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Chapter J
Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
Definition of “totaled” vehicle:
• A vehicle declared a total loss by the insurer obligated to cover the loss, or a vehicle
the insurer takes possession of, or title to. This applies to both damaged and stolen
vehicles.
• A stolen vehicle, if not recovered within 30 days of the date of the theft, when an
insurer does not cover the loss.
• A vehicle that has sustained damage that is not covered by an insurer and the
estimated cost to repair the vehicle is equal to at least 80 percent of the retail
market value of the vehicle prior to the damage. “Retail market value” is determined
by using publications relied upon by financial institutions doing business in Oregon.
The word “totaled” appears on Oregon titles or salvage titles issued for vehicles that have
been declared totaled. The word “totaled” is in addition to any other brand or designation
such as “assembled,” “reconstructed,” “replica,” or “flood”. However, “totaled” may appear
alone on a salvage title.
The owner of a vehicle totaled due to damage must surrender the certificate of title to DMV
within 30 days of the date the vehicle became totaled, and apply for a salvage title.
Instructions to apply for a salvage title are later in this chapter.
Stolen vehicles
When loss covered by an insurer
When an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss because it was stolen, the vehicle is
subject to salvage title provisions.
Sometimes the vehicle is recovered and it is not totaled because of damage. The vehicle
does not have to be titled as a totaled and assembled, reconstructed, or replica vehicle if
the application for title includes proper evidence that indicates the vehicle is not “totaled”
due to damage. The insurer that covered the theft loss must provide a written statement to
accompany the title application. The statement must indicate that the vehicle was NOT
totaled according to Oregon law. The statement must include the vehicle identification
number (VIN), be signed by an authorized representative of the company, and be on the
insurer’s letterhead. The signature does not need to be original. If the insurance company
does not provide the required statement, the vehicle can only be retitled as totaled and
either assembled, reconstructed, or replica.
A VIN inspection and VIN inspection fee are required when a new title is applied for. Only
DMV or a law enforcement agency may perform the VIN inspection.
When loss not covered by insurer
A stolen vehicle not recovered within 30 days of the theft is a totaled vehicle according to
Oregon law. The owner should report the theft to law enforcement immediately. If the
vehicle has not been recovered after 30 days from the date of theft, and the loss is not
covered by insurance, the owner must complete Section 1 of the Stolen Vehicle
Notification (Form 6927) and submit it to DMV within 60 days from the date of the theft,
with evidence that the vehicle theft was reported to law enforcement. DMV will place a
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notation on the vehicle record indicating the vehicle was totaled and title was not
surrendered.
If the vehicle is recovered after the loss has been reported to DMV, the owner must notify
DMV whether the vehicle is totaled due to damage or not by submitting Section 2 of Form
6927 with all other requirements (such as surrendering title and applying for new title, etc.).
A VIN inspection and VIN inspection fee are also required when a new title is applied for.
Stolen Vehicle Notification, Form 6927
Back
Information about stolen vehicle procedures and instructions to complete the form.
Front (Section 1 and Section 2)
• Vehicle description: Plate number, year, make, and body style.
• Vehicle identification number (VIN): List the complete VIN here.
• Oregon title number: If applicable.
• Police agency reported to: Name of the law enforcement agency where the police
report was filed.
• Police report number: Case number of the police report that was filed.
• Date of theft, date reported: (These may be the same dates.)
• Name(s) of registered owner(s): Full name of owner(s).
• Address: Must indicate where the registered owner may be contacted if more
information is needed.
• Signature: Registered owner’s signature.
Submit Section 1 to report the unrecovered stolen vehicle. When the vehicle is recovered,
submit Section 2. Before the vehicle can be registered, DMV must perform a VIN
inspection of the vehicle.
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Selling a totaled vehicle
Any business or individual who declares a vehicle totaled must give the buyer the salvage
title. If the title was surrendered to Oregon DMV and no salvage title was issued, the seller
must give the buyer a bill of sale that states:
• The vehicle is totaled;
• The title has been surrendered to DMV;
• The plates and registration is no longer valid; and
• The vehicle must be retitled as an assembled, reconstructed, or replica vehicle; or
the vehicle is a recovered stolen vehicle that is not totaled because of damage.
