As a business and legal writer who has drafted hundreds of vehicle transaction documents for dealerships, private sellers, and buyers across the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you that Oregon DMV Form 735-226 – officially titled “Application for Title and Registration” – is the single most important piece of paper when you buy or sell a car, truck, motorcycle, or trailer in Oregon. Whether you're completing a private party sale, transferring a family vehicle, or registering an out-of-state car, Form 226 is required in virtually every scenario.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything I've learned in over a decade of working with Oregon title and registration requirements, provide you with a free, current 2025-ready downloadable template, and show you exactly how to fill out Form 735-226 without triggering delays or rejection at the DMV.
The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) uses Form 735-226 as the primary application whenever a vehicle needs a new Oregon title, registration plates, or both. According to the official Oregon DMV website (ODMV.oregon.gov), you must submit this form in the following common situations:
Source: Oregon DMV – “Application for Title and Registration” page, accessed November 2025 – https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/forms/index.aspx
Click below to download my professionally prepared, 100% clean, fillable PDF version of Oregon DMV Form 735-226 (revised January 2025). This is the exact layout the Oregon DMV accepts, with helpful field explanations built in.
Download Free Oregon DMV Form 735-226 (Fillable PDF)
This template is virus-free, contains no watermarks, and can be typed into directly or printed and completed by hand.
Over the years I've seen countless rejections because of simple mistakes. Follow this field-by-field walkthrough to get it right the first time.
| Field | What to Enter | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Year | Model year (e.g., 2024) | Using year first registered instead of model year |
| Make | Manufacturer (Toyota, Ford, etc.) | Writing dealership name |
| Model | Exact model name (Camry, F-150) | Leaving blank or writing trim (LE, XLT) |
| Body Style | 2D, 4D, PU, VN, MC, etc. | Writing “sedan” instead of “4D” |
| VIN | 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number | Transposing numbers – double-check! |
| Odometer Reading | Actual mileage at time of sale | Forgetting to check “Exceeds Mechanical Limits” on high-mileage cars |
Enter the person or business that will appear first on the new Oregon title. If there are co-owners, decide who is “primary” – this affects who receives renewal notices.
Use “AND” or “OR” correctly:
The seller must complete and sign this section. Oregon law requires the seller's signature on Form 226 or on the back of the title – doing both is safest.
If there is a loan, enter the exact lienholder name and mailing address as it appears on your financing contract. The DMV will mail the title directly to the bank.
All new owners (and sellers if releasing interest) must sign in ink. Electronic signatures are not accepted on the paper Form 226.
Fees change frequently. As of November 2025, standard passenger vehicle fees include:
Always check the official fee calculator at Oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV
Affidavit of Inheritance (Form 735-677) or small-estate affidavit may be required instead of Form 226 in some cases.
You have 30 days to title and register. You will also need:
Additional forms 735-268 and structural inspection required.
Can I submit Form 226 online?
No. Oregon still requires the original signed Form 735-226 by mail or in person.
Do I need to notarize Form 226?
No – Oregon eliminated the notary requirement in 2019.
What if I lost my Oregon title?
Check the “Lost Title” box in Section 8 and pay the duplicate title fee.
Click Here to Download Form 735-226 (Free Fillable PDF – Updated 2025)
Disclaimer: This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Vehicle title and registration laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Oregon attorney or visit Oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV for the most current official forms and requirements. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors or delays caused by using this template.