SALEM — Get ready to dig a little deeper into your pockets, Oregon drivers, as the new year heralds a series of fee hikes across multiple DMV services.

Effective Jan. 1, increased charges for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration and testing will roll out in compliance with Oregon law, specifically House Bill 2100, aimed at shoring up the DMV’s financial health and preventing potential service cutbacks.

The fee increments cover a range of services, including plate transfers, VIN inspections and dealer document fees. Additionally, certain fees related to vehicle registration and the road usage charge will see their final step increase as part of the House Bill 2017 transportation investment package.

Among the scheduled increases: original identification cards going from $44.50 to $47, original Class C licenses from $60 to $64 and an original motorcycle endorsement increasing from $87 to $98. An identification card renewal will increase from $40.50 to $43; a Class C license renewal will increase from $40 to $54, and a commercial driver’s license renewal will rise from $61 to $104. Other increases include a license plate transfer increasing from $6 to $30.

Why the increase?

The fee adjustments are in response to a structural funding problem faced by Oregon’s DMV. Over the past 20 years, most fee increases have been allocated to transportation projects rather than covering DMV operating costs. The 2024 increases aim to help recover costs, but they still fall short.

For example, the fee for driving skills tests is increasing from $9 to $45, while the cost to provide the service is $123 per test. The DMV acknowledges the need for a long-term solution and anticipates collaborating with the Oregon Legislature to address funding challenges.