Moving from Oregon to Vancouver, WA: Your Checklist

Q: What changes with my taxes?

Income tax: Washington doesn’t currently have an individual income tax. If you keep working in Oregon, though, Oregon still taxes the wages you earn there, and you’ll file Oregon’s nonresident return. My guide to living in Vancouver and working in Portland walks through how that works. One more thing to know: starting January 1, 2028, Washington will have a 9.9% tax on adjusted gross income over $1 million. If that applies to you, I’d love to hear about your business plan. Sales tax: Here’s the adjustment most Oregonians feel first. Washington charges sales tax; in the city of Vancouver, the combined rate is 8.9% for October through December 2026. Your first trip to a Vancouver store may come with a small moment of receipt shock. It passes.

Q: What should I ask while I’m touring homes?

Beyond “Will my couch fit up those stairs?”: - Is there an HOA? What do the dues cover, and what do the rules say? Better to learn about the paint-color policy before you buy the paint. - What was last year’s tax bill, and which tax code area is the home in? - What’s the commute like at the times you’d actually drive? The I-5 and I-205 bridges at 2 p.m. on a Sunday are a very different experience from 7:45 a.m. on a Tuesday. - Is it inside Vancouver city limits or in unincorporated Clark County? It affects sales tax, some services and levy rates.

David Brownlee

Oct 9

3 min read

Moving from Oregon to Vancouver is a short trip on a map. You cross one river, and suddenly your receipts have an extra line on them and your license plates need a new look.

It’s a small move with a few big paperwork deadlines. Here’s a checklist to keep the fun parts fun and the DMV parts on schedule.

What do I need to do in the first 30 days?

According to the Washington Department of Licensing, you have 30 days after you move to Washington to:

Get a Washington driver license. You’ll need an appointment, proof of identity (including your Oregon license) and payment for the fee. Depending on where you’re moving from, you may need to take a test.
Register your vehicles in Washington. Same 30-day clock.
Update your address with your employer, insurance, bank and anything else that mails you important things.

Thirty days goes faster than you’d think when half your kitchen is still in boxes labeled “misc.” Put these on the calendar the day you get your keys.

What changes with my taxes?

Income tax: Washington doesn’t currently have an individual income tax. If you keep working in Oregon, though, Oregon still taxes the wages you earn there, and you’ll file Oregon’s nonresident return. My guide to living in Vancouver and working in Portland walks through how that works.

One more thing to know: starting January 1, 2028, Washington will have a 9.9% tax on adjusted gross income over $1 million. If that applies to you, I’d love to hear about your business plan.

Sales tax: Here’s the adjustment most Oregonians feel first. Washington charges sales tax; in the city of Vancouver, the combined rate is 8.9% for October through December 2026. Your first trip to a Vancouver store may come with a small moment of receipt shock. It passes.

When are property taxes due?

Clark County values property as of January 1 for taxes paid the following year. Bills of $50 or more can be paid in two halves, due April 30 and October 31.

When you buy, taxes are usually prorated at closing, so you and the seller each pay for your share of the year. My guide to Clark County property taxes covers how the bill is calculated.

What should I ask while I’m touring homes?

Beyond “Will my couch fit up those stairs?”:

Is there an HOA? What do the dues cover, and what do the rules say? Better to learn about the paint-color policy before you buy the paint.
What was last year’s tax bill, and which tax code area is the home in?
What’s the commute like at the times you’d actually drive? The I-5 and I-205 bridges at 2 p.m. on a Sunday are a very different experience from 7:45 a.m. on a Tuesday.
Is it inside Vancouver city limits or in unincorporated Clark County? It affects sales tax, some services and levy rates.

Ready to make the move?

I’m licensed in both Washington and Oregon, so I can help you think through both sides of the river—selling in Oregon, buying in Washington, or just figuring out which side fits your life better.

Talk with David Brownlee about moving to Vancouver, Washington: (360) 910-9876

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check current requirements with the agencies listed below.

Sources: WA Department of Licensing – Get a driver license · WA Department of Licensing – Vehicle registration and plates · WA DOR – Income tax · WA DOR – Local sales tax rates, Q4 2026 · WA DOR – Homeowner’s guide to property tax · RCW 84.56.020