Oregon Vehicle Identification Numbers
How do you get a vehicle history in the state of Oregon?
In the state of Oregon, you can perform an Online Title Status Search through the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services; however, these records are protected by the Oregon Privacy Law and it is extraordinarily difficult and cumbersome to get a vehicle history report from the state.
Field Offices in Oregon can order records with two proofs of identification. Note that records ordered at a DMV field office will be mailed to your from the DMV Headquarters in Salem, Oregon. The conditions for having records ordered at a DMV field office are as follows:
- A person can order their own record;
- A parent of guardian of a minor who is not emancipated can order records for the minor;
- A person with a notarized power of attorney (PoA) or notarized permission slip (see Form 735-7297) can order records of the person who signed the notarized PoA;
- A guardian or conservator or a non-minor can order records for the person for whom they are guardian or conservator; and
- Anyone can order the record of another person as long as the record is mailed to the address on record for the person whose record is ordered.
You can also research the safety of cars, car-seats and recalls by VIN and Vehicle Manufacturers by looking at the National Highway Safety Transportation Association.
One of the most comprehensive databases is the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, which is used for cars that have been in the possession of auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards. Places like this are often easy prey for thieves to steal VIN numbers from cars which have been destroyed. Therefore, they are more heavily regulated by the government and the data to be reported is mandated, including:
- The name, address, and contact information for the reporting entity;
- The VIN;
- The date the automobile was obtained;
- The name of the person or entity from whom the automobile was obtained;
- A statement of whether the automobile was crushed or disposed of, or offered for sale or other purposes; and
- Whether the vehicle is to be exported out of the country.
You can get the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System from any number of sources on the Internet, such as:
- instaVin;
- vincheck.com;
- vinaudit.com;
- checkthatvin.com;
- carsforsale.com; and
- vinsmart.com.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends VINcheck to verify a VIN number. VINcheck will tell you if a car has been reported stolen and has not been recovered.
Finally, there is instaVIN®, which provides the most up-to-date vehicle records that you can either download or you can get by visiting your local DMV. Your instaVIN® vehicle history and title report should include the following information:
- Current State of Title Information;
- Historical Title Information;
- Disclosure of Brand History on Title:
- Flood;
- Salvage;
- Odometer Rollback
- 61 Possible Problem Events.
- Odometer Information – when a car registration is performed in Oregon an odometer reading is taken. A vehicle history report includes this reading;
- Information on Previous Accidents – an LA vehicle history check contains accident-related information. If a vehicle has been in an accident it may affect the life and/or the safety of a vehicle;
- Open Lien/Loan Information Including: Issuing Financial Institution – if there are any liens or loans against the vehicle then upon purchasing the car you assume the responsibility for those liens. In some states, debts such as child support can also be tied to the car, therefore, it is imperative that you make sure there are no outstanding liens against the car that you are purchasing;
- Impound & Towing Events
- Active Theft Data.
How to request a DMV Record in Oregon
Notarized Permission Slip to Request Oregon DMV Records
Oregon Record Privacy Law of DMV records
Request for Vehicle Information, Oregon Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Department
Forms from the Oregon Department of Transportation
Lemon Law in Oregon
The Lemon Law in Oregon is officially called “Trade Regulation: Warranty Regulation and Enforcement” and can be found in Oregon Rev. Stat. §§ 646.315 to 646.3475. The Oregon Lemon Law covers any passenger motor vehicle, including used vehicles. Vehicles which are purchased or leased on or after September 21, 2009 must be purchased or leased in the state of Oregon.
The lemon covers any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value of the passenger motor vehicle. This is referred to as a nonconformity.
The lemon law provides the manufacturer an affirmative defense if it can be shown that:
- The alleged nonconformity does not substantially impair the use and the market value of the passenger motor vehicle; or
- The nonconformity is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the vehicle by the consumer.
