State Regulations in Oregon

Buying or selling a vehicle in Oregon can be made simpler and meet legal requirements by following the guidelines of the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV).

Buyers of new vehicles must obtain title transfer and registration, while sellers must notify Oregon DMV within 10 days of the sale.

Oregon's DMV provides a site for dealer complaints, and advises that it will consider such complaints through a Request for Investigation (Form 6504) that is signed and dated. However, the DMV does not handle dealer complaints that deal with the following:

  • Dealer-bought car did not pass DEQ.
  • Dealer-bought car with mechanical problems.
  • Dealer-bought car that has been totaled and reconstructed.
  • Dealer-bought car with questionable mileage.
  • Problems regarding deposit with dealer.
  • Contract and financing issues.

These matters should be referred to the Department of Justice.

Buying a Vehicle

When buying a vehicle in Oregon, purchasers should go through the normal registration process using the title with transfer signed by seller.

To transfer the title with the sale of a vehicle in Oregon, follow these steps:

This is normally part of the standard paperwork with a new car. For used cars, the Oregon DMV advises buyers to be cautious regarding vehicles with trip permits.

As a buyer you may also have a vehicle checked by Oregon DEQ stations to ensure the vehicle is functioning properly and will pass emissions testing, which is required in the Portland-Metro and Medford-Ashland areas.

Buying a Vehicle Without a Title

Do NOT purchase a vehicle without a title. The DMV holds the seller responsible for providing the buyer with the title. If you have bought a vehicle and the seller didn't provide you with the title, you might be able to have a new title issued to you―but only if the vehicle is not subject to odometer disclosure requirements.

Buying a Vehicle Without a Registration

You can purchase a vehicle without its registration. However, it's then your responsibility to register the car with the DMV.

Selling a Vehicle

When selling a vehicle, you must sign over the title to the buyer(s). There is a section for both buyer and seller to sign on the back of Oregon title documents. For older titles, the heading may be "registered owners" or "new owners," and multiple signatures are required for multiple owners, buyers and sellers. There may be more than one seller or buyer, but a vehicle will have only one title.

A bill of sale may also be used, and is a good proof of record for the transaction.

Sellers are required to notify DMV within 10 days of selling a vehicle. You should complete the online notice of sale or submit a completed Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle (Form 735-6890) to the DMV at the following address:

  • Oregon DMV
  • 1905 Lana Ave NE
  • Salem, OR 97314

Selling a Vehicle Without a Title

Depending on the year of the vehicle, the DMV has different ways to proceed if you want to sell a vehicle whose title you have lost. Contact the Oregon DMV for specific instructions based on your situation. In general, you will need to apply for a duplicate title before initiating a sale.

Selling a Vehicle Without a Registration

It's not necessary to have your registration in hand when you sell a vehicle. The buyer has the responsibility to register the car once he or she has purchased it.

Forms

735-515
Application for Replacement Title
Application for a replacement OR vehicle title from the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division.
735-226
Application for Title and Registration
Request a new Oregon title OR registration, registration renewal, plate transfer, OR replacement registration from the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division.
735-6890
Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle
Notify the Oregon DMV when you transfer ownership of a vehicle. This form IS NOT a bill of sale or release of interest.
6504
Request for Investigation
File a complaint against a licensed vehicle dealer or dismantler OR report unlicensed dealers and dismantlers to the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division.
735-524
Statement of Lien Satisfaction
Complete this form when you've satisfied a lien on an OR vehicle title.
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