Public Hearing on Vehicle Registration Fee Adjustment
On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Washington County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Ordinance No. 917 which proposes a phase-in of a $30 per year increase to the current countywide vehicle registration fee over the next five years. Specifically, the fee would increase by $10 every other fiscal year.
Proposed Fee Adjustment Schedule for Passenger Vehicles:
- Now to June 30, 2027: $30.00 annual fee
- July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2029: $40.00 annual fee
- July 1, 2029, to June 30, 2031: $50.00 annual fee
- Beginning July 1, 2031, effective until amended: $60.00 annual fee
Beginning July 1, 2031, the countywide Vehicle Registration Fee would be $60 per year and would remain at that rate in future years without Board approval of any additional increase.
The Vehicle Registration Fee is a flat fee paid by vehicle owners when registering or renewing their vehicle in Washington County. Revenue from the fee helps fund critical transportation improvements that keep our roads safe, reliable, and connected.
Current Washington County Vehicle Registration Fees:
- Passenger vehicles: $30 per year
- Motorcycles/mopeds: $17 per year
Fees are collected every two-years by the Oregon DMV during vehicle registration or renewal.
For more information, see Washington County Vehicle Registration Fee Amounts; Subject Vehicles; Exemptions.
Why Does Washington County Have a Vehicle Registration Fee?
How is the Revenue Distributed?
The current fee is expected to generate about $17.2 million in revenue for FY 2025-2026. The revenue is split between Washington County and its cities. The County receives 60% and the remaining 40% is divided among the cities, based on population. This ensures that both regional transportation corridors and local neighborhood streets receive the attention the community expects.
What Does the County Use Its Share For?
Along with additional funding sources, Washington County invests its share in maintaining and upgrading major transportation corridors and regional projects that benefit the entire community, including:
- Widening and improving key roads to reduce congestion
- Upgrading intersections for safety and traffic flow
- Maintaining/replacing bridges and other critical infrastructure
- Supporting the repair and repaving of major corridors
These improvements keep commerce moving, reduce travel times, and make roads safer for everyone.
What Do Cities Use Their Share For?
Cities set their own budgets and can use their share to address any local priorities related to transportation needs.
Related
Annual Report FY 2024-25
Transportation Funding