Buying or selling a totaled vehicle
Anyone who acquires a totaled vehicle with a title that has not been surrendered must
surrender the title to DMV. The title must also include releases from all persons or
companies shown on the title.
If the vehicle will be rebuilt or sold, a salvage title must be applied for. The offense for
failing to surrender a title for a totaled vehicle is a Class A misdemeanor which carries a
maximum penalty of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $6,250 or both.
Notice of Vehicle to Be Dismantled/Proof of Compliance, Form
6017
Before individuals or businesses that are not required to have an Oregon dismantler’s
certificate wreck, disassemble, substantially alter, or dismantle a vehicle, they must notify
DMV with a Notice of Vehicle to be Dismantled/ Proof of Compliance, Form 6017.
(Certified dismantlers do not use Form 6017 to notify DMV. They use the Vehicle
Dismantler’s Notice, Form 270. See Chapter P, Dismantlers.)
The first copy of Form 6017 must be submitted to DMV at least 7 days before starting such
activity. Within 30 days after the vehicle is dismantled, the vehicle registration, plates and
title or other primary ownership document must be submitted to DMV. If no salvage title is
required, the second and third copies must be submitted to DMV with the primary
ownership document. If the vehicle is subject to salvage title requirements, an application
for salvage title and the title fee is required. See the second and third copies of the form
for further instructions.
The Notice of Vehicle to be Dismantled/ Proof of Compliance, Form 6017, is not available
online. This form can be obtained at a DMV office or ordered from the ODOT Storeroom,
using (Form 6110).
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Example of NOTICE OF VEHICLE TO BE DISMANTLED/PROOF OF
COMPLIANCE, FORM 6017
(Three-part form; top part shown below) Actual size 8½” x 11”
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Definitions
The following definitions are summarized from DMV administrative rules.
Disassemble, dismantle, wreck
• Total destruction of the vehicle such as where the vehicle is taken apart with the
intention of never again being operated as a vehicle (regardless of whether or not
the frame or unibody will be used to repair, rebuild, or construct another vehicle).
• The crushing, compacting, or shredding of the vehicle.
• The engine, drive train, and transmission (major component parts) are removed and
the frame or unibody is sold or transferred separate from these parts.
• The permanent removal of the wheels and frame or undercarriage of a trailer.
• The vehicle no longer meets the definition of a vehicle under ORS 801.590.
• The destruction of the frame or unibody of the vehicle.
• The clipping of any quarter, section, or half of the vehicle.
Substantially altered
• The frame or unibody is cut, severed, or welded together with parts of two or more
vehicles or other materials
• Changes or alterations to the body of a vehicle which cause the body to no longer
resemble the original vehicle, or which cause the vehicle to meet the definition of an
assembled, reconstructed, or replica vehicle
Salvage titles
An Oregon Salvage Title Certificate is a legal document that indicates the vehicle was
totaled, wrecked, dismantled, stolen, or abandoned. It also indicates ownership of the
vehicle. DMV mails the salvage title to the person or firm shown on the document as
owner. (No security interest holders, lessors, or lessees are shown on salvage titles.)
The Oregon salvage title is valid until the vehicle is rebuilt, dismantled, or recovered, and a
regular Oregon title is issued. Salvage titles follow the frame or unibody of a vehicle. If the
frame or unibody is sold or transferred, the salvage title must be assigned and given to the
new buyer.
Under OAR 735-024-0170:
• Dealers, dismantlers, and insurers are not required to apply for an Oregon salvage
title in their name when they acquire a vehicle:
• Already covered by a salvage title issued by Oregon, or
• Covered by a salvage title or salvage certificate issued by another state.
If the vehicle frame or unibody is acquired by a party other than a dealer, dismantler, or
insurer, they must apply for salvage title in their name. Information on how to apply for a
salvage title appears later in this chapter.
If the frame or unibody is destroyed, the salvage title should be surrendered with a signed
statement indicating the frame or unibody was destroyed. If a dismantler surrenders the
salvage title, a Vehicle Dismantler’s Notice (Form 270) must be submitted with the salvage
title. See Chapter P for instructions on completing Form 270.
