How To Get a Car Title in Oregon 2026
Oregon requires owners of vehicles registered within state jurisdiction to obtain a certificate of title as per ORS § 803.045. The Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division administers title issuance, maintains ownership documentation, and processes certificate applications through authorized offices distributed throughout Oregon's counties.
Where to Apply for an Oregon Certificate of Title
Oregon processes certificate of title applications through facilities operated under the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services oversight:
- DMV Field Offices – State-operated service locations in major population centers providing comprehensive title and registration transactions
- Mail Processing – Applications transmitted to the DMV central processing facility for standard postal handling
- DMV2U Online Portal – Digital platform enabling electronic submission of title applications for qualifying passenger vehicles
- Appointment Service – Scheduled in-person transactions at DMV offices for title processing with guaranteed service times
Required Documents for Title Application in Oregon
Oregon administrative regulations establish documentation standards for certificate issuance, with requirements determined by vehicle provenance and transaction characteristics.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Properly Assigned Certificate of Title | Prior Oregon title with completed transfer section or out-of-state title bearing proper endorsement | Lost Oregon titles for vehicles 2010 or older may be replaced during transfer application |
| Application for Title and Registration Form 735-226 | Executed form containing vehicle specifications, owner information, and signature certification | Passenger vehicles may utilize the guided DMV2U online application system |
| Proof of Ownership | Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin for new vehicles; properly assigned title for previously titled vehicles | Certificate of origin required from manufacturer for vehicles entering initial registration |
| Valid Identification | Current Oregon driver license or government-issued identification | Required for all applicants presenting in-person transactions |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplementary materials mandated under particular transaction conditions:
| Document Type | Purpose | Application Circumstances |
|---|---|---|
| Lienholder Release Documentation | Verify satisfaction of recorded security interest | Required when existing title displays creditor notation; original release from security interest holder necessary |
| Odometer Disclosure | Document accurate mileage at ownership transfer | Mandatory for vehicles model year 2011 or newer and under 20 years old; exempt for vehicles exceeding 16,000 pounds gross weight |
| VIN Inspection Certificate | Authenticate vehicle identification number accuracy | Required for out-of-state or foreign titled vehicles; $9.00 inspection fee; conducted at DMV offices during appointments |
| Bill of Sale Form 501 | Document transaction consideration and transfer terms | Original releases required from all previous owners in the chain of ownership |
| Use Tax Certificate | Verify tax compliance for out-of-state dealer purchases | Required for brand new vehicles or vehicles with 7,500 miles or fewer purchased from foreign state dealers |
| Assembled Vehicle Certification Form 6511 | Declare vehicle constructed from multiple components | Required for assembled, reconstructed, or replica vehicles; includes bills of sale for major components |
Oregon Title Fees and Costs
The Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division assesses fee schedules established through legislative appropriation. Oregon imposes no sales tax on vehicle purchases. Registration fees for two-year periods vary based on combined fuel efficiency ratings as determined by federal Environmental Protection Agency standards.
