What Dealers Need to Know About Oregon SB840

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

What Does Oregon SB840 Require from Auto Dealers?

If you’re an Oregon auto dealer preparing for SB840, you’ll soon need to verify every used vehicle’s title before sale. At VinAudit.com, you can easily access NMVTIS-approved reports that satisfy SB840 requirements and keep your dealership compliant.

Oregon SB840 is a 2025 state law that takes effect on January 1, 2026, requiring licensed auto dealers to verify the title history of every used vehicle sold at retail. The law directs dealers to use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) — the official U.S. database that tracks vehicle titles, brands, and odometer readings — or another state-approved equivalent. A copy of the report must be kept in each deal file as proof of compliance.

The change moves compliance up front, into the sales process itself. In practice:

  • Every deal file for a used vehicle must include a copy of the NMVTIS (or state-approved) report.
  • If there’s no report, the sale isn’t considered compliant.
  • DMV audits will review deal jackets, not just title transactions.

For more background on exemptions and penalties, see our full Oregon SB840 Guide.

How SB840 Fits Into Everyday Dealership Work

SB840 simply says every retail sale of a used vehicle needs a title history report. Here’s how dealers can build title checking into their daily routine with VinAudit’s NMVTIS data:

  • Trade-in / Appraisal: Run a quick report when a car comes in so you know right away if it has a salvage, flood, or other branded title.
  • Before Repairs: Check the title before putting money into reconditioning. No point fixing up a car you can’t retail.
  • F&I Desk: Have the report printed or saved in the deal jacket before the customer signs. That way, it’s ready if the DMV asks.
  • Team Training: Show your sales and F&I staff how to make pulling a report second nature, just like running credit or printing a contract.

These aren’t extra hoops — they’re practical ways to stay compliant, avoid surprises, and show customers you’re being transparent about what they’re buying.

Oregon SB840 vs. California AB1215: Different Paths, Same Goal

While both states require title history verification before a used car sale, the new SB840 law in Oregon and AB1215 dealer disclosure requirement in California take slightly different approaches that every licensed dealer should understand. Each rule points to the same purpose — building transparency through verified NMVTIS title checks.

Requirement Oregon (SB840, 2026) California (Existing)
Effective date Jan 1, 2026 Already in effect
Must use NMVTIS? Yes (or state-recognized system) Yes (NMVTIS only)
Covered dealers All licensed retail dealers All licensed retail dealers
Exceptions New vehicles, wholesale, private sales, already branded titles New vehicles, wholesale, private sales
Recordkeeping Copy of report in deal file Copy of report in deal file

Key takeaway: To keep retail transactions lawful and transparent despite different state rules, both Oregon and California rely on NMVTIS-compliant vehicle history verification.

Why Compliance Is More Than a Box to Check

Oregon’s SB840 law requires dealers to check vehicle title history before selling. Ignoring this rule can lead to serious consequences—but following it can also protect your business and build trust with buyers.

  • DMV penalties: Dealers who skip NMVTIS checks may face fines, license suspension, or increased regulatory scrutiny.
  • Legal liability: If a branded title (like salvage or flood) is missed and the buyer isn’t informed, the dealer could be held responsible in court.
  • Loss of trust: Failing to verify title history can damage relationships with customers, lenders, and business partners.

By contrast, here are the benefits of making NMVTIS checks part of your routine:

  • Customer confidence: Sharing verified title reports helps buyers feel secure and informed.
  • Fewer disputes: Catching title issues early reduces the risk of buybacks, arbitration, or complaints.
  • Consistent compliance: Dealer groups across states can use NMVTIS to stay aligned with local laws.

Checklist: Choosing the Right NMVTIS Provider

Not all vehicle history report services are created equal. As SB840 takes effect, here are the essentials every Oregon dealer should look for:

✅ NMVTIS Approval: Officially recognized to provide compliant title data.
✅ Audit-Ready Format: Downloadable files you can attach directly to deal jackets.
✅ Dealer Tools: Easy account setup, bulk report access, and transaction history.
✅ Reliable Support: Fast access to help when you need it.
✅ Comprehensive Records: Accident, salvage, insurance, and odometer updates in one report — see sample of NMVTIS-compliant report from VinAudit.

In summary, SB840 means Oregon dealers now have to check a car’s title history before selling it. With VinAudit’s NMVTIS-approved reports, it’s easy to stay on top of the rule, keep your paperwork in order, and give customers extra peace of mind.

With SB840 enforcement around the corner, now is the time to put the right tools in place. VinAudit offers a full Dealer Program and Vehicle History API so you can run NMVTIS reports in bulk, integrate them directly into your workflow, and keep every sale compliant.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

All licensed Oregon motor vehicle dealers selling used, pre-owned, or secondhand vehicles at retail. It does not apply to private individuals or wholesale-only dealers.
Yes—if it’s formally recognized by the state and delivers the same core NMVTIS title data (brands, odometer, salvage) with timely updates. Using an NMVTIS-approved provider like VinAudit simplifies this: you meet the requirement without guessing whether a tool is compliant.
Brand-new vehicles with no NMVTIS record, dealer-to-dealer wholesale transactions, and private-party sales. Retail sales of previously titled vehicles are covered.
Through deal-jacket reviews and audits. Each file should include a report from NMVTIS or a state-recognized provider tied to the vehicle’s VIN. Dealer accounts with VinAudit make it easy to store, download, and retrieve audit-ready reports.
Exposure to fines, audits, potential license action, and civil liability if an undisclosed branded title reaches a buyer. Running and filing the report protects the store and the customer.
A copy (printed or digital) of the NMVTIS or state-recognized provider’s report, clearly linked to the VIN. Keep it with other sales paperwork so it’s easy to produce during a review.