“The title record is clean and clear,” the clerk said, looking up through the glass.

“No active liens, no financial encumbrances, and no legal holds reported by the state of Oregon.

You’re listed as the sole registered owner on the original title certificate.”

“I’m surrendering my Oregon license plates today,” I said.

I picked up the canvas tote bag from the floor by my shoe and lifted out two curved metal Oregon license plates, setting them on the counter.

The clerk inspected both plates, checked the serial numbers against my registration document, and dropped them into a blue recycling bin behind her desk.