Forum Discussion

cannesdo's avatar
cannesdo
Explorer
Nov 25, 2018

Where to register my new vehicle...

I have been on the road for 10 years (full-timer no other home) and have lived the last 1 1/2 years in Oregon. I am self employed with an Internet business, have my residency in Montana (friend's address), My truck has permanent registration in MT and I just bought an old Subaru here for road trips, from a friend who just moved here from New Mexico. The Subaru's registered in New Mexico. I have the title two weeks to figure out where to register it. Montana requires that the 1st registration after a transfer of title is done in person. Do I have to have the vehicle with me? And if I register it in Oregon will I have to have an Oregon license? And if I have an Oregon license will I have to file taxes in Oregon rather than Montana? Is there any disadvantage to that? Seems like things are just cheaper in Montana in general. Can I get permanent tags in Oregon? Will I have to change the registration on the truck if I change my driver's license? The car was cheap but this is all getting very complicated. But it has been wonderful to drive a Subaru again after so many years in the truck. Saving me a lot on gas too.

At some point in the next 5 years I may put my rig and storage part of the year and live overseas and have someone else run my Internet business. What would make the most sense? I don't plan to buy any new vehicles in the next several years. I just kind of wanted to get permanent registration on both vehicles so I wouldn't have to deal with that anymore. Can I get permanent registration in Oregon? When I am not overseas I will be living somewhere on the West Coast. WA, OR, or CA.

Thanks much...
Seeking Advice
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2018
    The citizens of Oregon get to set their vehicle registration fees as they see fit.
  • cannesdo's avatar
    cannesdo
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2018
    I have a street address and a mailbox here in Oregon. To register in MT and transfer the title in MT my understanding is that I have to be there, with the car in MT. And my address there is in the far NE corner of the state.

    I'm surprised at the price of transfering title and registering in OR. About $250 total, for a $300 car.. phff...
  • Optimistic_Para's avatar
    Optimistic_Para
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2018
    It is possible to own two vehicles registered in different states. People whose principle home is in the Northeast, but own a winter place in Florida, frequently leave a second car with Florida plates in Florida, for example.

    But note that they actually have addresses in both places.

    If you want to register a car in Oregon, you will need to come up with an Oregon address that is acceptable to the Oregon DMV. Many states will NOT accept a PMB or Post Office Box. You will need, as mentioned, to go online and research Oregon's requirements for registering a car.

    Honestly, it's probably going to be easiest to register it in Montana, using your already established address.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2018
    Yes,no,yes,no,yes,no.
    Oregon plates are two years. The only permanent plates are disabled vets. License fees based on vehicle age. You will need a permanent address to register and title in Oregon. If you live here, move here permanently. In Oregon, as long as your outside the DMV smog check areas licenze can be renewed by mail.
    As with most all states, licensing and registration information can be found online. Might be worth your time to research it online.

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