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If the vehicle is repaired, rebuilt, or if the frame or unibody is used in constructing a
different vehicle, the salvage title must be surrendered to DMV when applying for a title for
the assembled or reconstructed vehicle. See section titled
“Assembled/reconstructed/replica vehicles,” in this chapter.
There are several situations when a salvage title must be applied for:
• When the vehicle has been wrecked, dismantled, disassembled or substantially
altered (ORS 819.010) and you intend to rebuild or repair the vehicle.
• When the vehicle is totaled and the title is required to be surrendered (ORS 819.012
or 819.014).
• When you buy an abandoned vehicle sold under ORS 819 (appraised at $500 or
less).
You do not need to apply for a salvage title if you do not intend to rebuild or repair the
vehicle, to transfer the vehicle, or to use the frame or unibody for repairing or constructing
another vehicle.
If the vehicle has been repaired or is otherwise operable before a salvage title can be
applied for, a regular Oregon title may be applied for following the guidelines found later in
this chapter regarding assembled, reconstructed, and replica vehicles.
Vehicle types subject to salvage title requirements
These vehicle types are subject to salvage title requirements:
• All vehicle types required to be titled or registered in this state,
• Any other vehicle that has been issued a certificate of title by DMV or another
jurisdiction.
Registration/security interests
When a salvage title is issued, any existing registration for a vehicle is canceled. DMV
cannot issue registration and the vehicle may not be operated on the highways of Oregon
until an application for certificate of title for the assembled, reconstructed, or replica vehicle
is applied for, or the vehicle has a valid trip permit.
Salvage titles do not include security interest information.
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Oregon Salvage Title Certificate, Form 417
Below is an example of the most current version of the Oregon Salvage Title (1-19). It is
blue and pink rainbow colored with a red border. The size is 8 1/2 " X 8 ½ ".
(front) (back)
Submitting salvage title applications
Mail salvage title applications directly to DMV headquarters at the following address:
DMV
Attn: Totaled Vehicle Desk
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem OR 97314-2251
If salvage title applications are not mailed to the Totaled Vehicle Desk, the processing time
will be longer.
Salvage title requirements
The basic requirements to issue a salvage title are listed below. You may need further
items depending on the individual transaction.
Primary ownership document has not been surrendered to DMV:
• A primary ownership document is required for all vehicles. A primary ownership
document may include but is not limited to an Oregon title, an MCO, an out-of-state
title, a salvage title, or a sheriff’s bill of sale.
• A completed Application for Salvage Title, Form 229, signed by at least one owner.
• Title fees (see Chapter M).
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Primary ownership document has been surrendered to DMV:
• A completed Application for Salvage Title, Form 229, signed by at least one owner.
• Title fees (see Chapter M).
Requirements for transferring salvage titles
If the vehicle is a totaled stolen vehicle recovered with little or no damage, see
requirements below. If not, see the section titled “Assembled/reconstructed/replica
vehicles,” in this chapter.
Totaled stolen vehicles - no damage
• The current Oregon salvage title certificate with proper releases from all persons or
firms who previously had an interest.
• A completed Form 226, signed by at least one new owner.
• If the vehicle is not totaled due to damage, a signed statement to that effect from
the insurance company on the insurer’s letterhead. The signature does not need to
be original.
• A VIN inspection and fee.
• Appropriate fees, including new plates and registration (see Chapter M).
Registration for salvage vehicles
The registration is cancelled when a salvage title is issued. Salvage titled vehicles may
not be operated on the highways of the state, unless the vehicle has a valid trip permit.
Registration may be applied for after the vehicle is rebuilt and an Oregon title is applied for.
DMV will assign a new plate with a new expiration date. Registration may be applied for at
the same time as the title application, or later. (See Chapter K for more information on
how to apply for registration.)
Application for Salvage Title, Form 229
Completing the Application
Please read the section titled Customer Name, Number, and Address in Chapter A before
completing the application.
REASON FOR SALVAGE TITLE:
Check the appropriate box.
