How to transfer a car title in Oregon
For private sellers and buyers in Oregon. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Oregon, the seller signs and dates the back of the title and reports the sale to DMV online. The buyer files form 735-226 by mail to DMV in Salem or at a DMV office within 30 days of the sale. The title fee starts at $101, and a late fee applies after that.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Oregon?
Seller
- Sign and date the back of the title, or a bill of sale.
- If you had a loan, make sure the lienholder signed the front of the title or gave a signed release.
- For a 2011 or newer car under 20 years old, write the odometer reading on the back of the title. You and the buyer both sign it.
- Notify DMV of the sale within 10 days with DMV2U, including the buyer's name and address.
- You may take your plates off before you sell.
Buyer
- Get the title from the seller. It must match the VIN, and every owner and lienholder on it must have released interest.
- If the seller's name is not on the title, get a bill of sale from them.
- Apply for the title within 30 days. After that, DMV adds a late fee.
- Apply by mail to DMV in Salem or at a DMV office, with the title application and the title fee.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services before you go: oregon.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Oregon?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Sign and date the back of the title, or a bill of sale. If there was a loan, the lienholder must have released it.
Step 2 · Seller
Record the odometer reading.
For a 2011 or newer car under 20 years old, write it on the back of the title. You and the buyer both sign.
Step 3 · Seller
Notify DMV within 10 days.
Use DMV2U and include the buyer's name and address. You stay listed as owner until the buyer transfers the title.
We have not confirmed whether Oregon requires a bill of sale. Check with the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services before you sell.
Oregon bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Oregon?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the title.
It must match the VIN, and every owner and lienholder must have released interest. If the seller is not on the title, get a bill of sale.
oregon.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Fill out the title application.
Use form 735-226, or the guided DMV2U application for a passenger car.
735-226 · Application for Title and Registrationoregon.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Apply within 30 days.
Mail it to DMV in Salem or go to a DMV office. After 30 days a late fee applies.
oregon.gov checked
After DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Oregon guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Oregon?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee (0 to 19 MPG) | $101 | Buyer | oregon.gov Checked |
| Title fee instead, for 20 to 39 MPG (if it applies) | $106 | Buyer | oregon.gov Checked |
| Title fee instead, for 40 MPG or higher (if it applies) | $116 | Buyer | oregon.gov Checked |
| Title fee instead, for an all-electric car (if it applies) | $192 | Buyer | oregon.gov Checked |
| Late title transfer, 31 to 60 days (if it applies) | $25 | Buyer | oregon.gov Checked |
| Late title transfer, after 60 days (if it applies) | $50 | Buyer | oregon.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees | $101 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Oregon are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Replacement / Duplicate Title (735-515).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
When does the seller have to tell DMV?
Notify DMV within 10 days of the sale, online with DMV2U. Include the buyer's name and address.
oregon.gov checked
Is there a late fee?
Yes. If the buyer misses the deadline, DMV adds a late fee of $25 or more.
oregon.govsource 2 checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Oregon sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.