Just moved: Better to register in Oregon or Washington

[levi]

I actually have 2 new addresses, one in Vancouver Washington, the other Portland, so I figure there is probably a preferred state to be registered in.

In Vegas I had it registered with "classic" plates, no emissions testing. Emissions isn't a problem, I've got Andrew's reversed 1.8t, I'm just attracted to the easy way of doing things.... easy and cheap is good, right?

Any suggestions?
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[wyldryce]

As a Washington resident, I'll tell you to go with Oregon ALL DAY LONG. I don't remember the specifics on Oregon, but I do believe that you can register for 2 years at a time, and I know that it's a PITTANCE of what you'll pay in Washington.

[cbcnm]

The issue with registering in Oregon is that you may be required to register your Westy as a motorhome. This changes the fee's, insurance and of course your AAA coverage.

My previous Westy was a car and my new Westy is a motorhome. Once you have been labeled by the DMV then you cannot change your designation.
Chris

[newfisher]

....and in Portland you must smog test it unless it's too old here too?

[Merian]

smog test required on both sides of the river

motorhome registration in Orygun is cheaper than a car the last few years, IIRC

stove and/or sink is what makes it a motorhome

I dunno which state is better, but why not register in both - pay double fees and put one state's plate on the front and the other's on the back - wait until a cop stops you for something and see if he notices
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....

[GWTWTLW]

[Corwyn]

1. No smog test in Thurston County, Washington (Olympia)
2. Farmers Insurance will do agreed-value coverage, regardless of garage and/or miles driven.
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[jimf909]

Welcome to the PNW! You should base this decision entirely on if you prefer a big tree or a big mountain on your plates. Both have their merits but which do you want to display on your van? All other considerations are meaningless in comparison.
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[Paulbeard]

[buildyourown]

No smog test for any Vanagon in WA anymore. My '91 just got it's last test.
Pretty sure you are old enough for Washington's classic registration. I just missed it.

[2dogs1van]

Emission testing is required in Clark, King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Spokane counties in Washington State. But vehicles over 25 years are exempt.

[flomulgator]

[Gauche1968]

You might not have a choice of where to register or you may have to register in both states. Check both states laws and check with your insurance companies. If you are a legal resident of one state, you may be required to register it in that state to operate it on that state's roads. If you are garaging it in the other state, you may be required to register it there. So yes, its possible you might have to register it in both states simultaneously. Good Luck!
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1984 Vanagon Westy

[Microbusdeluxe]

I'm pretty sure that the first time you register a newly acquired vehicle in Washington state you must pay the sales tax on it to the state. This is 6.5% plus the local/county rate which is usually about another 2%. It's a pretty big bite, but with no state income tax the money has to come from somewhere.
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'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig!

[newfisher]

It boils down to what are you LEGALLY supposed to do. The State in which you LEGALLY ( greater than 6 months I believe) reside in is the one you are supposed to register in if it is a personal vehicle.

[Andymon]

Taken from the Oregon DMV website in regards to emmission testing.

Emissions testing is required as follows:

In the Portland area, 1975 and newer model years must be tested (view detailed information).
In the Medford (Rogue Valley) area, vehicles 20 model years old and newer must be tested (view detailed information).
In these areas, cars, trucks, vans, motor homes and buses powered by gasoline, alternative fuels (such as propane), and hybrids must be tested.
In these areas, diesel-powered vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less must be tested.

If your vehicle meets the above criteria and is new to Oregon, you must have a certificate that the vehicle passed an emissions test before you bring it in to DMV to be registered.

Note: Some vehicles are exempt (refer to the Exemptions section below).
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[Merian]

[Love My Westy]

I think it is wise to have your plates match the state on you drivers license. I got a ticket once because I had Wyoming plates and a Utah Drivers license. Not sure it was legal for the Wyoming Highway Patrol officer to check, but it happened while I was stopped waiting for snow clearing after an avalanche covered the road. The officer went from car to car checking registration and drivers licenses.

[djkeev]

Where do you vote?

That's your home State.

That is where your unit should be registered.

Dave
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[2dogs1van]