Line 1
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The VIN on the application must match the
VIN on the vehicle and the ownership documents (exceptions are in Chapter A).
• Oregon Title #: If applicable.
• Trailer Over 8 ½ Feet Wide: Check appropriate box.
Line 2
• Present Oregon Plate#: If a plate is on the vehicle.
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• Vehicle Description: Year, make, and body style.
• Equipment #: If applicable.
Line 3
• Reference #: Optional. Prints an insurance claim/policy number and date of loss
on the title (cannot exceed 16 characters).
• Motor Power: Check the appropriate box to indicate the type of motor power. If
“other” is checked, write in the type of power that propels the vehicle. If powered by
more than one type of motor power, write in all types used.
Line 4
• Odometer Reading and Date of Reading: Must be completed to show the
mileage on the odometer and the date the mileage was recorded by the applicant.
In signing the application, the applicant certifies this information is correct.
• Odometer Disclosure Certification: Must be completed if the odometer reading is
not actual mileage or exceeds mechanical limits.
Line 5
• Name of Owner: Full legal name of the registered owner.
• ODL/ID/Customer # and Date of Birth: This information enables DMV to locate the
customer in the DMV database files. Enter the customer number for all owners,
including businesses.
Lines 6 & 7
• Owner’s Residence Address: Address must be the actual residence address of
the registered owner(s) or lessee(s), including the city, state, and zip code. If the
registered owner is a business, use the actual Oregon location of the business.
• Mailing Address: Complete if the mailing address is different from the residence
address, including city, state and zip code. If the salvage title is to be mailed to an
insurance company or other interested party, include “c/o” indicating in care of the
insurance company or other interested party name and address. The name and
address information on the first registered owner’s customer file will be printed on
the title.
• County of Residence: Fill in the owner’s county of residence.
• County of Mailing: Fill in the county of the mailing address.
Line 8
• Name of Joint Owner or Lessee: Full legal name of the joint registered owner or
lessee (for individuals, complete as shown on ODL, ID card or instruction permit.)
• Customer # and Date of Birth: This information enables DMV to locate the
customer in the DMV database files. Enter the customer number for all owners,
including businesses.
Lines 9 - 11
• One-Time Mailing Address: If DMV should mail the title to an insurance company
or other interested party not listed as the owner, be sure to list the insurance
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company or other interested party name and address. This information will not be
printed on the title.
Line 12
• Survivorship: Check the YES or NO box to indicate survivorship. If neither box is
checked, no survivorship will be shown on the title.
Line 13
• Recreational Vehicle or Park Model Recreational Vehicle (PMRV) Certification
Line 14
• Insurance Companies: If an insurance company is applying, they certify by signing
the form that all previous owners’ interest has been satisfied.
Line 15
• Replacement Oregon Title: If this box is checked, the applicant certifies that the
prior Oregon title has been lost, destroyed, or mutilated.
Line 16
• Signature of Owner: The signature of at least one owner is required.
• Date: The date the application was signed.
• Telephone #: Optional, but is helpful if more information is needed.
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Application for salvage title on applicant’s form
Below is an example of an acceptable application for salvage title in letter form.
An Insurance Company
112 Main Street
Anywhere, OR 97000
Application for Salvage Title
Salvage title is being applied for because the vehicle has been totaled.
Plate: XYZ123 Year: 2006 Make: Chev
Style: PU Model ¾ ton extended cab
VIN: 2GCFK29KXN000000 Title: 0712203401
By completing and signing the statement below, I am certifying that under Oregon Law, it is a
crime to knowingly make any false statement on application for title (ORS 803.070). Offense is
a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by a jail sentence up to one year, a fine up to $6,250,
or both.
Federal and state laws require I state the mileage when there is a transfer of ownership. Failure
to completed an odometer disclosure or providing a false statement may result in fines and/or
imprisonment. Under Oregon Law, the offense of submitting a false odometer statement is a
Class C Felony (ORS 815.430).
Odometer reading: 96,123 Date of reading: 06/25/12
____ I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the odometer reading is the actual mileage.
____ I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, the odometer reading reflects the amount
of mileage in excess of its mechanical limits.
