What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in Oregon
To transfer a vehicle title in Oregon, you submit Form 735-14 (process for Title) to the DMV along with proof of ownership, proof of payment, and identification. The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the new owner's name. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office for faster service.
Oregon requires the title transfer to happen within 30 days of purchase. If you buy a vehicle from a private seller, the seller signs the back of the title and gives it to you. If you buy from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork. Either way, you are responsible for getting the new title issued in your name.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form 735-14, the signed title from the previous owner, proof of payment, and your ID to the Oregon DMV within 30 days of purchase.
- The title transfer fee in Oregon is $83 for a standard passenger vehicle, though the amount varies by vehicle type and weight.
- You can transfer a title by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized county clerk's office in some counties.
- If the title is lost, signed incorrectly, or missing information, the DMV will send you a notice and you will need to fix the problem before the transfer is complete.
- Oregon titles issued after 2000 have a watermark and security features; older titles may require additional verification from the DMV.
Documents You Need to Bring or Mail
The Oregon DMV requires specific documents for every title transfer. You need the original title signed by the previous owner on the back, Form 735-14 (process for Title) filled out completely, proof that you paid for the vehicle (usually the bill of sale), and a valid photo ID. If you are transferring the title on behalf of someone else, you also need a power of attorney document signed by the owner.
The bill of sale does not have to be a formal document. It can be a handwritten note that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both the buyer and seller. Oregon does not require a notarized bill of sale for private sales, but having one protects both parties if questions come up later.
If the title has damage, is missing information, or was signed in the wrong place, the DMV will reject it and send you a letter explaining what needs to be fixed. You then have to contact the previous owner and get a corrected title, which can delay your transfer by several weeks.
Where to Submit Your Title Transfer
You have three main options for submitting your title transfer in Oregon. You can mail the documents to the DMV at 1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314. You can visit a DMV office in person—Oregon has offices in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Medford, Bend, and Klamath Falls. You can also submit documents through an authorized county clerk's office in some counties, though not all counties offer this service.
Mailing your documents takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives them. In-person service at a DMV office is faster—you can often complete the transfer the same day or within a few business days. County clerk offices vary in their processing time, so call ahead to ask how long the transfer will take in your area.
If you mail your documents, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the new title mailed back to you. Without one, you will have to pick it up at a DMV office or pay extra for mailing. Keep copies of everything you send for your records.
Title Transfer Fees and Payment
The Oregon DMV charges $83 to transfer a standard passenger vehicle title. The fee is higher for commercial vehicles, trucks over a certain weight, and motorcycles. You pay the fee when you submit your transfer documents, whether you are mailing or visiting in person.
Payment methods vary by location. At DMV offices, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must include a check or money order made out to "Oregon DMV." Do not send cash through the mail. If you are using a county clerk's office, ask what payment methods they accept.
The fee covers the cost of issuing the new title and updating the DMV's records. It does not include registration, which is a separate process. If you need to register the vehicle at the same time, you will pay additional registration fees based on the vehicle's weight and type.
What Happens If the Previous Owner Did Not Sign the Title
If the previous owner did not sign the title or signed it in the wrong place, the DMV will not process your transfer. You must contact the previous owner and get them to sign it correctly. If the owner is unavailable or unwilling to sign, you may need to go to court to get a title transferred through a legal process, which is time-consuming and expensive.
If you bought the vehicle from a dealer and the dealer did not get the title signed properly before giving it to you, contact the dealer when ready. Dealers are responsible for ensuring the title is correct before handing it over. If the dealer refuses to fix it, you can file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.
To avoid this problem, always check that the title is signed before you leave the seller's location. Look at the back of the title and make sure the previous owner's signature is in the correct box. If anything looks wrong, ask the seller to fix it on the spot.
Transferring a Title When There Are Multiple Owners
If the title lists two or more owners, all owners must sign the back of the title for the transfer to be valid. If only one owner signs, the DMV will reject the transfer and ask for signatures from all owners. This is true even if the owners are married or in a domestic partnership.
If one owner cannot be located or refuses to sign, you may need to go through a legal process to remove them from the title. This usually involves filing a petition in court and proving that you have a right to the vehicle. The process varies depending on your situation—whether the owners are divorced, one has died, or there is a dispute over ownership.
If an owner has died, you will need a death certificate and may need to go through probate or use a simplified succession process, depending on the value of the vehicle and Oregon's laws at the time. Contact the DMV or a county clerk's office to find out what documents you need.
Common Reasons the DMV Rejects a Title Transfer
The DMV rejects title transfers most often because the title is not signed, is signed in the wrong place, or is missing required information. Other common reasons include a mismatch between the VIN on the title and the VIN on the vehicle, a missing or illegible bill of sale, or an expired title. Oregon titles do not expire, but very old titles (before 2000) may require additional verification.
If the DMV rejects your transfer, they will send you a letter explaining the problem and what you need to do to fix it. You then have a set amount of time to resubmit the corrected documents. If you do not respond, your transfer process will be closed and you will have to start over.
To avoid rejection, double-check all documents before you submit them. Make sure the VIN matches on the title and the vehicle, the title is signed in the correct boxes, the bill of sale includes all required information, and your ID is current. If you are unsure about anything, call the DMV at 503-945-5000 before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I bought a vehicle from out of state and need to transfer the title to Oregon?
You will need the out-of-state title, Form 735-14, proof of payment, and your ID. The DMV will issue an Oregon title in exchange. If the out-of-state title is in a different format or missing information Oregon requires, the DMV may ask for additional documents or a certified copy of the title from the other state.
Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has a lien on it?
Yes, but the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) must sign the title or provide a lien release document. The new owner's name will not appear on the title until the lien is paid off and released. Ask your lender what documents they need to provide for the transfer.
How long does it take to get the new title after I submit my transfer?
By mail, processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your documents. In person at a DMV office, you may get the title the same day or within a few business days. County clerk offices vary, so call ahead to ask.
What if I lose the title after I buy the vehicle but before I transfer it?
Contact the previous owner and ask them to request a duplicate title from the DMV. They can do this by submitting Form 735-14 and paying a duplicate title fee. Once you have the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer as normal.
Do I need to transfer the title before I can register the vehicle in Oregon?
No, but you must transfer the title within 30 days of purchase. You can register the vehicle at the same time you transfer the title, or you can do them separately. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle without both a valid title and registration.