How To Transfer a Car Title in Oregon

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Chris Cho

Chris Cho

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.

When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!

You cannot ignore the need to learn how to transfer a car title in Oregon, especially if you have plans of buying and selling cars in the state.

Oregon, like every other state in America, has peculiar laws about car title transfers and registrations. This makes it important that every Oregon resident or anyone wishing to do business in the state learn how title transfers are done.

To transfer car titles in Oregon, you will need the vehicle's original title, start your application, provide original copies of the bill of sale, an odometer disclosure, lien releases if applicable, and proceed with paying the necessary fees.

Some parts of Oregon will require that you conduct emission testing, and all applications for car title transfers in Oregon must be mailed to the DMV office.

Read on to learn more about how to transfer a car title in Oregon.

Can You Transfer a Car Title in Oregon?

Yes, you can. You can transfer a car title in Oregon if you are eligible for a car title transfer and have all the requirements.

Oregon has strict title transfer policies that limit the process of car title transfers to only residents of the state, and you can only transfer a car title if there is no loan on the vehicle.

If you intend to get a title for a car with loan records, you must pay off the loan to permit your transfer.

What Are the Documents Required for a Car Title Transfer in Oregon?

Here is a list of documents that you will need to transfer car titles in Oregon.

• Bill of Sale
• Odometer Reading
• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
• Lien Release, if applicable
• DMV2U Form

How To Transfer Car Title in Oregon

Now that you are aware of the documents that you need to transfer a car title in Oregon, here are easy steps to transfer a car title in Oregon:

1. Title and Ownership

The first step to transferring a title in Oregon is to obtain the seller's original title or ownership document. If the vehicle is new, you must have the manufacturer’s certificate of origin.

If the seller couldn’t provide a title because it was lost, a replacement title should be filed to enable you to transfer the title.

Replacement title applications for vehicles with a model year of 2011 or newer will need to submit an odometer disclosure.

Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older will complete the replacement title application based on the information available on the Oregon record. If the vehicle is out-of-state, then the seller must get a replacement from the state before applying for an Oregon title.

2. Lien Release

After obtaining a title, you can confirm if there is a lien holder. In the event of one, a lien release should be initiated before a title transfer is applied for. You can obtain a release of interest from the lienholder(s) if there is any.

In the event of a lien holder, you can ask them to handle the title transfer on your behalf while sending them the required documents, including a security interest holder letter.

The lienholder will complete your title transfer application and mail it to the DMV office. While you wait for your finalization of this process, you can apply for a temporary trip permit to allow you drive the car around while you wait for your title.

3. Complete Title Application

With all of this settled, you can complete the title application and registration. The title application form assumes that you are applying for a clear title, so don’t apply for this title if you are applying with a rebuilt or salvage vehicle.

The title application will cover the vehicle information, owner’s contact details, and address. The total fee for the title application will be attached to the form, depending on the estimated fees you are paying.

4. Documentation

Proceed with providing the necessary documents that are needed for your title transfer. This includes a bill of sale, odometer disclosure, use tax certificate, and vehicle identification number inspection, especially if it is an out-of-state “vehicle” title.

There are provisions for odometer disclosure in the title application form at the back of the title. Still, you might have to provide the readings again in a separate document, a secure odometer disclosure form which will be issued to you upon request.

You must understand that an odometer disclosure is not needed if your vehicle is:

• Not manufactured with an odometer
• 2010 model or older
• Not self-propelled; trailers and campers
• Has a GVW rating of over 16,000 pounds
• Class 1 All-Terrain Vehicles

In some cases, you will need to pass an emission test, especially if you are filling for a title transfer within the regions of Portland and Medford. The emission tests in this region are carried out every two years.

5. Payment of Fees

All necessary fees must be paid at the completion and submission of the form. All documents and fees will be paid to the Department of motor vehicles (DMV) office or mailed to the following address:

Oregon DMV

1905 Lana Ave NE

Salem, OR 97314

The list of fees that you will have to pay for your title transfer in Oregon includes the following:

• Title Fee: $101-$192, depending on the vehicle's age, class, and fuel economy.
• VIN inspection fee: $7 for out-of-state or foreign titles.
• Late Fees: $25 within 31- 60 days after sale, $50 after 61 days of sale.

You should complete your title transfer within 10 days to avoid attracting penalties.

6. Use the DMV2U for Notification

As the seller, when the transaction is completed, use the DMV2U form to notify DMV within 10 days that you sold your vehicle. You will retain ownership of the vehicle until the title transfer is completed.

It is important to mention that there are quite a few factors that influence the process of title transfers. This factor ranges from if the title transfer is with an inherited vehicle, initiated by new residents, any lien release, etc.

This adds a certain level of peculiarity to the process, and you must understand the reason why you are applying for a title transfer, as this will minimize the chance of making mistakes.

How To Transfer Car Title in Oregon for Inherited Vehicles

Car title transfer as an inheritance in Oregon is only reserved for a few sets of people:

• Individuals named as co-owner or having a survivorship
• If the deceased estate is probated
• There is no named owner or probate on the estate

If an individual is named as the “survivor” of a co-owned vehicle, retitling can be done in the absence (death) of the primary title holder.

To do this, the following documents will be submitted to the DMV:

• Current title certificate
• Death or obituary certificate as proof of death
• Proof of transaction
• Proof of payment of title application fees

Title transfer for a probated estate will require a copy of the letter of testamentary, title certificate, release of interest, application for title and registration, odometer reading, document inspection, and paying the required fees.

If there is no named owner or probate on the estate, then a notarized inheritance affidavit should be submitted. This should clearly state the awarded heir(s) of the vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer a Title in Oregon?

Transferring a title in Oregon costs between $101 and $192. The accrued cost for transferring a title in Oregon depends on the car's overall weight, fuel economy, and class. In Oregon, electric cars have the highest title fees.

Here’s a list of fees for title transfers in Oregon for passenger vehicles and trucks (26,000 pounds GVWR or less)​​:

• Vehicle model year of 1999 or older, light trailers, travel trailers, and buses: $101
• ​Vehicle model year of 2000 or newer, with 0-19 Combined MPG, heavy vehicle titles, ATVs, campers, motor homes: $101
• ​Vehicle year 2000 or newer, with 20-39 Combined MPG: $106
• ​Vehicle year 2000 or newer, has 40+ Combined MPG: $116
• ​Electric Vehicle: $192

Conclusion

Transferring your car title in Oregon isn’t an entirely hard process. The fees might be slightly higher than what is obtainable in other states, but you have to ensure that you don’t make mistakes during the application process.

Make sure that you are handed over the title of the car if you are not buying a new vehicle, and always alert the authorities if you are worried about the authenticity of the dealer/seller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-resident register a car in Oregon?

No. Non-residents are not permitted to register cars in Oregon. This will also apply to their chances of transferring car titles. Car registrations are only limited to Oregon residents or those who have lived in Oregon for at least six months and are consistent with your tax records.

You are only eligible to register a car in Oregon if you are a resident. This can be proven with your proof of residency.

What is the penalty for a late title transfer in Oregon?

The penalty for a late title transfer in Oregon is $25 if you delay your title transfer for 31 - 60 days. Delays from 61 days and above attract a $50 penalty fee.