Vehicle owners wondering how to perform an out of state car title transfer in Oregon must note that they will be required to provide several types of documents and fee payments to the state Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV). In addition to completing an out of state car title transfer, motorists will need to apply for a new car registration at the same time. To learn more about title transfer process in Oregon, continue reading the sections outlined below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Oregon?

By learning more about the OR cross state car title transfer procedure, applicants will increase their chances of successfully transferring their title and obtaining the correct documentation. The process to re-title a car in another state DMV’s records entails replacing an out-of-state title with a certificate of title issued by the motor vehicle department in the new state of residence.

Failure to transfer your car title in a timely manner will keep you from registering your vehicle in Oregon and you will not be able to drive legally in the state.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Oregon?

Car owners who would like to know when an out of state car title transfer is necessary in Oregon must note that they will be required to initiate a title transfer on each occasion they plan to legally operate a vehicle titled by another state. Therefore, completing an out of state vehicle title transfer is a requirement for motorists who relocate within the state and for existing residents who purchase a vehicle from outside of the state.

Remember, a title transfer will transpire only if the nonresident vehicle already has a title, meaning that brand new cars that only have a certificate of origin must be titled for the first time in Oregon, rather than having to go through a title transfer.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Oregon

During the process of transferring an out of state car title in Oregon, applicants will be required to present several types of documents prior to paying the applicable fees. However, the documents needed for an out of state title transfer in OR may vary slightly depending on several factors, such as whether or not the vehicle changed ownership.

For example, the out of state title transfer paperwork necessary to title and register a vehicle after moving to the state is listed below:

  • A filled out title and registration application containing an odometer disclosure statement, if required
  • The out-of-state title certificate
  • Certificate of a passed vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
  • Proof of a passed emissions test, if required
  • Evidence of a valid car insurance policy, if required

Note: If the title is in the possession of a financial institution or a leasing company, applicants will need to formally ask their security interest holder to send the corresponding title and supporting documentation to the state DMV.

If you are completing the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title in Oregon after purchasing a motor vehicle from outside of the state, on the other hand, you will need additional paperwork. For example, in order to process requests for an out of state car title transfer for newly-purchased vehicles, the state DMV requires the original bill of sale, any lien release documents (if applicable) and a use tax certificate, in addition to a properly endorsed title.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Oregon as a New Resident

Completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Oregon is a procedure comprised of several steps. To finalize the new state resident car title transfer process, applicants will first be required to make a visit to a local DMV office or compile a mail-in application packet before submitting the paperwork and fee payments to the DMV. If you finalize an out of state title transfer in person, you will immediately receive your registration documents.

If you complete the application process by mail and submit your application to the DMV office in Salem, Oregon, the DMV will mail your vehicle documents to the provided address if your request is approved. To avoid a rejected or delayed request for a title transfer, check the completeness of your application packet prior to submitting it.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Oregon After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

If you must initiate an out of state title transfer after buying a car from an out of state seller, you will be required to follow the same application steps as those outlined above. Therefore, you can complete the process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car by submitting the documents that apply to your specific situation either in person or by mail. Your title transfer request will be processed as soon as the state DMV authenticates the submitted paperwork.

In addition to completing the mail-in or in-person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, car owners will also be required to initiate the title transfer procedure if they have received an out of state vehicle through other means. The titles of inherited vehicles, for instance, can be transferred by completing additional steps, such as providing paperwork that proves vehicle ownership. Similarly, gifted vehicles must also be re-titled in Oregon and require additional documents that provide the details of the ownership transfer.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Oregon

The total cost of transferring an out of state car title in Oregon will include both the state titling and registration fees, since the DMV must title and register the vehicle simultaneously. Therefore, if you are wondering how much transferring a title costs, note that you will be required to pay the standard $93 title fee and the costs for new license plates, which vary based on the type of plates your vehicle needs.

When you perform a title transfer for an out of state vehicle, you may also be required to pay the state use tax, and other cross state car title transfer fees may apply if you fail to transfer the title within a specific time period after bringing the vehicle into the state.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.