Briefs for Dec. 13, 2025
Published 6:34 pm Friday, December 12, 2025
DMV in Astoria closed until further notice
The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles in Astoria at 705 W. Marine Drive is closed until further notice due to a facility issue. People are advised to complete your service at dmv2u.oregon.gov, at a DMV Express Kiosk or at another DMV office.
Road work for week of Dec. 15
Crews will be clearing storm debris from all county roads.
They will also be performing ditch maintenance in the Knappa/Svensen District, grading gravel roads in the Knappa and Hamlet Districts, patching potholes, chopping and clearing beaver dams in the Astoria District.
Veteran license plates
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, veterans will be able to purchase veteran recognition plates for their motorcycles and mopeds. The new plates are a result of Senate Bill 159.
The new smaller plate features an American flag on a white background, a four-letter configuration and “VETERAN” on the bottom center. The same plate design will be used for both motorcycles and mopeds. Drivers receive one plate for the back of the vehicle and cannot add their own decal to the plate.
Fees for the new plate will be the standard plate fees or replacement plate fees for motorcycles or mopeds with an additional surcharge of $2.50 per plate per year. Net proceeds of the surcharge go to the Oregon Veterans’ Homes Trust.
Veteran recognition plates are only issued to qualifying veterans with proof of honorable military service. The DMV will accept the summary of benefits letter as stand-alone proof of veteran status to add the veteran designation to a driver’s license, permit or ID card, and for the following plates: service branch, blank, motorcycle/moped and Vietnam Veterans of America. DMV will also accept a DD214/DD215 and WD AGO Form 53.
Boat safety inspections Dec. 27
The Clatsop County sheriff’s office will be hosting the first annual Winter Boater Safety Inspection Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27 across from Englund Marine in Astoria.
To get your 2026 Oregon Boater Safety Inspection Sticker. please bring:
- Current proof of boat registration
- Current registration year sticker
- Boater safety education course card (or equivalent)
- Non-expired, good condition fire extinguisher
- Proper life jackets
- A throwable cushion or ring
Depending on your vessel, you may also need a carburetor spark arrestor and bilge fume blower.
Contact Deputy Shimer with questions at 971-704-4465.
— The Astorian
