Buying or Selling a Vehicle

Make sure the seller gives you the title (matching the VIN on the vehicle) and that all owners shown on the title (including any lienholders) have released interest.
If the seller’s name is not on the title, get a Bill of Sale from them. You may use DMV’s Vehicle Bill of Sale, or a separate document containing the same information (at least the VIN, a statement releasing interest in the vehicle, the printed name of the seller(s), the seller’s signature(s), and the date of sale). We cannot process a Bill of Sale without this information.
If the vehicle is model year 2011 or newer and under 20 years old, you must have an odometer disclosure. Both you and the seller must sign it. See the Odometer Disclosure page for more information.
Check the title for brands. A brand may show the vehicle was totaled, flooded, or other important information. See the Abandoned, Stolen, Totaled Vehicles and Title Brands page for more information.
Keep contact and identification information for the seller in case you need to get back in touch with them.
Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System vehicle history for damage. There is a fee for this service. Oregon DMV cannot issue a title for some damaged vehicles; see Junk Vehicles information on the Abandoned, Stolen, Totaled Vehicles and Title Brands page.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau checks some law enforcement records to see if a vehicle is reported stolen, for free.
Check for any open recalls on the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website maintains this information.
Apply for title within 30 days.

When you sell, donate, or gift your vehicle:

Sign and date either 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 provided a separate, signed statement releasing their interest in the vehicle.;
If the vehicle is model year 2011 or newer and under 20 years old, write the odometer reading on the back of the title. Both you and the buyer must sign it.

If you have lost the title for a vehicle in this year range, get a replacement title before selling the vehicle.
See the Odometer Disclosure page for more information.

Use DMV2U to notify DMV of the sale within 10 days.
Include the name and address of the buyer.

DMV will note on your record that you sold the vehicle, but you will stay listed as the owner until the buyer transfers the title.

*You cannot sell, donate, or gift your vehicle if you have a loan on it and the loan is not paid off. Contact your lienholder for information about their loan payoff process.

You may remove your license plates before selling your vehicle.

Buying or Selling a Vehicle

Buying Tips

Selling, Donating, or Gifting Your Vehicle