State Regulations

Buying or selling a vehicle in Oregon can be made simpler and meet legal requirements by following the guidelines of the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (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 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:

• Fill out an Application for Replacement Title, and ensure all owners on record have signed

• Complete an Application for Title and Registration, including new owner information

• Provide release of interest from the previous owner(s)

• Provide a bill of sale or lien release

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 for free by Oregon DEQ stations to ensure the vehicle is functioning properly and will pass emissions testing, which is required in the Portland and Medford areas.

Buying a Vehicle Without a Title

Do not purchase a vehicle that does not have 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 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 DMV for specific instructions based on your situation. In general, you will need to apply for a duplicate title before initiating a sale; visit our Registration FAQs section to find out how.

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.