Selling or junking a car in Oregon, step by step
- Find your title (or replace it). If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the Oregon DMV using Form 515 Application for Replacement Title.
- Pay off any loan. If a lender is listed on the title, it must release the lien before the car can change hands. See our guide to junking a car with a lien.
- Sign the title over at pickup. The seller signs and dates the back of the title or a Bill of Sale (form 501). Any lienholder must sign off or give a separate release, and for applicable vehicles both parties record and sign the odometer reading. The seller should report the sale to DMV within 10 days.
- Deal with your plates. DMV's buy/sell page says only that sellers may take their plates off before selling; it does not say plates must be returned or must stay with the vehicle.
- File the Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle. Sellers report the sale, including the buyer's name and address, within 10 days, which can be done online through DMV2U. The notice puts the sale on DMV's record but does not change ownership until the buyer titles the vehicle.
How to sign over a title in Oregon
The seller signs and dates the back of the title or a Bill of Sale (form 501). Any lienholder must sign off or give a separate release, and for applicable vehicles both parties record and sign the odometer reading. The seller should report the sale to DMV within 10 days.
Official page: oregon.gov. For general tips on avoiding mistakes, see how to sign over a car title.
Lost title? Getting a duplicate in Oregon
If a title is lost, submit the replacement title application (form 515) with the title fee. DMV lists about one week to process an Oregon replacement title.
- Form: Form 515 Application for Replacement Title — download
- Official page: oregon.gov
More background: how to get a duplicate title before junking.
Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle
Sellers report the sale, including the buyer's name and address, within 10 days, which can be done online through DMV2U. The notice puts the sale on DMV's record but does not change ownership until the buyer titles the vehicle.
- Form: 735-6890
- Can be filed online: yes
- Official page: oregon.gov
Why it matters: release of liability when selling a car.
License plates after you sell
What happens to plates depends on the plate type and situation. DMV's buy/sell page says only that sellers may take their plates off before selling; it does not say plates must be returned or must stay with the vehicle.
Source: oregon.gov
Junk and salvage titles in Oregon
Oregon does not issue titles for vehicles another state has declared junk or non-repairable. Owners of a totaled vehicle must turn the title in to DMV or the insurer within 30 days, and a salvage title is available if the vehicle is not junk.
Official page: oregon.gov. Background: salvage vs. rebuilt vs. junk titles.
Selling a car without a title in Oregon
We didn't find an official Oregon page describing a no-title option, so the safest route is to request a duplicate first. Our guide to junking a car without a title covers the general options buyers may accept.
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Oregon title questions
How do I replace a lost car title in Oregon?
If a title is lost, submit the replacement title application (form 515) with the title fee. DMV lists about one week to process an Oregon replacement title. The form is Form 515 Application for Replacement Title.
Do I need to notify Oregon when I sell or junk my car?
Oregon uses the Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle. Sellers report the sale, including the buyer's name and address, within 10 days, which can be done online through DMV2U. The notice puts the sale on DMV's record but does not change ownership until the buyer titles the vehicle.
What happens to my license plates when I sell a car in Oregon?
DMV's buy/sell page says only that sellers may take their plates off before selling; it does not say plates must be returned or must stay with the vehicle.
Can I junk a car without a title in Oregon?
It depends on the car and the buyer. The simplest route is usually to request a duplicate title first. Our guide to junking a car without a title explains the general options.
Official sources
- Oregon DMV — homeoregon.gov
- Selling or transferring a vehicle titleoregon.gov
- Duplicate or replacement title (Form 515 Application for Replacement Title)oregon.gov
- Form 515 Application for Replacement Title formoregon.gov
- Junk and salvage vehiclesoregon.gov
Summarized from official Oregon government websites in October 2026. Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the Oregon DMV before you sell. This guide is general information, not legal advice.