08/19/2026
🚗 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT — SELLING A VEHICLE IN OREGON
A common problem we see is a vehicle that was sold and handed over to a buyer, but the title reassignment was never completely filled out. That can create problems later if ownership of the vehicle becomes disputed or unclear.
Under Oregon law, transferring a vehicle involves properly assigning the title to the buyer and completing the applicable title-transfer requirements. See ORS 803.092 and ORS 803.112–803.117.
Our recommendation: Whenever possible, meet the buyer at DMV and complete the transfer together.
If that isn’t practical, make sure the title reassignment is complete before the vehicle leaves your possession. By “complete,” we mean all applicable seller and buyer information is filled in, required signatures are present, the buyer is identified, the date of sale and transfer is entered, and any other required reassignment information on the title is completed. Don’t leave portions blank for someone to fill in later.
Also keep copies of the fully completed title reassignment and bill of sale for your own records.
A few extra minutes documenting a vehicle sale properly can prevent a lot of unnecessary problems down the road.
This post is for general public education and is not legal advice.