Oregon Senate Bill 840 (SB840) requires licensed dealers to run a National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) search on retail used vehicles before sale. This helps ensure that buyers are informed about title brands, salvage history, and other critical vehicle data.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Requirements may change. Please consult Oregon DMV/ODOT and your legal counsel for guidance.

Do Oregon dealers need NMVTIS reports?

Yes. Under SB840, Oregon dealers selling retail used vehicles must run a vehicle record search using NMVTIS before finalizing the sale. The report helps confirm the vehicle’s title status, identify brands (such as salvage, flood, or rebuilt), and disclose issues that could impact value. Dealers must keep a copy of each report in their sales record. The NMVTIS check should be built into desk or F&I workflow to ensure every retail transaction is compliant.

What is SB840 and how does it affect me?

SB840 is an Oregon law that went into effect to increase consumer protection in the used car market. It requires licensed dealers to run a NMVTIS search before selling a retail used vehicle. The results must be reviewed, relevant issues disclosed, and a copy kept in the dealer’s records. SB840 applies to Oregon-licensed dealers handling retail used vehicle sales; wholesale transactions are generally not covered.

How do I check if a car has a clean title in Oregon?

The most reliable way is to run a NMVTIS report. Approved providers like VinAudit let you enter a VIN, view title brand history, and confirm whether the title is clean or branded. Dealers should review the report for title brands, salvage or total loss records, and major title events before selling. Copies of these reports should be saved with the deal jacket for compliance and recordkeeping.

Can I get NMVTIS reports online?

Yes. NMVTIS reports can be obtained online from approved providers such as VinAudit. The process is simple:

1. Enter the VIN.
2. Generate the NMVTIS report.
3. View, print, or download the PDF copy.

This makes it easy for Oregon dealers to integrate reports into their sales workflow and keep digital or paper records for compliance.

What happens if I don’t comply with SB840?

Dealers who skip NMVTIS searches risk falling out of compliance with Oregon dealer regulations. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action, penalties, or licensing issues. To protect your dealership, always integrate NMVTIS checks into your retail sales process. For specific questions about penalties or edge cases, consult ODOT, the DMV, or your legal counsel.

When exactly should I run the search in the sales process?

The report must be run before completing a retail used vehicle sale. Best practice is to run it during vehicle appraisal or at the desk stage, ensuring potential issues are disclosed upfront and buyers are fully informed before signing.

Are salvage or branded title vehicles exempt from the pre-sale search?

No. Branded vehicles are not exempt. In fact, the NMVTIS requirement is most critical for vehicles with prior salvage, flood, or rebuilt histories. The only potential exceptions may apply in very limited circumstances defined by ODOT/DMV. When in doubt, treat every retail used vehicle as requiring a report.

How long should we keep the report copy?

Dealers should retain NMVTIS reports with the sales record or deal jacket. A best practice is to follow your dealership’s record retention policy (often 5–7 years) or the guidance of your legal counsel. Maintaining electronic copies in your DMS or compliance folder ensures you can produce proof of compliance if audited.

Does this apply to wholesale transactions?

SB840 focuses on retail used vehicle sales. Wholesale transactions are not the primary target of the law, but dealers may choose to run NMVTIS reports for internal risk management. For edge cases, align with your compliance team or legal counsel.

Next Steps

• Run an NMVTIS Report
• Request Dealer Account
• Download Oregon SB840 Checklist (PDF)

Disclaimer

This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Requirements may change. Please consult Oregon DMV/ODOT and your legal counsel.