Does a Boat Trailer Need a License Plate in Oregon?

Thinking of buying a boat trailer for your recreational boat? As responsible citizens of the state, one question must have arrived in your mind. Does a boat trailer need a license plate in Oregon? 

Do not worry, we have got you covered. In this detailed account, you will get all the information you need.

Why does my boat trailer need a license plate? Do all boat trailers need a license plate? Furthermore, are there any exemptions? Moreover, do all boat trailers have the same kind of license plate? 

Continue reading, and you’ll find all the answers you need.

Does a Boat Trailer Need a License Plate in Oregon?

Yes and no. Allow me to explain. Firstly there are some regulations in the law regarding boat trailers needing or not needing a license plate. Moreover, the registration, and the process of registration, is subject to a few variables. 

Furthermore, I have made a list of all the possible variables, which I’ll explain in detail. Subsequently, if you’re still looking for a boat trailer, find one here: Best Boat Trailers.

Which Boat Trailers Require a License Plate?

The law of Oregon is fairly simple. The law states that:

Trailers Needing a License Plate

Firstly, all trailers with a combined weight (boat+trailer) of 1800lbs or above are mandatory to have a license plate. They are required, under any circumstances, to register with the DMV.

Trailers Not Needing a License Plate

Secondly, all trailers having a combined weight of less than 1800lbs do not require a license plate. 

Furthermore, the weight of both the boat and the trailer is specified at the time of purchase. On the contrary, there are several facilities available where you can weigh in your boat and trailer. 

As we know the basic law, let us hop into some technical details.

Under What Categories Do the Registered Boat Trailers Fall?

There are two basic categories under which the trailers with license plates fall. Besides, the classification is based solely on the weight of the trailers (combined with the boat). To give you a rough idea, here’s a post covering the average trailer weight. 

Heavy Trailer

Trailers registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) having a combined weight of 8000lbs or above are considered as heavy trailers.

Light Trailer

Trailers registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) having a combined weight of less than 8000lbs are considered light trailers.

In addition, if you are looking for information regarding the trailer door locks and keys, you can read a detailed analysis here. Are Trailer Locks and Keys Universal?

What is a Title and a License Plate?

In simple words, a title is a name for your trailer. As we humans have names for identification, boat trailers have a title and a license plate, which helps in their identification. Subsequently, it is necessary for all boat trailers (weighing over 1800lbs) to have a license plate and a title.

Have you just bought a boat and a trailer? Are you confused about getting your boat trailer registered with the DMV, Oregon? Read further and get your queries sorted in one place.

How Can I Get my Boat Trailer a License Plate?

The registration depends on a multitude of factors. To make lives easy, the State of Oregon has issued clear laws. It has made separate categories for all possibilities that may arise. Moreover, there are separate procedures for different possibilities. 

I will discuss most of the categories and procedures one by one.

For New Boats

You need to follow a simple 3 step process:

1. Register an application for Title/License plate at DMV, Oregon.
2. Provide the original MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin).
3. Apply with all the required documents and the fee to the Marine Board.

For Used/Second Hand Boats

You need to follow a simple 3 step process:

1. Furnish the ‘Oregon Certificate of Title’ obtained from the seller at the time of purchase. This must be signed by all owners to date.
2. Get the application and fill in the ‘New Owner’ section.
3. Apply with all the required documents and the fee to the Marine Board.

For Used Oregon Boats When the Title is Lost

1. File an Oregon lost boat trailer title application.
2. Furnish the ‘Owner of record’ credentials by confirming form the Marine Board.
3. Obtain the release signatures from all the owners of record on the lost title.
4. Apply with all the required documents and the fee to the Marine Board.

These were the most probable situations. Likewise, if you have any more queries regarding the registration process for a boat trailer, you can visit The Oregon State Marine Board Website.

You’re probably wondering, why is there a need for a license plate and a title? What good will it do me? Well, continue reading.

Why Does a Boat Trailer Need a License Plate in Oregon?

Indeed this question is fairly easy to answer. As I stated earlier, the title and the license plate is just like the name of a boat. The title and license plate serve a vital purpose of identification. Moreover, the license plate is the only record for your boat trailer in the government’s books.

Furthermore, the license plate helps to keep your boat trailer safe. Let me put this in simple words. Just like your car’s license plate is the only legal source to claim your car back if it is lost or stolen. Similarly, the title and license plate of a boat trailer serve the same purpose.

Likewise, if your boat trailer gets lost or stolen by any chance, you can file a complaint featuring the license plate. Conversely, if your boat trailer did not have a license plate, you would have no legal proof that the trailer belongs to you.

Final Words

In conclusion, it is always the best idea to abide by the law. Furthermore, this also gives you a long term advantage in case of any mishap. 

Does a boat trailer need a license plate in Oregon? Yes, if it weighs over 1800lbs. I hope this account was helpful. Furthermore, I am also optimistic that you got all the answers that you were looking for. 

Do make sure to get your boat trailer registered if it falls eligible. It will help you greatly.