Oregon VIN Lookup

While Oregon has one of the fewest used car dealerships per capita, individuals still purchase preowned vehicles. An important part of buying a used vehicle in the state is conducting a VIN lookup, which reveals information about the vehicle, such as title, accidents, and maintenance history.

Also known as the Beaver State, Oregon is one of the most scenic states in the United States and one of the safest for motorists. With scenic landscapes like Hells Canyon, the Columbia Plateau, and the Cascade Mountains, most residents appreciate spending time outdoors, so many camping trailers and SUVs exist. However, most city residents prefer buying sedans and hybrid vehicles because of their fuel efficiency and comfort.

Oregon citizens can run a VIN check before purchasing a used vehicle in various ways. One option is to search the state's Driver and Motor Vehicle services for a list of approved VIN lookup services. A person can also use the NHTSAand NMVTIS websites to look up a vehicle's information and history by entering its VIN or license plate number. Finally, a potential buyer can use free and paid web services to obtain vehicle information by entering its identification number.

VIN Verification

VIN verification involves authorities checking the vehicle's VIN to ensure it matches the information provided by the vehicle's documentation and records. Depending on the state, the verification process is often performed by law enforcement agencies, auto dealerships, or other authorized entities to prevent fraud and theft and ensure the accuracy of vehicle information.

Oregon requires VIN inspections for various instances, including:

• Titled vehicles from outside the state or the country.
• Cars that have never been titled as reconstructed, assembled, or totaled.
• Vehicles with a title surrendered under various statutes.
• Vehicles undergoing titling for additional occurrences as replicas, reconstructed, or assembled.
• Vehicles undergoing regular Oregon vehicle titling from a salvaged title.

Oregon allows vehicle VIN inspections by licensed Oregon dealers.

Oregon Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

92.8%

Registered Vehicles

2.5 per household

Average Car Ownership Rate

Oregon has an average car ownership rate of 92.8%, with 92.8% of households reporting access to at least one vehicle. The average number of vehicles per household is 2.5.

Miles Per Year

12,218

Average Annual Mileage

The average annual mileage of a driver in Oregon is 12,218.

Popular Car

Toyota Tacoma

Popular Car Makes in Oregon

Individuals in Oregon buy the Toyota brand the most, with the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota RAV4 being the most popular vehicles in the state.

Fatalities

606

Car Accidents

The number of traffic fatalities rose by 73% between 2010 and 2022. Additionally, the total number of traffic fatalities in 2022 was 606.

Crashes

28.8%

Fatalities

2.97 per 100k

Speeding Related Crashes

Between 2014 and 2018, the average annual speeding-related fatalities in Oregon was 2.97 per 100,000 people. Additionally, about 28.8% of the total crashes in the state are caused by speeding.

Fatalities

221

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In 2020, alcohol-impaired driving crashes resulted in 221 fatalities.

Fatalities

72

Teen Safety

Oregon recorded 72 fatalities in crashes involving teen drivers between 2010 and 2019.

Oregon DMV

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services (DMVS) provides various services related to drivers and vehicle-related transactions. They include:

• Driver Licensing: This includes issuing and renewing driver's licenses, conducting written and driving tests to obtain a new license, and providing information on license types and endorsements.
• Vehicle Registration: Registering and renewing vehicle registrations, issuing license plates and registration stickers, and transferring vehicle ownership.
• Title Services: Processing vehicle title transfers and issuing duplicate titles.
• ID Cards: Issuing and renewing identification (ID) cards.
• Vehicle Inspections: Conducting vehicle inspections for specific purposes, such as salvage titles.
• Specialty Plates: Specialty license plates are offered in various designs and themes.
• Online Services: Providing online services for certain transactions, such as license renewal and address change.
• Traffic Violations and Suspensions: Handling traffic violations and suspensions and providing information on traffic laws and regulations.
• Real ID Compliance: Providing information and issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Compliance with federal laws and environmental quality regulations is important for drivers to ensure the safety of vehicles, protect the environment, and adhere to legal standards. In Oregon, the following resources are available:

• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): DEQ oversees environmental quality in Oregon. Drivers may need to comply with DEQ regulations regarding vehicle emissions testing and air quality.
• Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT): ODOT manages transportation infrastructure in Oregon. Information on road conditions, permits, and other transportation-related matters can be found on their website.
• Oregon Clean Fuels Program: This program aims to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. Drivers, especially those using alternative fuels, may need to comply with reporting requirements under this program.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA oversees environmental regulations, including vehicle emissions standards. Information on vehicle emissions, fuel economy, and environmental regulations can be found on their website.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): FMCSA regulates the trucking industry and commercial motor vehicles. Drivers of commercial vehicles must comply with FMCSA regulations, including hours of service, licensing, and safety standards.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Oregon

There are various options for Oregon residents to look for a vehicle's VIN before deciding to buy it. They include:

VIN Replacement in Oregon

Though the state does not outline the proper procedure to follow, Oregon residents can get their VINs replaced. The DMV is responsible for VIN replacement if the part holding the VIN is damaged or replaced. However, individuals might get penalized or their cars impounded if an inspector suspects that the VIN is altered or modified during a replacement inspection.

