International Student Services: Automobile
Buying a car
If you are going to buy a car, you must have the following:
- An Oregon driver’s license: If you have a license from another state, you have a minimum of 30 days to obtain an Oregon driver’s license. For more information about obtaining an Oregon driver's license, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
- Liability insurance: Oregon State law requires that you have liability insurance on your vehicle. This insurance covers physical or property damage that you or your car may do to another car and/or person in the event of an accident. Your license will be suspended if you do not have liability insurance.
- A parking permit: If you will be parking your car on campus, you will have to purchase a parking permit from the University. If you do not have a parking permit, it is extremely difficult to find legal parking on or near campus. You can purchase a parking permit at the public safety or at the information desk in the Pilot House.
Insurance
You can choose from a variety of insurance companies. Some companies have agents in the Portland area. Some companies do business only online and over the phone. Ask a friend, consult the “Yellow Pages” or visit an online search engine for auto insurance companies that provide service to drivers in the State of Oregon.