Oregon DMV Titling & Registering Vehicles with Liens

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Oregon DMV

Department
- Transportation Department
- Divisions

Titling & Registering Vehicles with Liens

When You Have a Vehicle Loan

If you took out a loan to buy your vehicle or are leasing it, the financial institution may be holding the title. DMV cannot title or register a vehicle until we receive the current certificate of title. An informational or non-negotiable copy of a title will not satisfy this requirement.

When you move to Oregon and the security interest holder holds the title to your vehicle, follow the steps below to title and register your vehicle in Oregon.

Titling/Registering a Vehicle

Start this process immediately. Depending upon how quickly the financial institution processes your paperwork, it can take several weeks to get your plates and stickers. If your out-of-state plates expire, you are limited to two 21-day trip permits which allow you to drive your vehicle on a temporary basis.

Print the security interest holder letter and application procedures. If you need a hard copy, contact DMV.
- Send the letter and the items listed below to your bank or finance company.
Fill out an Application for Title and Registration.
- Include the current odometer reading on the application.
If you live in the Portland Area or the Rogue Valley (Medford), get an emissions test at DEQ.
- You may be able to get your vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection while at DEQ.
If you are applying for registration for a 2009 model year or newer passenger, low-speed, or 4-wheeled electric vehicle with 7,500 or less mileage, prove compliance with or exemption from the Low Emission Vehicle requirement.
Take your vehicle to a regular or full service DMV office when you establish Oregon residency to get a VIN inspection, if you did not get a VIN inspection at DEQ.
Choose license plates.
If your out-of-state plates are expired, you may want a trip permit.
Figure your fees. Make check payable to "Oregon DMV".

Contact your security interest holder to speed the process. Send the Security Interest Holder Letter, with the above paperwork and check for the fees, to the security interest holder.

Your security interest holder must add your title to the above documents and mail them back to DMV. If your paperwork is complete when received at DMV Headquarters in Salem, your plates are mailed within 5-10 business days.

Page updated: May 08, 2008

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