What You'll Pay to Transfer a Car Title in Oregon

Oregon's title transfer fee is $86 for most passenger vehicles, paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles when you submit your transfer paperwork

Oregon charges a flat $86 title transfer fee for standard passenger vehicles. This is the fee you pay when you hand over your completed transfer documents to the DMV — either in person at a local office, by mail, or through an authorized third party like a dealership or title service. The fee covers the cost of processing your paperwork and issuing a new title in the new owner's name.

The $86 fee applies whether you're buying a used car from a private seller, inheriting a vehicle, or receiving one as a gift. It does not include registration fees, which Oregon charges separately based on the vehicle's weight and type. If you're transferring a title and registering the vehicle at the same time — which most buyers do — you'll pay both fees together.

Key Takeaways

Oregon's title transfer fee is a flat $86 for passenger vehicles, paid directly to the DMV when you submit your transfer documents.
The fee does not include registration, which costs extra and depends on your vehicle's weight and whether it's new or used.
You can pay the title transfer fee in person at any DMV office, by mail with your paperwork, or through a dealership or title service that handles the transfer for you.
Specialty vehicles like motorcycles, RVs, and commercial trucks have different fee structures; check the DMV fee schedule if your vehicle is not a standard passenger car.
The title transfer fee is non-refundable once the DMV processes your paperwork, so make sure your documents are complete and accurate before submitting.

When you pay the $86 fee and what it covers

You pay the $86 title transfer fee when you submit your transfer paperwork to the Oregon DMV. The fee covers the administrative cost of processing your documents, verifying ownership, and issuing a new title certificate in the new owner's name. Once the DMV receives your completed process and fee, they process the transfer and mail the new title to the address you provide.

The fee is due at the time of transfer, not before. If you're buying a car from a private seller, you and the seller complete the transfer form together, then you submit it with payment to the DMV. If you're buying from a dealership, the dealer often handles the paperwork and fee as part of the sale, though you should confirm this before signing. If you're using a title service or attorney to handle the transfer, they will collect the $86 fee along with their own service charge and submit it to the DMV on your behalf.

How to pay the fee: in person, by mail, or through a dealer

Oregon offers three main ways to pay your title transfer fee. The fastest is in-person payment at a DMV office. You bring your completed transfer process (Form #735-14-100, the process for Title), proof of ownership (the current title or bill of sale), and your $86 fee in cash, check, or card. The DMV processes it on the spot and gives you a receipt. Processing typically takes a few minutes, though you may wait in line.

By mail, you send your completed process, supporting documents, and a check or money order for $86 to the Oregon DMV. Mail processing takes longer — usually two to four weeks — because the DMV must receive your envelope, verify your documents, process the transfer, and mail the new title back to you. Include a return address and consider sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Through a dealership or title service, the business handles the paperwork and payment for you. Dealerships typically include the $86 fee in the total sale price or as a separate line item on your bill of sale. Title services charge their own fee (usually $50 to $150) on top of the $86 DMV fee for handling the transfer. This route is slower than in-person but faster than mail because the business submits documents in bulk and has an established relationship with the DMV.

What documents you need along with the fee

The $86 fee alone is not enough — the DMV will not process your transfer without the right paperwork. You must submit the process for Title (Form #735-14-100), which both the seller and buyer sign. You also need the current title certificate or, if you don't have it, a bill of sale signed by the seller that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date of sale.

Depending on your situation, you may need additional documents. If the vehicle is being transferred due to a death, you'll need a death certificate and proof of your relationship to the deceased. If you're receiving a vehicle as a gift, you need a gift affidavit or a bill of sale stating the sale price as zero. If the title is held by a lender (because the vehicle is financed), the lender must sign the title or provide a release of lien. The Oregon DMV website lists the full requirements by transfer type; check before you submit so you don't have to resubmit incomplete paperwork.

Registration fees are separate from the title transfer fee

Oregon charges a separate registration fee that is not included in the $86 title transfer fee. Registration fees vary based on your vehicle's weight and whether it's new or used. A used passenger vehicle typically costs between $80 and $150 to register, depending on its weight class. New vehicles cost more. Trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles have their own fee schedules.

You can pay both fees at the same time — most people do when they buy a used car — but they are two separate charges. The title transfer fee goes toward processing the ownership change; the registration fee goes toward vehicle registration and road maintenance. If you're only transferring the title and not registering the vehicle (for example, if you're transferring it to someone else), you pay only the $86 title fee. If you're registering it, you pay both.

Specialty vehicles and different fee structures

The $86 fee applies to standard passenger vehicles. Oregon charges different fees for other vehicle types. Motorcycles have a $56 title transfer fee. Trailers and RVs have a $66 title transfer fee. Commercial trucks and vehicles registered for business use may have different fees depending on their weight and classification. If your vehicle is not a standard passenger car, check the Oregon DMV's current fee schedule before submitting your paperwork.

Vehicles that are very old, salvaged, or rebuilt also have special handling. A salvage title (issued for a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company) requires additional documentation and may have a different fee. A rebuilt title (issued after a salvage vehicle has been repaired and inspected) also requires specific forms and inspection records. Contact the Oregon DMV directly or visit their website if your vehicle falls into one of these categories.

What happens if your paperwork is incomplete or incorrect

If you submit your $86 fee with incomplete or incorrect paperwork, the DMV will not process your transfer. They will return your documents and may keep your fee, depending on how far they got in processing. To avoid this, double-check that your process is signed by both the seller and buyer, that the VIN on your paperwork matches the VIN on the vehicle, and that you've included all required documents for your specific transfer type.

If the DMV rejects your paperwork, you'll need to correct it and resubmit — which means paying the $86 fee again. This is why it's worth taking time to verify everything before you mail or submit in person. If you're unsure whether your documents are complete, call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-5000 or visit a local office to have someone review them before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title without paying the $86 fee?

No. The $86 fee is required by Oregon law for all title transfers of passenger vehicles. There is no waiver or exemption. If you're transferring a vehicle, you must pay this fee to the DMV.

Do I have to pay the title transfer fee if I'm just renewing my registration?

No. The title transfer fee applies only when ownership changes. If you already own the vehicle and are renewing your registration, you pay only the registration fee, not the title fee.

What if I'm buying a car from a dealership — do I pay the $86 fee separately or is it included in the price?

It depends on the dealership. Some include the $86 fee in the total sale price; others list it as a separate line item on your bill of sale or invoice. Ask the dealership before you sign so you know what you're paying for.

How long does it take to get my new title after I pay the fee?

If you pay in person at a DMV office, you receive a receipt when ready, though the physical title certificate arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you mail your paperwork and fee, the entire process takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope.

What if I lost my current title — do I still pay $86 to transfer it?

Yes. You'll need to request a duplicate title from the Oregon DMV (which has its own fee) before you can transfer ownership. Once you have the duplicate, the $86 transfer fee applies as normal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.