How to get dealer plates in Oregon
What Oregon dealer plates cost, the types you can get, how to apply, and the rules on using them. Verified as of October 2026.
OR dealer plates at a glance:
- Issued by
- Oregon DMV Business Licensing Unit
- Cost per plate
- 1 included; extras $55 each
- Requirement
- Current Oregon vehicle dealer certificate
- Use them for
- Inventory you own or control and offer for sale
- Term
- Renews with the three-year certificate
Informational only — confirm current fees and rules with Oregon DMV Business Licensing Unit before you apply.
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What Oregon dealer plates are
Oregon dealer plates come with the vehicle dealer certificate. The three-year certificate includes one plate, and you can buy as many more as you want by filing a formal application with DMV (ORS 822.040). There's no sales-volume cap.
The catch is how narrowly Oregon defines a dealer-plated vehicle. It has to be owned or controlled by you and offered for sale. DMV's dealer handbook says the plate can't go on loaded vehicles, service vehicles, or anything after it's sold. Price is the easy part; the use rules are where dealers get in trouble.
Types of OR dealer plates
Issued to certificate holders. The original certificate ($1,188 on Form 735-370) includes one plate. Additional plates are $55 each and come in two sizes, standard 12" x 6" or small 7" x 4". DMV sends a cardstock temporary plate for each approved plate until the metal one arrives.
A separate vehicle transporter certificate, for moving unregistered vehicles to a buyer, manufacturer or dealer. DMV lists a $450 certificate fee and $18 per plate, valid three years. The statute caps a transporter at 10 plates (ORS 822.310), and only one plate goes on a vehicle.
How to get dealer plates in Oregon
- 1
Get your vehicle dealer certificate
Apply on Form 735-370, the three-year vehicle dealer certificate application. It needs local zoning approval, a surety bond on the DMV form, a liability insurance certificate, and a dealer education certificate. The $1,188 original certificate fee includes one dealer plate.
- 2
Carry the right insurance
ORS 822.033 requires liability insurance covering every vehicle you own or control and everyone who drives one with your consent. Your insurer completes the DMV certification form; DMV doesn't accept ACORD forms or binders.
- 3
Order additional plates on Form 735-6938
Send Form 735-6938 and the fee ($55 per plate on the current Form 735-370) to the DMV Business Licensing Unit, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem OR 97314. Plates ship to your business address, not your mailing address.
- 4
Renew plates with the certificate
DMV doesn't send reminders. At renewal, use the plate billing list to pay for the plates you're keeping. File more than 45 days after expiration and DMV treats it as a new application with a new dealer number.
Rules on using OR dealer plates
- Only on vehicles you own or control that are offered for sale, and available for display during business hours
- Driven by you, your firm's members, your salespeople, or someone you authorize
- Mount the plate on the rear of the vehicle
- On a consigned vehicle, keep a copy of the consignment agreement in the car
- Not on loaded vehicles, service vehicles, or vehicles operated for commercial purposes
- Not on a vehicle after it's sold; the buyer needs a temporary permit or their own registration
- Never loan or rent a dealer-plated vehicle for hire or direct compensation (ORS 822.045)
- Report lost or stolen plates to Business Licensing in writing; stolen plates go to police too
Common questions
How much are dealer plates in Oregon?+
One plate comes with the original three-year dealer certificate, which is $1,188. Additional plates are $55 each on the current DMV application (Form 735-370, rev. 8-26), ordered on Form 735-6938. A replacement plate is priced differently from an original, and you have to turn the old plate in to get one.
How many dealer plates can I get in Oregon?+
As many as you want. ORS 822.040 says a dealer can get as many additional plates as desired by filing a formal application with DMV. Every plate still has to be used within the rules, and your liability policy has to cover every vehicle and every permitted driver.
Can I drive an Oregon dealer-plated car for personal use?+
Oregon doesn't spell out a personal-use allowance. The statute ties the plate to vehicles you own or control that are offered for sale and available for display during business hours. DMV's handbook bars service vehicles and anything after it's sold. If a car is coming off the lot for your own driving, ask Business Licensing (503-945-5052) before you plate it.
Can a customer test drive on my Oregon dealer plate?+
Yes. The plate can be used by anyone you authorize, and ORS 822.040 refers to test driving dealer-plated vehicles. Once the car is sold, the dealer plate comes off. The buyer drives on a DMV temporary permit you issue or on their own registration.
What happens if I lose an Oregon dealer plate?+
Lost or stolen dealer plates can't be replaced; you order additional plates instead. Report the loss to DMV Business Licensing in writing (mail, email to DMVINSERT@odot.oregon.gov, or fax 503-945-5289) and include the plate number. For a theft, report it to local police and send Business Licensing the case number.
Do I need transporter plates as an Oregon dealer?+
Not to drive your own inventory; that's what dealer plates are for. The vehicle transporter certificate is a separate DMV certificate for moving unregistered vehicles to a buyer, manufacturer or dealer. It's $450 for three years plus $18 per plate, with a cap of 10 plates.
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