The title transfer needs to be a safe and legal process, especially in private party car sales. This handy title transfer guide gives you everything you need to know when signing over a car title in Oregon.
To learn more about the importance of the certificate of title, read our complete guide to vehicle titles.
What is the Oregon title transfer process?
Vehicle Title Transfer Process In Oregon
2. The buyer registers the newly purchased vehicle with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) and formally transfers the title to their name.
The first step is the most important (the meeting between the seller and the buyer). The second step is an administrative formality.
- As the car seller, you will formalize the transaction when you transfer ownership of the car by signing the title over to the buyer. The seller is officially done with the car, once they remove the plates.
- As the buyer, you become the legal owner as soon as the seller transfers the title to your name. You will finalize with the Oregon DMV to get title and registration in your name. You’ll also get new Oregon license plates and used car insurance.
How to fill out the car title transfer form?
Signing the Physical Title
Important Info for Signing the Title Certificate
- Only use black or blue ink. Any other color will void the title.
- Do not erase anything or use white-out.
- Mistakes make the document invalid.
- Always write neatly.
- Only use full, legal names.
Front of Title
The front of an Oregon title has a section for the lien holder (green) and the seller (red).1. In the red space marked “1,” the lienholder and a counter signer enter their signature and the date.
2. The seller signs their name and enters the date in the green rectangle marked “2”.
Back of Title
1. The seller enters the buyer’s name and address and the sale date in a red-colored rectangle marked “1”.
2. In the red rectangle, the seller enters the exact odometer reading.
3. The seller prints and signs their name and enters their address in the teal space marked “3”.
4. The buyer prints and signs their name in the teal-colored space, shown below.
Congrats! You’ve completed an Oregon car title transfer. It’s pretty easy, right?
How to finalize with the Oregon DMV?
Complete the Oregon DMV Title Transfer
To complete a vehicle title transfer in Oregon, you will need to submit the following documents to the Oregon DMV office:
- Manufacturer’s certificate of origin or bill of sale (Form 735-501)
- Odometer disclosure
- Submit a completed application for title and registration (Form 735-226)
- Transfer of title fees: $101 to $192
- Vehicle registration fee: $126 to $316
You also need to apply for new license plates and register the car at the Oregon DMV office or online through the Oregon DMV website.
Is a bill of sale required in Oregon?
Oregon Bill of Sale
PrivateAuto provides an official bill of sale as part of our in-app transaction process. At the right time in the transaction, both the buyer and the seller will be asked to e-sign the document right in the PrivateAuto app.
Here is some of the information the Oregon bill of sale requires.
- Buyer’s name, address, and signature
- Seller’s name, address, and signature
- Final sale price
- Description of the vehicle
- VIN
- Odometer reading
This information proves that the seller did sell the vehicle and that the buyer is the new owner.
Is emissions testing required in Oregon?
Are Emission Tests Required in Oregon?
If you are registering your vehicle in the Portland and Medford/Ashland areas, you will have to undergo emissions testing if it falls into the following categories.
- Gas cars
- Hybrid cars
- Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV)
- Diesel cars that weighs 8,500 lbs or less
In the Portland area, emissions testing costs $25, while in the Medford/Ashland area fees are $20.
Emissions test exemptions
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV)
- Diesel cars that weighs 8,501 lbs or more
- Cars built before 1976 (Portland Oregon)
- Cars that are over 20 years old (Medford/Ashland Oregon)
- Fully electric cars
If your car fails emissions testing, you will need to have the emissions-related issue fixed and schedule a re-inspection.
The first reinspection is free.
Do I need to get new license plates in Oregon?
Oregon License Plates and Registration
When you are purchasing a used car from a private seller, Oregon laws mandate that the seller must remove the license plates.
As the buyer, you’ll then need to apply for new license plates when you register the car in your name with the Oregon DMV.
To register your car in Oregon, you will need the following:
- Oregon title application
- Ownership documentation
- Lien release (if applicable)
- Bill of sale
- Odometer disclosure
- Registration fees: $126 to $316
- Proof of car insurance
First-time car titling and registering can only be done in person at the Oregon Department of Transportation.
For more information about the locations, visit the Oregon DMV website.
Get New License Plates
You will be able to choose from eight different license plate styles.
1. Salmon
2. Crater Lake
3. Cultural
4. Wine Country
5. Trail Blazers
6. Gray Whale
7. UO Duck
8. Smokey Bear
The Oregon fee for two-plate vehicles is $25.50.
See our state-by-state guide to license plate requirements if you’re considering used cars for sale in other states.
Buying or Selling Used Cars in Oregon With PrivateAuto
See how it works today to sell your used car or buy vehicles privately in Oregon.
We make selling your used car safe and easy. The sales process consists of a few simple steps:
1. Gather required documentation
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
3. List your car
4. Set your terms
5. Vet incoming offers
6. Pick a buyer
7. Schedule a test drive
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid, instantly
10. Transfer the title
11. Take off the license plates
12. Cancel car insurance
Oregon Title Transfer FAQ
Can I transfer a title by mail in Wisconsin?