Standard Title Fees
| Service Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (0–19 MPG) | $101.00 |
| Certificate of Title (20–39 MPG) | $106.00 |
| Certificate of Title (40+ MPG) | $116.00 |
| Title Transfer (0–19 MPG) | $101.00 |
| Title Transfer (20–39 MPG) | $106.00 |
| Title Transfer (40+ MPG) | $116.00 |
| Duplicate Certificate | Varies by fuel efficiency |
| Late Title Transfer (31–60 days) | $25.00 penalty |
| Late Title Transfer (over 60 days) | $50.00 penalty |
Additional Processing Fees
Variable assessments determined by transaction parameters and vehicle specifications:
| Fee Category | Amount | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee – Two-Year (0–19 MPG) | $126.00 | Passenger vehicles with 0–19 combined MPG rating |
| Registration Fee – Two-Year (20–39 MPG) | $136.00 | Passenger vehicles with 20–39 combined MPG rating |
| Registration Fee – Two-Year (40+ MPG) | $156.00 | Passenger vehicles with 40+ MPG rating; OReGO enrollment alternative $86 |
| Registration Fee – Two-Year (All-Electric) | $316.00 | Fully electric vehicles; OReGO enrollment alternative $86 |
| Registration Fee – Motorcycle/Moped | $88.00 | Two-year period for motorcycles and mopeds |
| License Plate Issuance | $26.00 | Required for initial Oregon registration without plate transfer |
| Plate Transfer Fee | $30.00 | When transferring existing Oregon plates to replacement vehicle |
| VIN Inspection | $9.00 | Required for out-of-state or foreign titled vehicles |
| Multnomah County Fee | $112.00 | Additional county assessment for vehicles residing in Multnomah County |
| Washington/Clackamas County Fee | $60.00 | Additional county assessment for vehicles residing in Washington or Clackamas County |
Note: Proposed surcharges of $30 annually for all-electric vehicles and vehicles with 40+ MPG efficiency ratings were frozen on December 16, 2025, pending referendum resolution. Current fees listed reflect rates in effect as of February 2026.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Gather Ownership Records and Execute Transfer Assignment
Secure the current certificate of title or manufacturer's certificate of origin. For ownership transfers, complete the transfer section on the certificate, including all mandatory elements: transferor and transferee identification, addresses, transaction date, and purchase consideration. Oregon law establishes a 30-day deadline from the sale date for title application submission; applications submitted after 30 days but within 60 days incur a $25.00 penalty, and applications submitted over 60 days after the sale date incur a $50.00 penalty. Obtain lienholder discharge documentation when the existing certificate displays a security interest notation; original release required from the creditor.
Step 2: Complete Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
Execute odometer disclosure documenting accurate vehicle mileage for vehicles model year 2011 or newer and under 20 years old. Disclosure may appear in the transfer area on the title or separate form, depending on the title format. For out-of-state or foreign titled vehicles, secure a VIN inspection from the DMV office confirming the identification number corresponds to the supporting documentation; inspection conducted during the title appointment.
Step 3: Execute Application for Title and Registration
Complete Form 735-226 with precise vehicle specifications, including identification number, manufacturing year, brand, model designation, and body configuration. Passenger vehicle owners may utilize DMV2U online application with an integrated fee calculator. Record owner legal name matching identification credentials exactly. Sign the application certifying information accuracy under penalty of law. Calculate applicable title fee based on vehicle fuel efficiency rating ($101–$116) plus registration fees based on vehicle fuel efficiency rating and applicable county surcharges.
Step 4: Present Application at DMV Office or Submit by Mail
Submit assembled documentation, executed application, valid identification, and payment in authorized form to any DMV office statewide. Walk-in service available at participating locations; appointments guarantee service without extended waiting. For postal filing, transmit materials to:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314
Include payment by check or money order payable to Oregon DMV when submitting by mail. Credit card payments are accepted for in-person transactions.
Step 5: Obtain Certificate of Title
Oregon DMV processes applications and issues certificates following documentation validation and fee collection. Standard processing requires approximately two to three weeks for mail applications; in-person transactions provide immediate processing when all requirements are satisfied. When a security interest exists, the certificate is forwarded to the lienholder's address; owners receive the certificate directly when no lien is recorded. Temporary registration permits are issued for immediate vehicle operation pending permanent title production.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Oregon statute (ORS § 803.030) excludes designated vehicle classifications from certificate of title mandates:
- Vehicles owned and operated by United States government agencies for official federal purposes
- Motor vehicles and trailers properly registered under the International Registration Plan with current credentials
- Special construction equipment and machinery not designed or used primarily for transportation on highways
- Road rollers, farm tractors, and traction engines operated exclusively for agricultural or construction purposes
- Trolley vehicles operating on fixed rail systems
- Mopeds meeting statutory definition under the Oregon vehicle code
- Implements of husbandry, well drilling equipment, and oil drilling equipment
- Special construction machinery not designed for highway transportation purposes
- Government-owned vehicles operated by Oregon state agencies or political subdivisions for official functions
Contact Information
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services - Vehicle Title Section
1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314
Phone: (503) 945-5000
Official Website: Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
