• You paid for a vehicle (vs. financed it) at the time of purchase but the dealer did not give you the vehicle title;
• You finished making payments to the dealer but they did not give you the vehicle title with their release; or
• You were making payments to the dealer for a vehicle but you cannot locate them to finish payment.

• Verify the status of the dealer's business license and obtain owner information from the DMV Business Regulation section's online files, or contact them directly at (503) 945-5052;
• File a complaint 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); and/or
• Follow the instructions below to apply for a vehicle title (all applications are accepted on a review basis only) if you are unable to contact the owner of the dealership or they are unable to assist you.

• Fill out an Application for Title and Registration form:
  • Fillable form
  • Non-fillable form
  • Help with filling out your application
  • Help with DMV forms;
• Include the name and address of your lender on lines 13 and 14 of the application, if you borrowed money to purchase the vehicle from the dealer;
• Fill out and sign a Certification of Ownership Facts (Form 550) (Contact DMV for this form):
  • Completion of this form does not guarantee issuance of a certificate of title
  • Fully complete and sign the form or it will not be accepted
  • Pay close attention to the middle section and provide as much information as possible
  • Attach all documents for consideration in your claim of ownership, such as a bill of sale from the dealer, a copy of your purchase agreement, loan contract, cancelled check, receipts, etc.;
• Provide releases of interest from previous owners, if possible, using the back of Title, MCO, Bill of Sale, or Lien Release:
  • If you are requesting a release of interest through the mail, we suggest that you send your request by certified mail, restricted delivery
  • If the envelope is returned unclaimed, you may submit it with your application to support your claim that you are unable to locate the previous owner
  • A returned certified mail envelope is not acceptable in lieu of a release of interest if the individual or business is located;
• Document your attempt to get a release of interest on the Certification of Ownership Facts form (referenced above), if you are unable to locate the vehicle owner (a release of interest from a flooring company, someone who loaned money to the dealer, is not required);
• Provide the current title, if one was given to you;
• Pass an emissions test at DEQ if you live in the Portland Area or the Rogue Valley (Medford);
• Get a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection if the vehicle is not currently registered in Oregon (currently has no plates or out of state plates):
  • You can get a VIN inspection at a regular or full service DMV office
  • A $7 fee will be charged for the service
  • You may also be able to get a VIN inspection while at DEQ
  • You may contact DMV to see if the vehicle is titled in Oregon, you will need to provide the vehicle identification number;
• Choose license plates (click here for choices):
  • If you choose a specialty plate, write the name of that plate in the “Remarks” section of your application
  • You may transfer Oregon plates you own to your new vehicle:
    • The plates must be a type that DMV still issues, or have a specialty background
    • The plates must be in good condition and readable
    • The plates can only be transferred to the same type of vehicle;
  • When you transfer plates:
    • The expiration date of the registration will remain the same
    • Expired plates cannot be transferred, unless registration fees are paid at the time of plate transfer
    • You must pay a plate transfer fee of $6;
• Figure and pay all applicable fees:
  • DMV will not charge fees if you have proof they were already paid to the dealer (you must submit proof of payment with your application)
  • Title fees
  • Registration Fees
  • Plate fees; and
• Submit your completed application, supporting materials and payment to DMV.

Oregon DMV
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314