Oregon License Plates

The state of Oregon issued its first license plate in 1911. This was a dated license plate, and all Oregon license plates issued after 1911 were dated, the year was either embossed or on a decal. None of Oregon’s state issued license plates were porcelain. Oregon license plates were plain and functional except for the occasional red (issued in 1916, 1920 and 1924).

The first license plate with a slogan was issued in 1961 through 1964 with embossed "PACIFIC WONDERLAND" across bottom of plate. In 1974, Oregon finally issued a license plate with retro-reflective yellow finish and blue imprint. Graphics first appeared on the Oregon license plate in 1988. The base was retro-reflective white with a Douglas Fir tree screened in green on the center of plate. The bottom of the plate had a silhouette of dark blue smaller trees. The top of plate was screened with "Oregon" against a sky blue background with a gray background of snow-capped mountains. This design was used from 1988 through the present, and is still available for a small fee. The Douglas Fir tree design Oregon license plate has been issued longer than any plate in the state, 23 years and counting. The yellow on royal blue license plate was issued for 19 years, and the blue on yellow/retro-reflective yellow was issued for 12 years.

Other license plate colors used in Oregon are: Light Green, Green, White, Aluminum, Black, Gray, Navy Blue, Royal Blue, Yellow, Reflective yellow, Reflective White, Red and Maroon.

OREGON CAR SHOWS