California Dealer Academy is a California DMV-accredited dealer education provider (occupational licensing #CCC0007). We do not provide licensing education for Oregon. This page is an informational summary of Oregon's requirements, sourced from the Oregon Department of Transportation (Oregon DMV). For approved Oregon education providers, visit https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/Pages/business/vehicledealers.aspx.
To get a dealer license in Oregon: apply through the Oregon Department of Transportation (Oregon DMV), choose your license type, submit a $50,000 surety bond, and pay the required fees. Complete 8 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education. Licenses are issued for 3-year terms.
| License | Description | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Dealer — Standard | Licensed to buy, sell, or exchange new or used motor vehicles. Includes recreational vehicle dealers. Requires $50,000 bond. | New and used car dealers, RV dealers |
| Special Dealer — Motorcycle / Moped / ATV | Licensed for motorcycles, mopeds, snowmobiles, and Class I ATVs only. Requires $10,000 bond. | Motorcycle and powersports dealers |
Source: Oregon DMV
Oregon requires 8 hours of pre-licensing education for new dealer applicants (ORS 822.027, OAR 735-150-0015). Authorized provider. Must pass required test and submit completion certificate with application.
Applies to: All dealer applicants. Exemption available via DMV Form 735-370C for qualifying applicants.
Source: Oregon DMV Dealer Education
Oregon requires a $50,000 surety bond for most dealer license types. The bond must cover the full 3-year license term. Separate bond tiers: $50,000 for standard dealers (cars, trucks, RVs), $10,000 for special dealers (motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs).
Source: Oregon DMV Licensing Guide
| Fee | Amount | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer certificate fee | varies | 3 years | Confirm with Oregon DMV |
Office: Zoning approval required for business location.
Source: Oregon DMV Licensing Guide
Oregon dealer licenses are valid for 3 years. Continuing education of 4 hours per year is required at each renewal — 12 hours total over the 3-year certification period (ORS 822.027). Exemptions apply to franchised new-vehicle dealers, franchised new RV dealers, national rental car franchises, and national auction companies that also hold a dismantler certificate.
Submit your application. Required documents typically include: proof of identity for all owners, Secretary of State business filing (if applicable), surety bond, education certificate, and proof of an established business location. Oregon's dealer certificate application is submitted on paper forms to ODOT DMV's Business Licensing Unit (e.g., Form 735-372 for supplemental locations) — Oregon does not appear to offer a self-service online application portal. Confirm directly with Oregon DMV whether a newer online option exists. Contact Business Regulation Section: https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/Pages/business/vehicledealers.aspx.
Physical auctions: Oregon has a wholesale auction presence, including Manheim dealer-only auction locations serving the state. Bidding requires an active dealer license and standard auction credentialing (commonly via AuctionACCESS).
Digital auctions: You don't have to be near a physical auction location to source inventory. Platforms like ACV Auctions and OPENLANE are 100% online, dealer-license-only marketplaces with nationwide inventory — vehicles are professionally inspected on-site by the platform and shipped to you.
Oregon Independent Auto Dealers Association, Wilsonville, OR, founded 1948. OIADA has represented Oregon's independent dealers since 1948 and is named directly in Oregon statute (ORS 822.027) as an approved provider of Oregon's required dealer pre-licensing and continuing education.
If you're a California dealer exploring Oregon, here is how the requirements compare:
| Category | California | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 6-hour DMV-approved course (CA CVC §11704.5) | Oregon requires 8 hours of pre-licensing education (vs CA 6 hours). Continuing education is required at renewal. Oregon uses a 3-year certificate period — the longest in the proving set. |
| Bond | $50,000 per dealer (CA CVC §11710) | Oregon's $50,000 standard bond matches California (CVC §11710). Oregon requires a lower $10,000 bond for motorcycle dealers — same as CA's OL 25 B tier. |
| License Term | 2-year cycle | Oregon issues 3-year certificates, the longest term in the proving set. California uses a 2-year cycle. Renewal requires CE certification in Oregon, where CA requires 4 hours every 2 years. |
The key difference: Oregon is the closest match to California of the proving states: same $50,000 bond, similar education requirement (8hr vs 6hr), but with a 3-year certificate term. The practical difference is administrative: longer renewal cycle, continuing education required at each renewal.
Yes. 8 hours of online instruction for new applicants.
License fees vary by dealer type. A $50,000 surety bond is required. Other costs may include business registration, office setup, and signage.
No. Oregon requires education from a Oregon-based institution or trade association approved by Oregon DMV. California Dealer Academy is not approved to provide Oregon dealer education.
If you're licensing in California, explore our complete guides:
California Dealer License Guide City-by-City Resources California Bond Requirements
Page verified 2026-08-03. Source: Oregon Department of Transportation. For the most current requirements, always consult the state agency directly.
