Complaints
The DMV Business Regulation section handles complaints about vehicle dealers, such as:
- Dealer didn’t provide the title or plates and stickers in a timely manner;
- Dealer didn’t provide all of the documents necessary to transfer the title;
- Dealer didn’t pay off lienholders;
- Dealer didn’t pay off consignors within 10 days of sale; or
- Dealer is selling vehicles from an unlicensed location.
Although DMV can’t give legal advice, the information below may help with some common problems resulting from an Oregon dealer going out of business. For example:
- You paid in full for a vehicle but the dealer didn’t give you the title;
- You finished making payments to the dealer but they didn’t give you the title with their release; or
- You were making payments to the dealer for a vehicle but you can’t find them to finish paying.
In situations like these, you can:
- Check the status of the dealer's business license and obtain owner information from the
DMV Business Regulation section's online files;
- File a complaint (see below) with the DMV Business Regulation section against the dealer. DMV Business Regulation may not be able to take action against a dealer who is no longer in business, but they do keep complaints on file.
- Apply for a
title and registration for the vehicle if you can’t contact the owner of the dealership or they can’t help you.
DMV Business Regulation does not handle vehicle purchase related complaints such as:
- I bought a vehicle from a dealer and there are mechanical problems with it;
- I found out that the car I bought has been totaled and reconstructed, but the dealer won’t give me my money back;
- I bought a vehicle from a dealership and they are refusing to honor the warranty;
- The dealer wants me to sign a new contract because the original financing did not go through.
For these types of complaints you may contact the
Oregon Department of Justice for assistance.
Also, DMV Business Regulation does not handle auto safety related complaints such as:
- Vehicle safety concerns;
- Vehicle equipment defects and failures;
- Air bags and child safety seats; or
- Vehicle recalls.
For these types of complaints and inquiries you may contact the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
How to File a Complaint With DMV Business Regulation
To file a dealer/dismantler complaint, submit the request through
DMV2U or you may:
- Complete the
Request for Investigation (Form 6504);
- Sign and date the form;
- Attach legible copies of any supporting materials you have (contract, purchase order, receipts, canceled checks, etc.); and
- Mail the completed form and supporting materials to:
- DMV Business Regulation
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem , OR 97314
By submitting your complaint through DMV2U you will not have to mail in a copy of the Request for Investigation form. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the
DMV Business Regulation section.
If, after submitting a complaint, you have additional information for DMV or questions about the investigation, please contact the DMV Business Regulation section.
Oregon Dealer Out of Business
Although DMV can’t give legal advice, the information below may help with some common problems resulting from an Oregon dealer going out of business. For example:
- You paid in full for a vehicle but the dealer didn’t give you the title;
- You finished making payments to the dealer but they didn’t give you the title with their release; or
- You were making payments to the dealer for a vehicle but you can’t find them to finish paying.
In situations like these, you can:
- Check the status of the dealer's business license and obtain owner information from the DMV Business Regulation section's online files. You can also contact Business Regulation at 503-945-5052.
- File a complaint (see above) with the DMV Business Regulation section against the dealer. DMV Business Regulation may not be able to take action against a dealer who is no longer in business, but they do keep complaints on file.
- Apply for a title and registration for the vehicle if you can’t contact the owner of the dealership or they can’t help you.