____ I certify that the odometer reading is not the actual mileage.
I certify that all prior interests have been satisfied.
I certify that the information on this application is true can correct.
Signature ______________________ Date: ____________________
Claim Representative: An Insurance Company representative
Telephone number: (503) 333-0000
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Replacement salvage title requirements
A replacement salvage title may be applied for if the original salvage title is lost, destroyed,
or mutilated. An application for replacement salvage title must be made by the person or
persons to whom the salvage title was originally issued. DMV will issue the replacement
salvage title in the same owners’ names as the previous salvage title. The only exceptions
are:
• When the owner of record is deceased or their interest is transferred by operation of
law, or
• When the whereabouts of the owner are unknown or the owner is otherwise
unavailable to apply. “Unavailable to apply” does not pertain if the owner of record
is an insurer currently doing business in this state, or is a dealer or dismantler
currently licensed by Oregon DMV.
• When no odometer disclosure is required, and the new owner provides releases of
interest from all owners, the new owner may apply for salvage replacement title and
transfer at the same time.
Application for Replacement Salvage Title, Form 230
Completing the Application
Please read the section titled Customer Name, Number, and Address in Chapter A before
completing the application. Fill in all applicable boxes and spaces.
FRONT
Gray shaded area:
• Dealer Trans box: Check if dealer transaction.
• Dealer #.
• Title Fee: See Chapter M for Fee Charts.
Line 1
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The VIN on the application must match the
VIN on the vehicle and the VIN listed on DMV records (exceptions in Chapter A).
• Title Number: List the current Oregon salvage title number if known.
Line 2
• Present Oregon Plate #: Plate number of vehicle as shown on DMV records.
• Vehicle Description: Year, make, and body style.
• Equipment #: If applicable.
Line 3
• Reference #: Optional. Prints an insurance claim or policy number and date of
loss if this information is desired on the title (cannot exceed 16 characters).
• Motor Power: Check the appropriate box to indicate the type of motor power. If
“other” is checked, write in the type of power that propels the vehicle. If powered by
more than 1 type of motor power, write in all types used.
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Lines 4 - 6
• Name of Owner: Full legal name of registered owner.
• ODL/ID/Customer # and Date of Birth: This information enables DMV to locate
the customer in the DMV database files. Enter the customer number for all owners,
including businesses.
• Owner’s Residence Address: Must be the actual residence address of the
registered owners or lessees, including the city, state, and zip code. If the
registered owner is a business, use the actual Oregon location of the business.
• County of Residence: Fill in the owner’s county of residence.
• Mailing Address: Complete if the mailing address is different from the residence
address, including the city, state, and zip code.
• County of Mailing: Fill in the county of the mailing address.
Lines 7 & 8
• Name of Joint Owner or Lessee: Full name of the joint registered owner or
lessee.
• Customer # and Date of Birth: This information enables DMV to locate the
customer in the DMV database files. Enter the customer number for all owners,
including businesses.
Lines 9 - 11
• One-Time Mailing Name and Address: If DMV should mail the salvage title to an
insurance company or other interested party not listed as the owner, be sure to list
the insurance company or other interested party name and address. This
information will not be printed on the title.
• Park Model RV Site Address: Required field for PMRVs.
Lines 12 & 13
• Signatures of Owners: All owners shown on DMV records must sign. Signatures
of registered owners are required even if they have released interest.
EXCEPTION: DMV will accept a replacement title/title transfer transaction without
the signatures of the owners of record on the replacement title application when no
odometer disclosure is required and all ownership releases (for example,
connecting bills of sale) are provided within the transaction. Line 14 of the Form
230 must be signed by a person who can attest to the disposition of the title, if the
owners of record do not sign the Form 230.
Line 14
• Signature of Person Certifying the Salvage Title is Lost, Destroyed, Or
Mutilated, If Not an Owner Shown on DMV Records: This line must be signed by
the person certifying the title has been lost, destroyed or mutilated if this person is
not an owner shown on DMV records (for example, a new owner who purchased
the vehicle and lost the title before they applied to DMV for title transfer). If the
person is from a business, it must be signed and countersigned.
