DMV Registration
In Oregon, most vehicles in the Portland and Medford-metro areas are required to be emissions or “DEQ"-tested before registering the vehicle. If you have any questions about whether an emission test is required for your vehicle, please review the Testing Requirements and Options.
If you have any questions about vehicle registration or titling requirements, please review the information provided by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division.
You may also find that you want to operate your vehicle for a short period of time, before it is registered or if expired, using a DMV “Trip Permit". For more information please see DMV link for Trip Permits.
VIN Inspection
The Oregon DMV allows DEQ to perform a vehicle identification number inspection on some vehicles, only if an emissions test is required at the same time. DEQ will not conduct a VIN inspection if the vehicle:
- is registered outside DEQ vehicle inspection boundaries
- if the vehicle does not require an emissions test, e.g., motorcycles, trailers or diesel-powered vehicles over 8,500 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
- is within its first four model years
- is from out-of-country
- has a salvaged title
- has a reconstructed title
- has a VIN that cannot be verified as accurate, is damaged or missing in multiple locations
Please Note: The Oregon DMV charges a $7 fee for a VIN inspection at the time of registration, whether it is inspected through Oregon DEQ or DMV. Visit
Oregon DMV for more information regarding VIN inspections.