by Armando Martinez
Attention all Oregon car buyers! If you're planning to buy a car from a private owner, you must register and title it with the state to legally drive it on the road. The registration and title process is simple, but it is crucial. You have 30-days from your date of purchase to complete the process. Don't risk driving your new car without proper registration. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps needed to register your car in Oregon.
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale
The first step in registering your car is to obtain a bill of sale from the seller. Oregon has a form Bill of Sale (735-501 (3/22)) that is their preferred form, which can be downloaded here. You canThis document should include information such as the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as the purchase price and the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller. Don't make the mistake of buying a car without a bill of sale. Get it now and protect yourself.
Step 2: Obtain the Car Title
Next, you'll need to obtain the car title from the seller. Make sure that the title is signed over to you, all liens are released (if there was a prior loan security interest recorded on the title), and that all fields, including the odometer certification section, are properly filled out. An incomplete or incorrect title can cause major headaches down the road. Be bold and demand a correct and complete title.
Step 3: Obtain Insurance
Before you can register your car in Oregon, you'll need to obtain insurance in Oregon. The state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident. Don't take any chances on the road. Get insured now!
Step 4: Get Your Car Inspected
If the vehicle you purchased was previously registered in a state other than Oregon, you will need to have your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) inspected, which can be done by the DMV at the same time as your title & registration appointment unless the DMV has issues and refers you to the ORegon State Police to complete the VIN Inspection. Also, you may be able to have your VIN inspected in advance by the DMV, or if your vehicle is also required to have an emissions test (Portland, Medford-Ashland, and Rogue Valley Area residents), the VIN can be inspected by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality at the same time as your emissions test. To determine if your vehicle requires an emissions test in addition to your VIN inspection you can visit https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Vehicle-Inspection/Pages/vin.aspx. By the way, expect to pay the DMV a fee of $7 for your VIN inspection!
Step 5: Complete the Title & Registration Application
Once you have the bill of sale, title, and proof of insurance, you'll need to complete the title and registration application form 735-226 (1/23), which you can download from https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Forms/DMV/226fill.pdf, or by using the Oregon DMV’s online application site to complete your application and estimate your fees. The application will ask for information such as the car's make, model, year, and VIN, your insurance company name and policy number, your specialty plate request (if you want one), as well as your personal information. Don't procrastinate on this step. Complete the application now and save yourself time and hassle.
Step 6: Determine what Fees You Will Pay
Along with your title and registration application, you'll need to pay certain fees. These fees include a state title fee, State registration fee, plate fee, any applicable county fee. The exact fees will vary depending on the age and value of the car, so make sure to check with the DMV to determine the total amount due. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/Fees/Vehicle.aspx and https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/docs/Regular_Plates.pdf to determine what fees may apply to your vehicle. Don't hesitate to pay the fees. It's a small price to pay for legal and safe driving.
Step 7: Submit Your Documents and Fees
Once you have completed the title and registration application, gathered all additional required documents, and had your vehicle inspected if required, you'll need to submit all your documents and pay fees to the DMV. You can do this in person at your local DMV office by making an appointment at your local DMV office or by mail to “DMV Services, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314. If you choose to mail in your application, make sure to include all required documents and fees and keep a copy for yourself. If you choose to complete the process in person, you will need to make an appointment. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/pages/appointments.aspx for instructions about how to do this. Regardless of which way you choose, don't delay in submitting your documents. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can legally drive your new car.
Step 8: Receive Your License Plate, Title, and Registration
After your application has been processed, you will receive your license plates (front & back) either at your appointment for standard plates, or if you submitted your documents by mail, in the mail along with your title and registration. Make sure to keep these documents in a safe place, as you will need them to prove that your car is registered and legally allowed to be driven on Oregon roads. Be bold and proud of your legal and safe driving.
Conclusion
Registering your car bought in a private owner car sale in Oregon is a simple but crucial process. Don't take any chances on the road. Get your car registered now and avoid any legal troubles. Follow these steps and be bold in protecting yourself and other drivers on the road. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local DMV office.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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