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Assembled/reconstructed/replica vehicles
Vehicles are titled as assembled, reconstructed, or replica vehicles when they meet the
definition of a totaled vehicle, a substantially altered vehicle, or are sold under certain laws.
An assembled vehicle:
• Has a body that does not resemble any particular year, model or make of vehicle;
• Is not a vehicle rebuilt by a manufacturer;
• Is not a vehicle built in a factory where the year, model and make are assigned at
the factory; and
• Is not an antique vehicle, a vehicle of special interest, a reconstructed vehicle, or a
replica. (ORS 801.130)
The title will indicate the year model as the year in which the building of the vehicle was
completed.
A reconstructed vehicle either:
• Has a body that resembles and primarily is a particular year, model or make of
vehicle;
• Is not a vehicle rebuilt by a manufacturer;
• Is not a vehicle built in a factory where the year, model and make are assigned at
the factory; and
• Is not a replica (see definition of a replica below); or
• Is a motor truck that has been rebuilt using a component kit if the manufacturer of
the kit assigns a vehicle identification number (VIN) and provided a Manufacturer’s
Certificate of Origin (MCO) for the kit.
The title will show the original year model and make of the body. The word
“RECONSTRUCTED” will be printed on the title and shown on the DMV title record.
A replica is a vehicle:
• With a body built to resemble and be a reproduction of another vehicle of a given
year and given manufacturer. (Example: A reproduction of a 1957 MG built with
1985 parts.)
The title for a replica vehicle will show the year and make the vehicle resembles. The
word “REPLICA” will be printed on the title and shown on the DMV title record.
Title requirements for assembled, reconstructed and replica
vehicles
The following items are required for DMV to issue a title for assembled, reconstructed and
replica vehicles:
• The title or salvage title (or equivalent documents) for the frame of the vehicle or
evidence that the title has been surrendered to Oregon or another state.
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Equivalent title documents:
• Replacement title application certifying the current Oregon title has been lost,
destroyed, or mutilated, if the vehicle is not subject to federal odometer
requirements.
• Operation of law documents, such as a bill of sale by an appropriate authority, court
order, divorce decree or other legal document showing ownership.
Evidence that the title was previously surrendered:
• A salvage title.
• If the title was surrendered to another state’s DMV and that state does not issue
salvage titles, a bill of sale from an insurer or auto wrecker/dismantler is no longer
accepted in Oregon. The customer must title the vehicle in the previous state.
• A letter from another state telling us the title was surrendered for cancellation to a
DMV office in that state.
• Indication on Oregon DMV records that the title was previously surrendered.
Other requirements and information
• Original bills of sale, title, MCO, or equivalent documents for each major part.
• All vehicles titled for the first time as assembled, reconstructed, or replica need a
VIN inspection by DMV or a designated law enforcement agency.
• Motor vehicles titled for the first time as assembled will have an odometer message
of “Not Actual” entered into the vehicle record. This applies when the vehicle type is
subject to odometer requirements and when the newly assembled vehicle retains an
odometer mechanism from another vehicle. DMV does not add a “Not Actual”
odometer message for newly assembled vehicles when the odometer mechanism is
replaced during the vehicle assembly, is set at 0 (zero), and an Odometer Repair or
Replacement Certification, Form 6747 is submitted.
• A completed Assembled, Reconstructed or Replica Vehicle Certification, Form
6511, or the certification on the back of Form 226.
If you have met all of the above requirements, follow normal title application procedures as
listed in Chapter A.
Lemon Law Buyback
Oregon’s consumer warranty law requires manufacturers to notify DMV that a vehicle must
be branded “Lemon Law Buyback” when they have repurchased and titled the vehicle in
their name. Manufacturers and dealers acting as the manufacturer’s agent must signify
“Lemon Law Buyback” in the “Remarks” section of the application for title.
Manufacturers and subsequent sellers must also notify the buyer of the status of the
vehicle with the following statement accompanying the transaction:
This vehicle was re-purchased by its manufacturer in accordance with Oregon’s
consumer warranty law because of a defect in the vehicle. The title to this vehicle
has been permanently inscribed with the notation “Lemon Law Buyback.”
