is to purchase your Oregon DMV trip permit online. This saves you a trip to the field office.

• Process: Enter your VIN, insurance details, and payment information.
• Delivery: You can print the permit immediately. You must carry this paper copy in the vehicle while driving.

Option 2: In-Person at a Field Office (Appointment Recommended)

If you cannot use the online system or need a specialized permit, you may need to visit a DMV office.

Walk-in wait times can be unpredictable. It is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment beforehand to secure a time slot and avoid spending hours in line.

Permit Types, Costs, and Strict Usage Limits

Oregon categorizes permits by vehicle weight and type. Selecting the wrong category can leave you liable for fines.

Permit Type	Vehicle Description	Valid For	Cost	Limit (Per 12 Months)
Light Vehicle	Cars, SUVs, pickups (under 8,001 lbs).	21 Days	$35	2 permits
Recreational Vehicle (RV)	Motorhomes, campers, travel trailers.	Up to 10 Days	$35	10 days total
Heavy Motor Vehicle	Commercial trucks (over 8,000 lbs).	10 Days	$43	Varies
Heavy Trailer	Trailers over 8,000 lbs loaded.	10 Days	$10	Varies

Important: Fees are non-refundable. Ensure you have the correct Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ready before purchasing.

Critical Rules for Drivers (License, Insurance, and Display)

Possessing a trip permit makes the vehicle legal, but it does not cover the driver. You must still obey all standard traffic laws.

• Valid License Required: If your driving privileges are suspended or revoked, a trip permit does not authorize you to drive. In such cases, you may need to investigate obtaining a hardship license to legally operate the vehicle for work or medical needs.
• Mandatory Insurance: You must have valid liability insurance. The permit only covers registration compliance, not financial responsibility.
• Displaying the Permit: The permit must be clearly visible, usually placed in the rear window, as per the instructions printed on the document.

Using an Oregon Trip Permit as a New Resident

New residents often use trip permits to bridge the gap between arriving in the state and finalizing their registration. However, a trip permit is only a temporary fix.

Once you have settled in, you must obtain permanent registration and update your credentials. You should review the necessary steps to transfer your out-of-state license (Link to: How to Transfer Your Out-of-State License to Oregon) to ensure you meet the legal timeline for becoming a compliant resident.

Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Oregon Trip Permit

Driving an unregistered vehicle without a permit is a Class D traffic violation. While it may seem like a minor administrative issue, these citations will appear on your driving record. Accumulating violations can lead to higher insurance premiums and complications with future license renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions