Selling a car privately in Oregon
Oregon's must-do for sellers is the notice of sale: you have 10 days to tell the DMV who bought the vehicle, and the online DMV2U service takes minutes (paper form 6890 also works). Until the buyer transfers the title, you stay listed as the owner, so that notice is what dates the sale on your record. Sign and date the back of the title, and for 2011 and newer models write the odometer reading there with both parties signing.
Oregon has no sales tax on a used private-party sale, and the buyer applies for title within 30 days (late fees after that). Buyers in the Portland and Medford areas need DEQ emissions testing to register. You may remove your plates before the sale; take them off rather than leaving them for the buyer.
The checklist
- 1
Sign and date the title with the odometer disclosure (Oregon)
Complete the back of the Oregon title; for 2011 and newer models both parties sign the odometer disclosure.
- 2
Notify DMV of the sale within 10 days
File the notice of sale online at DMV2U or with form 6890, listing the buyer's name and address.
- 3
Remove your license plates
Take your plates off before the buyer drives away.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Oregon sale packet
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Start your free beta packetOregon private sale FAQ
Does an Oregon car title need to be notarized?
No. Sign and date the back of the title, with the odometer reading and both signatures for 2011 and newer models. If a lienholder appears, their release must accompany the title.
What is Oregon's notice of sale deadline?
10 days from the sale. File online through DMV2U or with form 6890. It records the buyer and sale date while you are still the titled owner.
Does the buyer pay sales tax on a used car in Oregon?
No. Oregon has no sales tax on private-party used vehicle sales. The buyer pays title and registration fees, applying within 30 days.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Oregon?
Take them off. Oregon lets sellers remove their plates before the sale, and doing so keeps post-sale tickets and tolls from tracing to you.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.