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A statement signifying the buyer, lessee or transferee has received and understands the
notice must include a space for their signature. For example:
“I acknowledge the above statement and understand the condition of the vehicle.”
______________________________ __________________________
Signature Date
(DMV does not require a copy of the statement. However, dealers may want to keep a
copy of the signed statement for their records.)
Previous damage in another jurisdiction
When an owner applies for title for a vehicle from another jurisdiction and submits
documents that show the vehicle has been damaged or words of similar import, DMV
places a notation (brand) on the Oregon title. DMV may also brand based on the history of
the vehicle provided in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
To access vehicle history from NMVTIS, go to Research Vehicle History | Vehicle History
(ojp.gov). NMVTIS will have a more extensive vehicle brand history than other providers.
Currently used title brands include Flood (State Name), Glider Kit (State Name), Lemon
Law (State Name), Replica (State Name), and Branded (State Name).
DMV no longer uses the “Previous Damage” notation. DMV will not convert current title
records showing “Previous Damage” notations until the titles are received for transfer.
When the title is transferred in Oregon, DMV will convert the “Previous Damage” brand to
“Branded (state name).”
If an out-of-state title has multiple brands or there is not an equivalent Oregon brand to
match, DMV will issue the certificate of title with the notation “Branded” and the name of
the previous jurisdiction (for example, “Branded-California”). If the title does not have any
previous brands, “NONE” will appear in the brand box on the title.
Oregon DMV will place a “Totaled” brand on the Oregon title when an out-of-state title,
salvage title or salvage certificate or other ownership document is received showing the
name of an insurer as owner, or when an insurer is shown as an interim owner on any
reassignment area submitted with the title transaction. The only exception is when an
insurer submits an out-of-state title and is applying for an Oregon title in their own name for
a vehicle already in their possession. These vehicles are primarily fleet vehicles titled in
the insurance company’s own name. DMV will remove the “Totaled” brand if DMV
receives information that the vehicle is a theft-recovery vehicle that no longer meets the
Oregon “Totaled” definition, similar to how DMV processes vehicles currently titled in
Oregon.
DMV will not brand an Oregon vehicle title with the “Glider Kit” brand unless the
transaction includes a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) stating the kit was
manufactured and sold as a glider kit. The new brand will appear as Glider Kit (without a
state name).
A brand will not be placed on the Oregon title solely because the out of state title is a
bonded title. However, a Certification of Ownership Facts (Form 550) must accompany
the application for Oregon title when a bonded title is submitted as the ownership
DMV TITLE AND REGISTRATION HANDBOOK
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
08/01/24 J21
document. If additional evidence of ownership is available, it must be submitted with the
application and certification form.
NOTE: If the Junk, Salvage and Insurance (JSI) section in NMVTIS shows a disposition of
“CRUSH” or “SCRAPPED,” DMV will not issue title unless there is a subsequent
disposition of sold entered by the same reporting party.
Totaled in Oregon
The word “TOTALED” will appear on any subsequent Oregon title or salvage title issued
for a vehicle declared totaled under Oregon laws. This will be in addition to any other
brand or designation indicating “lemon law buyback,” “assembled,” “reconstructed,”
“replica” or “flooded”. For vehicles that must be titled as assembled, reconstructed, or
replica, for reasons other than for totaled, the “totaled” notation will not appear on the title.
For more information on title branding, call DMV Headquarters in Salem at (503) 945-
5000.
“Non-repairable” vehicle certificates
Some states also issue “Certificates of Destruction,” “Non-Repairable Vehicle Certificates,”
“Junk Certificates,” or a title with other brands that indicate the vehicle cannot be retitled,
or that the vehicle has no resale value except as a source of parts or scrap. When an
ownership document for a vehicle from another jurisdiction contains a word, term, brand,
or notation indicating the vehicle is not intended to be retitled, DMV will not issue an
Oregon title.
The following are some of the terms that indicate DMV cannot issue a title:
• Crushed
• Destroyed
• Dismantled
• Hulk
• Junk
• Non-rebuildable
• Non-repairable
• Parts only
• Scrap
• Wreck, Dismantler, or Wrecker only
