In the state of Oregon, a title transfer must be completed within 30 days of vehicle ownership changing hands. For titles that are not transferred after 30 days, you must pay $25 late fee. After 60 days, that fee increases to $50.

NOTE: Vehicle registration and title matters generally take place together.

Title Transfer: Sell Car

If you are selling a vehicle, you can complete the title transfer by doing the following:

1. Sign and date the title.
2. Record the odometer reading, for vehicles 10 years old or newer.
3. Submit a Notice of Sale to the DMV within 10 days.
4. Complete a bill of sale for your personal records.
5. Follow up with DMV in 21 to 30 days, to ensure the completion of the title transfer.

Title Transfer: Buy Car

If you are purchasing a new car from a dealership, the dealer will complete the title transfer for you. If you are purchasing a used car from a private party, you must complete the following steps:

1. Collect the signed title or bill of sale from the previous owner.
2. Sign and date the title or bill of sale, yourself.
3. Complete and Odometer Disclosure Statement, available at your local DMV office.
4. Complete an Application for Title and Registration.
5. Submit all documents and the $77 title fee to your local DMV office.

If you would prefer to apply for a title by mail, send all documents and fees to the following address:

OR DMV Headquarters
1905 Lana Ave. NE
Salem, OR 97314
(503) 945-5000

Contact DMV headquarters directly, if you do not receive your new car title in three to five weeks.

Title Transfer: Lien Removal

When removing a lien, simply submit a lien release form, in addition to the Application for Title and Registration and $77 title fee.

Title Transfer: Family Transfers and Gifting

A family transfer is handled in the same way as a vehicle purchase. Similarly, vehicle gifting requires the signed title, Odometer Disclosure Statement, Application for Title and Registration, and the $77 title fee.

Title Transfer: Vehicle Inheritance

If you are inheriting a vehicle from a deceased party, consider consulting a probate attorney. If the estate is probated, submit the following documents and fees to the DMV:

• Vehicle title.
• Letter of Testamentary issued by the court (copies accepted).
• Bill of sale or title, signed by the state executor.
• Completed Application for Title and Registration.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement, for vehicles 10 years old or newer.
• $77 title fee.

If the estate is not probated, you must present a notarized Inheritance Affidavit for each heir, in place of the Letter of Testamentary.

Vehicle History Report

When purchasing used cars, it is helpful to know the vehicle history. You can obtain a vehicle history report online, courtesy of several independent companies.