How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Oregon

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A title transfer is required in Oregon to prove ownership if you bought a new or used car. The title transfer is required if you sold, donated, or gifted your car, too.

The title transfer process is easy requiring a few steps filing info, paying fees, and submitting paperwork.

Oregon Auto Title Transfers: How It’s Done

Selling your vehicle or buying one through a private sale?

Your best bet is having both parties go to the local clerk’s office to avoid any potential issues. The process is largely the same between seller and buyer with a few exceptions – below, you’ll find a general overview of the process.

This is the process (including both parties):

  1. Retrieve the vehicle’s title or request a duplicate title
    1. Note: You may need a lien release from the current owner
    2. Or: Provide a lien release to the buyer (if you’re the owner)
  2. Fill the title transfer section on the Oregon certificate of title – including:
    1. Full legal name and address of buyer and owner
    2. Date of sale (month, day, and year)
    3. Odometer reading (if applicable)
    4. Emissions certificate (if applicable)
  3. Complete the Application for Title and Registration (735-226)
    1. Owner/applicant information
    2. Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
    3. Odometer declaration
    4. Application signatures
    5. Notarize the application
  4. Bring the necessary, personal documents:
    1. Proof of identification
    2. Proof of insurance
    3. Documents stating any liens have been paid
    4. Bill of sale (if applicable)
    5. Statement of lien satisfaction
  5. Pay the taxes and fees
    1. Title: $93
    2. Replacement: $93
    3. Title w/ replacement: $93

* The title transfer may happen when receiving a duplicate title.

Always keep copies of the bill of sale for record-keeping. Congratulations, you’ve completed the Oregon title transfer application and switched ownership of the vehicle!

Alternative Title Transfers in Kentucky

Oregon wants to know when titles are transferred outside of private sales whether buying from a car lot or passing the vehicle & title around family and friends.

Buying from Dealerships

Dealerships will process your title & registration, sending documents to their appropriate locations. If they don’t, request the forms and deliver them to an OR DMV. They will complete the title application form and do the process as noted in the section above.

Out-of-State Vehicles

Bringing a vehicle from another state requires you to register it with the OR DMV (as expected). This process involves an applicable emissions test. You will submit your current title, VIN inspection, and 735-226 form when applying. Pay the fees and you’re good to go else you may mail your information, too.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle from a deceased family member involves much of the same process as private auto title transfers. Except, the recipient will pay the sales tax. Else, the estate will handle the process.

Gifted/Donated Vehicles

You will complete the process much like transferring a title through private sales. Except, you’ll typically be eligible for a tax credit because it’s a gift/donated.