Additionally, the state requires residents to pay a VIN replacement fee to get a state-issued VIN.

New Vehicle Registration in Oregon

In Oregon, owners must title their vehicle before registering it. The state requires residents to register new cars within 30 days after purchasing. The state's DMV is responsible for registering and renewing registration for all cars in Oregon.

If a person is looking to register a new car in Oregon, they should bring the following information to the nearest DMV service office:

• Proof of ownership, either as a Certificate of Title or Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO).
• A completed Title Application.
• Bills of sale
• Original lien releases from any previous security interest holders.
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection for cars with out-of-state or foreign titles.
• A Use Tax Certificate is required for brand-new cars or cars with less than 7,500 miles bought from an out-of-state dealer.
• Registration and title fee.

If a person bought the car on loan, they must contact the lien holder to provide the relevant documentation before submitting the registration application.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Oregon

When someone buys a car in Oregon, they must apply for a certificate of title within 25 days after the purchase. A title transfer means the transfer of car ownership, including VIN information.

The state's DMV is responsible for titling all cars in the state. To get a car titled, a person needs to have the following:

• A completed Title Application.
• Proof of ownership is needed, like the Certificate of Origin.
• A person needs an odometer disclosure statement if the car is a 2011 model or newer.
• Original lien releases from any previous security interest holders.
• Bills of sale
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection for cars with out-of-state or foreign titles.
• Title fee payment.

Buying a Used Car in Oregon

Buyers who want to purchase a used vehicle in Oregon should be aware of various laws and procedures that ensure the purchase is legal and legitimate. Key considerations include:

Understanding Lemon Laws

Unfortunately, Oregon is among the states that do not have a Lemon Law to protect used cars. Instead, only new cars that meet specific needs are protected by this law.

Title Transfer and Registration

Individuals must title vehicles in Oregon for registration. Buyers should take the title application to the state DMV, the original ownership document, original bills of sale, original lien releases, VIN inspection, and other documents.

Conducting a VIN Check

Because Lemon laws do not protect used car buyers, individuals are encouraged to research the vehicle's history.

Sales Tax

Oregon does not have a sales tax on vehicles purchased in Oregon. Individuals buying from outside the state should have the dealer fill out paperwork for the state to avoid paying a sales tax.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Oregon

Performing a VIN check in Oregon is essential for several reasons:

• Lien and Ownership History: A VIN check can reveal if the car has any outstanding liens or has changed hands frequently, providing insight into its financial and ownership history.
• Vehicle Recalls and Safety Issues: Checking the VIN allows you to identify any recalls or safety issues associated with the vehicle. This information is crucial to ensure the used car is safe and reliable.
• Clean Fuels Program Participation: The Oregon Clean Fuels Program encourages using cleaner transportation fuels. Knowing a vehicle's history and fuel usage can be relevant for those who want to support or comply with such environmental initiatives.
• Road Usage Tax Compliance: If you're dealing with a commercial vehicle, checking the VIN can help verify its compliance with road usage tax and weight-mile tax reporting requirements.

What Would Vehicle a History Report Include in Oregon?

In Oregon, a comprehensive Vehicle History Report typically includes crucial information about a used vehicle's past and current status. It details title information and odometer readings to ensure accurate mileage, vehicle inspections, emissions testing history, and if the car has been subject to manufacturer recalls.

How Can I Find the VIN by the Vehicle's License Plate?

Potential buyers can also use third-party license plate lookup services to find information about a vehicle. The service allows individuals to research a vehicle's license plate number to receive information such as the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Oregon

Oregon residents must pass an emission test to register the vehicle. This regulation applies to Medford/Ashland and Portland Metro vehicles.

What Does a Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Oregon?

It details the results of thoroughly examining a vehicle's safety and emissions systems. It covers aspects such as the functionality of essential safety features, including brakes, lights, tires, and the vehicle's emissions control systems. The report may also include information about any identified issues or deficiencies that require attention or repairs to meet state regulations.