Oregon's Bill of Sale Requirements

Oregon does not require a bill of sale form to transfer a vehicle title at the DMV. The state accepts any written document that shows the sale happened — a handwritten note, a printed form, or a text message thread will work as long as it contains the required information. What matters is not the format or where you get the form, but that the document includes the seller's signature, the buyer's signature, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date of sale.

The Oregon DMV does not provide an official bill of sale template, and you do not have to use one. Many sellers and buyers use forms from the American Automobile Association (AAA), online legal document services, or forms from car buying guides. Others write the details on a piece of paper. The DMV will accept any of these as long as the required information is present and both parties have signed.

You will need the bill of sale when you submit your title transfer process at the DMV, either in person or by mail. The DMV staff will review it to confirm the sale details match the information on your process. If information is missing or unclear, the DMV will ask you to provide a corrected document before processing the transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon accepts any written bill of sale as long as it includes the seller's signature, buyer's signature, VIN, sale price, and date of sale.
  • The Oregon DMV does not provide an official bill of sale form, and you do not have to use a specific template.
  • You must submit the bill of sale with your title transfer process at the DMV in person or by mail.
  • If the bill of sale is missing required information, the DMV will request a corrected version before completing the transfer.

What Information Must Be on the Bill of Sale

The bill of sale must show the seller's printed name and signature, and the buyer's printed name and signature. Both parties must sign the document — a signature from only one side will not be accepted. The document must also include the vehicle's VIN, which appears on the title certificate and on the driver's side dashboard of the vehicle.

The sale price must be written on the bill of sale. Oregon does not require you to list the actual amount paid; you can write any amount, but the DMV may use this figure to calculate the vehicle's taxable value. The date of sale must also appear on the document. Use the date when the money changed hands and the keys were transferred, not a future date or a date in the past.

Include the vehicle's year, make, and model if space allows, though the VIN is the critical identifier. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the bill of sale should note the lienholder's name. This does not change the bill of sale's validity, but it alerts the DMV that the title may need to be held by the lender until the loan is paid off.

Where to Get a Bill of Sale Form

You can create a bill of sale yourself by writing the required information on any paper and having both parties sign it. Many people use a straightforward template they find online or adapt from a previous sale. If you prefer a pre-printed form, the AAA offers bill of sale templates for Oregon residents, and many online legal document services provide Oregon-specific versions.

Some car dealerships and used car lots provide their own bill of sale forms when you buy from them. If you are buying from a private seller, ask if they have a form they prefer to use. If not, you can bring a form you have found or created, or you can write the details on a blank piece of paper at the time of sale.

The Oregon DMV website does not host a bill of sale template, but the DMV office staff can tell you what information must be included if you call ahead or ask when you arrive to submit your title transfer. Some county DMV offices keep blank forms at the counter for customers to use on the spot.

How to Fill Out and Sign the Bill of Sale

Write or print the required information clearly so the DMV can read it without difficulty. Use black or blue ink if you are handwriting the document. Print both the seller's and buyer's full names, not nicknames or initials alone. Write the VIN exactly as it appears on the title certificate — any error here can delay the transfer.

Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale in person or have it notarized if they cannot meet. Oregon does not require notarization for a bill of sale, but notarizing it adds a layer of verification and can prevent disputes later. If you choose to have it notarized, take the unsigned document to a notary public, who will watch both parties sign and then add their seal and signature.

Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records before you submit it to the DMV. The DMV will keep the original with your title transfer file. If you are mailing the process, make a photocopy of the bill of sale and all other documents before sending them, in case they are lost in the mail.

Submitting the Bill of Sale to the Oregon DMV

Submit the bill of sale along with your title transfer process (Form #735-14, process for Title and Registration). You can submit both documents in person at any Oregon DMV office or by mail to the address listed on the DMV website. If you submit in person, bring the original bill of sale, the vehicle's title certificate, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.

If you are mailing your process, send copies of all documents, not originals, unless the DMV specifically asks for the original title. Include a cover letter listing what you are sending so the DMV staff can confirm they received everything. Mail to the Oregon DMV address listed on their website, and allow two to three weeks for processing.

The DMV will contact you if information on the bill of sale does not match the process or if any required details are missing. Respond promptly with a corrected bill of sale or additional information. Once the DMV approves the transfer, you will receive a new title certificate in the buyer's name.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Bill of Sale

Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as is" instead of a dollar amount. The DMV needs a price to calculate the vehicle's taxable value for registration purposes. Do not use a future date or a date from months earlier — use the actual date the sale occurred.

Do not have only one party sign the bill of sale. Both the seller and buyer must sign for the document to be valid. If one party cannot be present, have the document notarized so the notary can verify the signature of the absent party, or wait until both can sign together.

Do not cross out or white-out information on the bill of sale. If you make a mistake, start over with a new document. Corrections and erasures can raise questions at the DMV and may slow down processing. Do not submit a photocopy of the bill of sale if you are explore in person — bring the original signed document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

Yes, as long as it contains all the required information and both parties have signed it. Oregon does not require a form specific to Oregon. However, if the bill of sale is from another state and includes information that does not match Oregon's requirements, the DMV may ask you to provide a corrected version or a supplemental document.

Do I need to notarize the bill of sale in Oregon?

No, notarization is not required by Oregon law. However, notarizing the bill of sale adds proof that both parties signed it and can protect you if a dispute arises later. If you choose to notarize, the notary will add their seal and signature, and the DMV will accept it without question.

What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?

You cannot transfer the title without the seller's signature on the bill of sale. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not have a legal record of the sale, and the DMV will not process a title transfer. If you have already paid for the vehicle, consult an attorney about your options.

Can I write the bill of sale after I buy the car?

Yes, you can write and sign the bill of sale after the sale occurs, as long as you use the correct date of sale (the date the money and keys changed hands, not the date you sign the document). However, it is safer to complete the bill of sale at the time of sale so both parties remember the details and agree on them.

What if I lost the bill of sale after the sale?

If you have lost the bill of sale but still have the title certificate and proof of purchase (such as a receipt or bank transfer record), contact the Oregon DMV to ask about alternative ways to document the sale. You may be able to create a new bill of sale and have both parties sign it again, or provide other evidence of the transaction.