What you need to do to get an Oregon title
Oregon requires you to register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of purchase, and the title process is part of that process. You'll submit your process to your county DMV office, not a state office — Oregon has DMV locations in most counties. The DMV will issue the title in your name once they verify ownership and receive the correct documents and fee.
The timeline depends on how you submit: in-person applications are usually processed the same day or within a few days, while mail submissions typically take two to three weeks. If you're financing the vehicle, the lender's name will appear on the title as a lienholder, and you won't receive the physical title until the loan is paid off.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore for an Oregon title within 30 days of purchase at your county DMV office, not online or by phone.
- Bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin (for new cars), the bill of sale, proof of ownership from the seller, and a completed process for Title and Registration form.
- The title fee is $97 in Oregon, plus a $10 registration fee, though fees may vary slightly by county.
- If you financed the vehicle, the lender will be listed as a lienholder and you'll receive the title only after the loan is paid in full.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Start by gathering the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) if you bought a new car, or the bill of sale if you bought used. The bill of sale should show the seller's name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date of sale. Both the buyer and seller should sign it.
You'll also need proof of ownership from the seller — typically their current title if the vehicle was previously registered in Oregon, or a bill of sale from the previous owner if it came from out of state. Bring your driver's license or state ID for identification. If someone else is co-owning the vehicle with you, they must be present or provide a notarized signature on the process.
Complete the process for Title and Registration (Form 735-1) before you go to the DMV. You can read it from the Oregon DMV website or pick one up at the county office. Fill in the vehicle information, your name and address, and whether you want the title in one name or joint names.
The step-by-step process at the DMV
Go to your county DMV office during business hours with all documents and payment ready. Hand your completed process and documents to the clerk. They will verify the VIN matches your vehicle, check that all signatures are present, and confirm the sale price is reasonable for the vehicle type.
Pay the title fee ($97) and registration fee ($10) by cash, check, or card — methods accepted vary by county office, so call ahead if you want to confirm. The clerk will give you a receipt and a temporary registration permit that's valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent registration card and title to arrive by mail.
If you applied in person, the title usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you mailed your process, allow two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives it. Check the status online through the Oregon DMV website if you want to track your process.
What happens if you financed the vehicle
When you take out a loan to buy the car, the lender becomes a lienholder on the title. This means the lender has a legal claim on the vehicle until you pay off the loan. You'll still be the registered owner and can drive the car, but the title will show the lender's name.
The lender will usually provide you with a letter stating they are the lienholder and what information to include on the title process. Bring this letter to the DMV along with your other documents. Once you pay off the loan, contact your lender and ask them to release the lien. The lender will send a lien release document to the Oregon DMV, and you'll receive a new title showing you as the sole owner.
Transferring a title from another state
If you bought a vehicle that was previously registered in another state, you'll need the out-of-state title or a bill of sale from the previous owner. Oregon will not issue a new title until the old title is surrendered or you provide proof that the previous state released it.
Contact the DMV office in the state where the vehicle was last registered and ask how to get a release or surrender form. Some states mail this directly to Oregon; others require you to submit it yourself. Once Oregon receives proof the old title is released, they'll issue an Oregon title in your name. This process can add one to two weeks to your timeline, so plan accordingly if you're moving to Oregon with a vehicle registered elsewhere.
Common reasons applications get delayed or rejected
Missing or illegible signatures on the bill of sale or process is the most common reason for rejection. Make sure both the buyer and seller sign the bill of sale in blue or black ink, and that all signatures on the process are present. If you're explore jointly with another person, both of you must sign or one person must have a notarized power of attorney.
Mismatched VINs between documents and the vehicle itself will also stop the process. The VIN on your bill of sale, process, and the vehicle's dashboard must match exactly. If you notice a discrepancy, contact the seller or the previous owner to get corrected paperwork before submitting to the DMV.
Unpaid taxes or liens from a previous owner can also hold up a title transfer, especially for used vehicles. The DMV will notify you if this is the issue and explain what you need to do to clear it. In most cases, the seller is responsible for clearing old liens before selling, but you may need to contact them to resolve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car before I get the title?
Yes. The temporary registration permit the DMV gives you at the time of process is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent registration and title. Keep the permit in your vehicle at all times.
What if I bought the car from a private seller and they won't sign the bill of sale?
You cannot register the vehicle without the seller's signature on the bill of sale or title. If the seller refuses, do not complete the purchase. A vehicle without a clear title transfer cannot be legally registered in Oregon.
Do I need to have the vehicle inspected before explore for the title?
No inspection is required for the title process itself. However, Oregon does require an emissions test for most vehicles before registration is complete. The DMV will tell you where to get this test and how to submit the results.
What if I lost the bill of sale from the private seller?
Contact the seller and ask them to provide a copy or sign a new one. If you cannot reach them, the DMV may accept an affidavit stating the sale details, though this is less common. Call your county DMV office to ask what documents they will accept in place of the original bill of sale.
How long does the title stay valid once I receive it?
An Oregon title does not expire. It remains valid as long as you own the vehicle. You only need to renew your vehicle registration every two years, not the title itself.