Chapter J
Chapter J
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, it 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
will 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. The
written statement must accompany the title application and must say that the vehicle is
NOT totaled according to Oregon law. The statement must include the vehicle
identification number, be signed by an authorized representative of the company and be
on the insurer’s letterhead. The signature does not need to be original. Unless the
insurance company provides this 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.
05/01/24 J1
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
vehicle theft was reported to law enforcement. DMV will place a notation on the vehicle
record indicating the vehicle was totaled and title was not surrendered.
If the vehicle is recovered after reporting to DMV, the owner should notify DMV whether
the vehicle is totaled due to damage or not. The owner does this by submitting Section 2
of Form 6927 and all 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.
J2 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
05/01/24 J3
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
J4 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
05/01/24 J5
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
J6 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
Definitions
The following definitions are summarized from DMV Administrative Rules.
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 should 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 some other 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 this has been done; or, if a dismantler surrenders the salvage title, a
Dismantler’s Vehicle Notice to DMV, Form 270, must be submitted with the salvage title.
(See Chapter P, Dismantlers, for instructions on completing Form 270.)
05/01/24 J7
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
If the vehicle is repaired, rebuilt, or if the frame or unibody is used in constructing another
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.
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 have security interest information.
J8 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
05/01/24 J9
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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.
J10 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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”
with 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
05/01/24 J11
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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
• 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.
J12 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
05/01/24 J13
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
An Insurance Company
112 Main Street
Anywhere, OR 97000
Salvage title is being applied for because the vehicle has been totaled.
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).
____ 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.
J14 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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
05/01/24 J15
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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
J16 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
05/01/24 J17
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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 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.
J18 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
05/01/24 J19
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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.)
J20 05/01/24
DM V TI TL E AN D R EG I ST R ATIO N H AN D BO O K
Chapter J: Damaged/Totaled Vehicles
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 that 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.
05/01/24 J21