If your vehicle fits the description of a lemon, then the manufacturer, its agent, or authorized dealer is unable to correct the defect or nonconformity after a “reasonable number of repair attempts,” the manufacturer must replace or repurchase the vehicle from the consumer. If it was purchased or leased before September 21, 2009, the consumer must report the nonconformity to the manufacturer for the purposes or repair or correction during the first year following the date of original delivery to the consumer or during the period ending when the mileage on the vehicle reaches 12,000 miles, whichever period ends first.
If the vehicle was purchased or leased on or after September 21, 2009 does not conform to the applicable manufacturer’s express warranty, the consumer must report the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent, or authorized dealer, for repair during the two-year period following the date of the original delivery to the consumer or during the period when the vehicle reaches 24,000 miles, whichever period ends first.
The Oregon lemon law presumes that the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts if, during the warranty period or one year from the date of vehicle’s original delivery to the consumer (whichever is early) either of the following occurs (for vehicles purchased or leased after September 21, 2009):
- The manufacturer, its agent, or authorized dealer has subjected the nonconformity to repair or correction three (3) or more times and has had an opportunity to cure the nonconformity, but the nonconformity continues to exist;
- The motor vehicle is out of service due to repair or correction for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days or 60 or more calendar days for a motor home; or
- The manufacturer, its agent or authorized dealer has subjected a nonconformity that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury to repair or correction at least one (1) time and has made a final attempt to repair the problem, but the nonconformity continues to exist.
The above presumptions do not apply unless the manufacturer has received prior direct notification, preferably by certified mail return receipt requested, and then they must have an opportunity to fix the alleged defect.
Arbitration or Dispute Resolution
If your car meets the conditions of being a lemon, you must work with the manufacturer through the free mediation or arbitration procedures. This is when an impartial third party becomes involved to facilitate the process without the involvement of any attorneys. To prepare for your arbitration you should keep ALL correspondence from both the manufacturer and the dealer, including:
- Receipts for all car maintenance and repairs;
- Letters from mechanics;
- Letters from the manufacturers, dealers, and repair shops; and
- Any additional maintenance records for the vehicle.
Only manufacturers who have an informal dispute settlement procedure which substantially complies with 16 C.F.R. Part 703 can have a state supported informal dispute settlement procedure. The decision of the arbitration board is binding to the manufacturer, but it is not for the consumer and the consumer has the right to take the manufacturer to court if they lose in arbitration. The manufacturers who participate in the Better Business Bureau AUTO LINE informal dispute resolution in Oregon are:
- Audi, Bentley, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC Truck, Hyundai, Indian Motorcycle, Infiniti, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Lotus, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, smart USA, Subaru, Volkswagen and Workhorse Custom Chassis.
Better Business Bureau Oregon AUTO LINE
When is it time to hire a Lemon Law Attorney?
Although the lemon laws appear to be clear, they can get confusing. When you are dealing with corporations and manufacturers it may be beneficial to have an attorney on your side. You are dealing with professional negotiators and many find it helpful to have an attorney or a professional on your side.
Lemon Law lawyers are also helpful because:
- Knowledge of the law – Experienced lemon law lawyers not only know they law, but they can also make educated decisions about your case;
- Experience – Attorneys who have experience with lemon law cases in the past will be able to handle your case better;
- Negotiating Power – Although it sounds unfair, having an attorney will help the process go faster and smoother and will help compel the manufacturer to comply; and
- Trusted Advice – your attorney can provide you with advice and can provide you the best ways to move forward.
To search for an attorney in Oregon you can always search the Oregon State Bar Association for a reputable attorney to handle your case.
Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
221 S Oregon St
1 541-384-2224
Department of Motor Vehicles
204 N 30th Street
1 541-686-7855
Motor Vehicle Department
855 S F St
1 541-947-4233
Motor Vehicle Department
2485 S Second St
1 541-451-1145
Oregon DMV
1502 SW Sixth Ave
1 503-299-9999
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles
1905 Lana Ave NE
1 503-945-5000
Oregon DMV
3 Monroe Pkwy
1 503-299-9999
State of Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles
2260 NE McDaniel Ln
1 503-472-2900
Oregon DMV
1550 Industrial Ave
1 503-982-9961
Motor Vehicle Department
2242 Santiam Hwy SE
1 541-967-2014
Motor Vehicle Department
600 E Marina Dr
1 541-386-3231
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Tillamook
308 Evergreen Dr
1 503-299-9999
Oregon DMV
54173 OR-74
1 541-676-5165
Portland DMV
Delta Park Center
1186 N Hayden Meadows Dr
1 503-299-9999
Beaverton DMV
Cedar Hills Shopping Center
10280 SW Park Way
1 503-299-9999
Hillsboro DMV
WinCo Foods,, 1300 SW Oak St
1 503-299-9999
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles
749 Riverside Dr
1 541-269-9717
Eugene Drive Test Center
2870 W 10th Pl
1 541-686-7855
DMV
10 82nd Dr
1 503-299-9999
DMV
500 N Columbia River Hwy
1 503-397-3515
Dallas DMV
514 E Ellendale Ave
1 503-945-7942
South Salem Department of Motor Vehicles
Sunnyslope Shopping Center
4555 Liberty Rd S #300
1 503-945-5000
La Grande DMV
3014 Island Ave
1 541-963-3012
North Salem DMV
3809 Center St NE
1 503-945-5000
DMV Gresham
Halsey Crossing
1519 NE 181st Ave
1 503-299-9999
Driver & Motor Vehicle Services Division
235 W 4th Ave
1 541-686-7855
Department of Motor Vehicles
1649 SW Odem Medo Way
1 541-548-0140
DMV
162 NE Beacon Dr #127
1 541-474-3179
Ontario DMV
787 SW 7th Pl
1 541-889-8712
Ashland Department of Motor Vehicles
600 Tolman Creek Rd
1 541-776-6092
Motor Vehicle Department
1909 Austin St
1 541-883-5720
Motor Vehicle Department
158 NE 5th St
1 541-265-2373
Motor Vehicle Department
870 NE Circle Blvd
1 541-757-4191
Motor Vehicle Department
1155 S 5th St
1 541-269-9717
Motor Vehicle Department
1732 SW Court Ave
1 541-276-4871
Sandy DMV
37395 US-26
1 503-299-9999
Motor Vehicle Department
249 SW 3rd St
1 541-475-3382
Motor Vehicle Department
1331 NE Cedar St
1 541-440-3395
Motor Vehicle Department
252 S Date Ave
1 541-573-6019
Lincoln City DMV
4422 NE Devils Lake Blvd
1 541-994-9655
Department of Motor Vehicles
51515 Huntington Rd #2
1 541-388-6322
Motor Vehicle Department
3370 10th St
1 541-523-4355
Prineville DMV
1595 E 3rd St A3
1 541-447-7855
Stayton DMV
11656 Sublimity Rd SE #400
1 503-769-4427
Motor Vehicle Department
3313 Bret Clodfelter Way
1 541-296-9458
Motor Vehicle Department
97900 Shopping Center Ave # 1
1 541-469-2441
Motor Vehicle Department
103 S Kerby Ave
1 541-592-3133
Cottage Grove DMV
142 Gateway Blvd
1 541-686-7855
DMV
1193 Progress Dr
1 541-776-6025
Department of Motor Vehicles
193 N Canyon Blvd
1 541-575-1503
Motor Vehicle Department
705 W Marine Dr
1 503-325-3951
Motor Vehicle Department
241 N Main St
1 541-839-4449
Motor Vehicle Department
400 W North St
1 541-426-4024
Bend Department of Motor Vehicles
63085 N Hwy 97 #110
1 541-388-6322
Southeast Portland DMV
8710 SE Powell Blvd
1 503-299-9999
Department of Motor Vehicles
9910 SE Washington St
1 503-299-9999
Department Motor Vehicle
2056 US-101
1 541-997-6837
Department of Environmental Quality administrative office
700 NE Multnomah St #600
1 503-229-5263
Driver & Motor Vehicle Services Division
456 Valley River Center
1 541-686-7855
Permanently closed