Are you buying, selling, or rebuilding a vehicle in Oregon? Understanding title brands is essentialâand weâre here to help you stay informed, protected, and confident every step of the way.
đ What Is a Title Brand?
A title brand is a permanent label on a vehicleâs Oregon title that tells you something important about its pastâlike whether itâs been declared totaled, flood-damaged, reconstructed, or even a Lemon Law Buyback. In some cases, your vehicle might be titled as “assembled”, meaning it’s made from parts of other vehicles.
đ When Does DMV Issue a Title Brand?
DMV issues a branded title when:
- The vehicle is marked as damaged or branded in other states or in the national database (NMVTIS).
- Itâs been reported as a Lemon Law Buyback.
- Itâs assembled, reconstructed, a replica, or previously totaled.
- Sufficient information shows the vehicleâs history warrants a brandâeven if it wasnât previously listed.
Once branded, a title usually stays branded â and will appear on all future Oregon titles for that vehicle.
đ Can a Title Brand Be Changed or Removed?
Yes, but only in specific cases, such as:
- If DMV placed a brand in error.
- A vehicle is reported as totaled due to theft but is later recovered.
- A new qualifying event requires DMV to update or add brands (e.g., from âfloodâ to âtotaled-reconstructedâ).
đĄ Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re buying a car, rebuilding one, or running a dealership, knowing how title brands work can save you money, legal headaches, and future surprises.
â Become a MemberâStay Ahead
As a member, you get:
- Access to up-to-date DMV policy changes
- Easy-to-understand guidance on complex rules
- Support with title brand disputes or confusion
- Tools to protect your vehicle’s value
đ Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay a member.
Drive smartâbecause whatâs on the title matters just as much as whatâs under the hood.