No, you will not be able to transfer ownership of a vehicle in Oregon without a title. Fill out an application for replacement title.
What kind of insurance does a used car need?
Used cars, just like new cars, are required to have liability auto insurance at a minimum. Every insurance company will have different rates, so make sure you shop around for the best deal.
The Oregon DMV requires you to carry evidence of your auto insurance in your car, and also mandates these policy minimums:
Bodily injury and property damage liability:
– $25,000 per person
– $50,000 per crash for bodily injury to others
– $20,000 per crash for damage to others’ property
Personal injury protection:
– $15,000 per person
Uninsured motorist:
– $25,000 per person
– $50,000 per crash for bodily injury
How do you replace a lost title in Oregon?
In Oregon, if you’ve lost, misplaced, or damaged your car title, you will need to take these steps to get a replacement title:
– Completed application for replacement title (Form 735-515)
– Payment for the the duplicate titles: $101 to $192
If you are not in a position to wait, duplicate titles in Oregon can be rushed for an additional $100. This way you will get your title replacement in two to five business days.
Is a duplicate title signed by the previous owner?
No, only the original title certificate needs to be signed by both buyer and seller.
How to transfer an out-of-state vehicle title
You need the following forms to transfer the title of an out-of-state vehicle to Oregon:
– A completed application for a certificate of ownership
– The original out-of-state vehicle title
– A completed Oregon vehicle registration application
Should I remove my license plates when I sell a used vehicle in Oregon?
Yes, the seller must remove the license plates when selling a used car in Oregon. The buyer will need to apply to the DMV for new license plates.
What is the safest method of payment when selling a Oregon vehicle?
Cash was traditionally the best way of payment for private-party used car transactions, but has risks and inconveniences. PrivateAuto Pay has all the advantages of cash with none of the drawbacks.
Buyers and sellers can instantly send and receive large sums of money via their PrivateAuto mobile app, and never have to share contact or banking details throughout the car-buying process.
How to transfer a car title when the owner is deceased?
If you want to keep a vehicle once the owner passes away, and you’re the surviving spouse or personal representative, you need to transfer the vehicle’s title.
You will need the following documentation in order to transfer the vehicle title of a deceased individual in Oregon:
– Original title certificate
– Order from Probate Court to transfer Oregon car title
– Odometer information sheet
– Death certificate (proof of death)
– Payment for the title transfer fees
See our article about transferring the title of a car after the owner has passed if you still have some questions.
Does Oregon have late title fees?
The initial fee for a late title transfer is $25, if you go over 60 days you will have to pay an additional fee of $50. Renewal notices are mailed or emailed to the owner 45 days before the registration expires.
Does Oregon have sales tax?
The state of Oregon doesn’t have vehicle sales tax. That is why Oregon uses the OR Business Registry Resale Certificate for those who purchase goods outside of the state and try to resell them in OR.
Where can I go to transfer a vehicle title in Oregon?
There are different DMV locations in New Hampshire where you can transfer a vehicle’s title.
Oregon DMV
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314
(503) 945-5000
Oregon DMV – South Salem Branch
4825 Commercial Street SE Ste 120
Salem, OR 97302
(503) 945-5000
Oregon DMV – Bend Office
63085 N Highway 97 Ste 110
Bend, OR 97703
(541) 388-6322
How to check if a car has Oregon back fees?
Before purchasing a used car in Oregon, identify whether it has back fees—or you could be liable for them.
The first step is to obtain the vehicle identification number from the seller. With the vehicle identification number (VIN), you can contact your closest Oregon DMV location and request a title search. The Oregon DMV will be able to tell you if there are any unpaid fees associated with the car, such as a vehicle registration fee or a parking ticket.
What are some important facts people should know about transferring a car title in Oregon?
To transfer Oregon title, the title must be signed by the current owner and the buyer. The buyer will need to complete the title certificate and submit it with additional documentation along with a payment for all applicable fees.
If the vehicle is currently titled out-of-state, the buyer will need to complete the DMV title transfers and submit the necessary documentation to retitle the vehicle in Oregon.
All parties must be listed on the title, and the title application needs to be filled out completely and correctly. Always check with your local DMV office if there is any additional documentation that needs to be submitted.
What are some important facts people should know about registering a car in Oregon?
To register, the title must be signed by the previous owner, and you will need to provide correct title information, such as a vehicle identification number. If you inherited a vehicle, an inheritance affidavit will be required, or if there is a security interest holder, a statement of lien satisfaction will be required.
When registering your car, you will need to pay for all applicable fees. If your vehicle has a salvage title or has been involved in an accident, additional documentation may be required.
The registration renewal is also necessary every two years to ensure the vehicle is legally registered. If there is a probated estate or any other legal concerns, it is best to work with the Oregon Secretary of State and the Oregon DMV to ensure you are taking all necessary steps to retitle the vehicle.
FullStack HQ
Contributing Author
Jacob Andra is an entrepreneur, author, and technology expert living in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a stakeholder in PrivateAuto, Jacob is passionate about how our technology is bringing peer-to-peer car sales into the 21st century. When he’s not working, Jacob can be found playing pickleball, climbing mountains, or spending time with his family.