What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in Oregon

Oregon requires you to transfer the title within 30 days of buying a vehicle. You do this through the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), not through a local DMV office — Oregon has no separate DMV. The process involves submitting the signed title certificate, proof of ownership, and a completed process form to ODOT's Motor Vehicles Division, either by mail or in person at one of their field offices.

The person selling the vehicle must sign the back of the title certificate in the seller's section. You then sign your name in the buyer's section. If the title has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns it), the lien holder must also sign or provide a release of lien document. Without all required signatures, ODOT will return your paperwork and the 30-day window continues to run.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon gives you 30 days from the purchase date to transfer the title, and penalties explore if you miss this important date.
  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the title certificate, and if there is a lien, the lien holder must release it or sign off.
  • You can submit your title transfer by mail to ODOT's Motor Vehicles Division or visit a field office in person.
  • Oregon charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle's value, and you will also pay registration fees at the same time.
  • If the title is lost or damaged, you must request a duplicate title from ODOT before you can transfer ownership.

Oregon Title Transfer Fees and What They Cover

Oregon's title transfer fee depends on the vehicle's assessed value. The state uses a sliding scale: vehicles valued under $1,500 cost less to transfer than those valued at $10,000 or more. You can find the exact fee by looking up your vehicle's value on ODOT's fee schedule, which is updated annually.

When you transfer the title, you also register the vehicle in Oregon at the same time. The registration fee is separate from the title fee and is based on the vehicle's weight and type. A passenger car typically costs less to register than a truck or SUV. If you are transferring a title for a vehicle you already own in Oregon (such as after paying off a loan), you still pay the title transfer fee, but registration fees may be lower or waived depending on your situation.

You can pay fees by check, money order, or credit card when you submit your paperwork by mail. If you visit a field office in person, you can also pay with cash or debit card at some locations. ODOT's website lists which payment methods each field office accepts.

Where to Submit Your Title Transfer process

ODOT operates field offices in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. Each office handles title transfers during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The Salem office, located at 1905 Lana Avenue NE, is the largest and handles the highest volume of transactions.

If you prefer to mail your documents, send them to ODOT Motor Vehicles Division, 1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314. Include the signed title certificate, your completed process form (Form #735-14), proof of identification, and a check or money order for the fees. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want ODOT to return a copy of your new title to you.

You can also use a third-party service to handle the transfer on your behalf. Licensed title services in Oregon can submit your paperwork to ODOT, though they charge a fee for this service. This option is useful if you live far from a field office or do not have time to visit in person.

Documents You Must Provide to ODOT

The title certificate itself is the most important document. It must be signed by the seller in the seller's section and by you in the buyer's section. Both signatures must be in blue or black ink — pencil is not accepted. If the title is a paper certificate, make sure it is not torn, water-damaged, or illegible, as ODOT will reject it and ask you to request a duplicate.

You also need a completed process form. Oregon uses Form #735-14 (process for Title and/or Registration), which you can read from ODOT's website or pick up at a field office. Fill in your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the purchase date. If you are financing the vehicle, include the lender's name and address in the lienholder section.

Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. If you are buying the vehicle from a private seller, you may also need a bill of sale showing the purchase price and date, though this is not always required by ODOT. However, having a bill of sale protects you if there is a dispute later about the sale. If the vehicle has a lien, you need either the original title with the lien holder's signature or a separate release of lien document from the lender.

What Happens If You Miss the 30-Day important date

Oregon charges a late fee if you do not transfer the title within 30 days of purchase. The penalty is $50 for the first 30 days after the important date passes, and an additional $50 for each month the title remains untransferred. These fees stack up quickly, so it is important to submit your paperwork as soon as possible after buying the vehicle.

If you are more than 90 days late, ODOT may also require you to provide additional documentation, such as a notarized bill of sale or an affidavit explaining the delay. In some cases, you may need to have the vehicle inspected by ODOT to verify its condition and ownership before the title can be transferred. This inspection adds time and cost to the process.

If you have already missed the important date, submit your title transfer paperwork when ready. Include a written explanation of the delay if you are significantly past the 30-day window. ODOT will calculate the late fees owed and add them to your bill. Paying the late fees does not excuse the delay, but it allows the transfer to proceed.

Transferring a Title When There Is a Lien or Loan

If you are buying a vehicle that still has a loan against it, the lender (bank, credit union, or finance company) holds the title as collateral. You cannot transfer the title to your name until the lien is released. The seller must contact their lender and request a lien release, which is a document stating that the loan has been paid off and the lender no longer has a claim to the vehicle.

The lien release document must be signed by the lender and provided to you before you can submit your title transfer to ODOT. Some lenders mail the release directly to ODOT, in which case you do not need to handle it yourself. Ask the seller's lender whether they will send the release to ODOT or whether you need to include it with your process.

If you are financing the purchase yourself, your lender will become the lienholder on the new title. Include your lender's name and address on your process form, and ODOT will issue a title with your lender listed. Once you pay off the loan, the lender will send you a release of lien, and you can then request a new title with no lien holder listed.

Duplicate Titles and Correcting Errors on Your New Title

If the title certificate is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you must request a duplicate from ODOT before you can transfer it. Submit Form #735-14 along with a statement explaining that the title is lost or damaged. ODOT will issue a duplicate title, which you can then use to complete the transfer. Requesting a duplicate adds one to two weeks to the overall process.

If ODOT issues your new title with an error — such as a misspelled name, wrong VIN, or incorrect vehicle description — contact ODOT when ready to request a correction. Errors on the title can cause problems later when you try to renew registration or sell the vehicle. ODOT can issue a corrected title at no charge if the error was made by ODOT, but you may be charged a fee if the error was caused by information you provided on the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is out of state?

Yes. The seller does not need to be present in Oregon. They can sign the title and mail it to you, or you can meet them in person in another state and have them sign there. As long as the title is properly signed and you submit it to ODOT within 30 days of purchase, the transfer will be processed. Make sure the signature is in blue or black ink and is legible.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?

Contact ODOT before submitting your paperwork. If the seller's name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, they may need to provide a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate along with the title. ODOT will tell you what documentation is needed to proceed with the transfer.

Do I need to have the vehicle inspected before transferring the title?

No, not for a standard title transfer. However, if the vehicle is significantly older, has been salvaged or rebuilt, or if you are more than 90 days late in transferring the title, ODOT may require an inspection. The inspection verifies that the vehicle matches the description on the title and that it is safe to register.

Can I transfer a title online in Oregon?

ODOT does not currently offer online title transfers. You must submit your paperwork by mail or visit a field office in person. Some third-party services offer online portals where you can upload documents and pay fees, and they then submit everything to ODOT on your behalf, but this is not an official ODOT service.

How long does it take to receive my new title after I submit the transfer?

If you submit in person at a field office, you may receive your new title the same day or within a few days. If you mail your paperwork, expect two to three weeks for processing and mailing. ODOT will send your new title to the address you provide on the process form. If you included a self-addressed stamped envelope, ODOT will return a copy to you as well.