License Plate Roundup: Oregon

Oregon: History and Interesting Facts

To kick things off, let's settle in for a brief history lesson on the great state of Oregon, including its journey to statehood, nickname, and notable features.

When Was Oregon Established as a State?

Though Oregon wasn't officially admitted to the Union until the mid-19th century, European descendants had long explored and settled the area. As early as the mid-16th century, the state's coastline had been explored by Spanish vessels, including one captained by renowned Greek navigator Juan De Fuca. 

Jumping forward a couple of centuries, the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through Oregon in the early 1800s, inspiring fur trappers and traders to form the first European settlements in the area. The residents established an autonomous government in 1843, forming the Oregon Territory a mere five years later. Just over a decade later, on February 14, 1859, Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state.

What Is Oregon Most Known For?

Oregon's natural beauty is a sight to behold, with its sprawling shores, coastal cliffs, mountains, dense forests, and lush green foliage. This striking landscape has not only inspired environmental conservation but also fostered a rich arts and culture scene. 

Oregon also has a thriving agricultural industry, which produces grapes for high-end wines, hops for brewing, hemp, potatoes, and more.

What Are Oregon's Nicknames?

Oregon proudly carries the nickname 'The Beaver State,' a title that harks back to the region's early days of European settlement. The area's first lucrative trades were in animal trapping and fur coat production, with beavers among the animals harvested for their pelts. This history is a testament to the state's rich past and enduring spirit.

Oregon's License Plate Designs

Welcome to the Beaver State, where the license plates are as eye-catching as the scenery. This section covers Oregon's license plates, including the process of acquiring them and our staff's top ten selections.

Custom, Special, and Other License Plates

Acquiring license plates in Oregon is a relatively straightforward process. However, individual plate pricing and requirements vary depending on the design, plate type, and level of customization.

Regular Passenger, Commercial, and Motorcycle Plates

Every registered vehicle in Oregon must have front and rear license plates. A one-time fee of $26 is required for standard-issue plates. However, registration fees still apply. Oregon calculates registration fees differently than other states, with prices varying by model year and combined fuel mileage. Consult the chart below for information on rates and the process of acquiring your standard-issue plate. 

Personalized and Special-Interest License Plates

Oregon also allows drivers to purchase personalized and special-interest license plates with prices varying by the time remaining on the vehicle’s registration and the plate design. For instance, personalized plates vary between 50 and 200 dollars, depending on the time remaining or years of registration you’re applying for. Consult the chart below for additional information.

Regarding special-interest license plates, these designs typically require additional payments of 10 to 100 dollars, which may or may not be recurring annually. 

RealTruck Favorites

With Oregon's license plate acquisition process covered, let's get into the state's top license plate designs, as per our experts. The following designs boast exceptional designs, valiant causes, or both. 

Standard-Issue Tree

Oregon's standard-issue license plate depicts the iconic Douglas Fir—the state's official tree. This design features a vibrant green silhouette of the Fir before a muted blue and violet background. 

This design requires no additional fees.

Crater Lake

Pay homage to Crater Lake, located in the Cascade Mountain Range. This popular tourist attraction offers some of the most transparent water due to its isolation from rivers and streams and lack of microorganisms. At a maximum depth of nearly 2000 feet (1,949 m), Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. 

The stylish plate features a colorful depiction of the clear, blue water. "Crater Lake" text lines the bottom of the license plate. 

Purchasing a Crater Lake license plate requires payment of a one-time 30-dollar fee.

Wine Country

While Oregon isn't home to the prestigious Napa Valley or Bordeaux, France, the state offers rich soil and a temperate climate perfect for growing several species of grapes. If you're a wine lover, consider upgrading your ride with the Wine Country license plate, depicting sprawling vineyards beneath a vibrant blue sky. 

The purchase of a Wine Country license plate requires payment of a 30-dollar annual fee.

Pacific Wonderland

Check out the vibrant yellow and blue, vintage-inspired design of Oregon's Pacific Wonderland license plates. The plates pay homage to decades past with their golden yellow text against a vibrant blue background. "Pacific Wonderland" text lines the bottom of the license plate, referencing the state's unmatched, almost whimsical beauty. 

The purchase of a Pacific Wonderland license plate requires payment of a one-time 100-dollar fee.

Watch for Wildlife

With the blooming native wildlife population, including mule deer, beavers, and black bears, it is vital to keep both eyes on the road to prevent striking an animal. The Watch for Wildlife plate design reminds drivers to keep their eyes peeled while navigating backstreets and mountainous sections of the road. 

This license plate features a striking illustration of a mule deer before Mt. Hood—an iconic natural feature. 

The purchase of a Watch for Wildlife license plate requires payment of an annual 40-dollar fee.

Smokey Bear

Forest fires wreak havoc on Oregon's natural native plant and wildlife populations annually, requiring years to recover. Spread the message of the iconic wildfire safety mascot with the Smokey Bear license plate, featuring a modern illustration of the bear himself before a green forest background. "Keep Oregon Green" text lines the bottom of the license plate. 

The purchase of a Smokey Bear license plate requires payment of a 40-dollar annual fee.

Pollinator Paradise

Save the bees! The state of Oregon recognizes the importance of protecting the bee population. These insects are essential pollinators that significantly impact crop production and the preservation of several plant species. 

Show your support for the ongoing fight to save bees with the Pollinator Paradise license plate, which features two species of bees flying over a field of red clover.  

The purchase of a Pollinator Paradise license plate requires payment of a 40-dollar annual fee.

Salmon

Oregon has seven native salmon species, including the Chinook, coho, chum, steelhead, sockeye, and coastal cutthroat trout. Unfortunately, Salmon populations in the state have steadily declined for some years. Help spread awareness and protect native fish species with the Salmon license plate, featuring an image of the colorful fish swimming on the riverbed. 

The purchase of a Salmon license plate requires payment of a 30-dollar annual fee for used vehicles and a 60-dollar annual fee for new vehicles.

Oregon State University

Whether you're an active OSU student, parent, alums, or college sports fan, support OSU with the Oregon State University license plate. This license plate features the classic Douglas Fir silhouette found on the standard-issue design with the addition of the OSU Beavers logo. 

The purchase of an Oregon State University license plate requires payment of a 32-dollar annual fee for used vehicles and a 64-dollar annual fee for new vehicles.

License Plate Products and Accessories

The Beaver State offers numerous standout license plate designs, though our top pick has to be the iconic Watch for Wildlife of Smokey Bear. If you're an Oregon resident, display your ride's license plate using our selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we tackle another state's top license plate artwork. And as always, contact the experts for all product inquiries and order assistance.