What Oregon requires on a bill of sale
Oregon does not have a single official bill of sale form that the DMV requires you to use. Instead, Oregon law sets out what information must be on any bill of sale document you create or use — and the state accepts bills of sale written on plain paper, printed templates, or forms from third parties like car-buying websites, as long as they contain the required details.
The document must include the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year and make of the vehicle, the odometer reading at the time of sale, the sale price, and the date of the sale. Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale. Oregon law does not require notarization, though some buyers request it for extra protection.
You do not need to submit the bill of sale to the Oregon DMV when you register the vehicle or transfer the title. The bill of sale is a record for you and the buyer — keep a copy for your records. If a dispute arises later about the sale, the bill of sale is your proof of the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon has no required bill of sale form; any document with the seller and buyer names, VIN, vehicle year and make, odometer reading, sale price, date, and both signatures will work.
- The bill of sale does not go to the DMV — it stays with you and the buyer as proof of the transaction.
- Notarization is not required by Oregon law, but some buyers ask for it as added proof the sale was legitimate.
- The buyer will need the bill of sale when they register the vehicle and explore for title in their name at the Oregon DMV.
Where to find a bill of sale template
The Oregon DMV website does not publish an official bill of sale form, but the state does provide a list of acceptable documents on its title transfer page. Many private websites and legal document services offer Oregon bill of sale templates that meet state requirements — these are usually free or cost a few dollars to read.
You can also write your own bill of sale on a blank piece of paper as long as you include all the required information. Some sellers and buyers prefer this because it is quick and costs nothing. The key is making sure both parties sign and date the document and that all the vehicle details are correct and legible.
What happens if information is missing or wrong
If the bill of sale is missing required information — such as the VIN, odometer reading, or one party's signature — the buyer may have trouble registering the vehicle at the Oregon DMV. The DMV staff will ask the buyer to provide a complete bill of sale before processing the title transfer.
If the odometer reading is incorrect or missing, this can raise red flags about the vehicle's history, especially if the mileage seems inconsistent with the vehicle's age. Oregon law requires accurate odometer disclosure, and false odometer readings are fraud. If you discover an error after signing, both parties should create a corrected bill of sale, sign and date it, and note that it replaces the earlier version.
Private party sales versus dealer sales
If you are buying from a private seller, a bill of sale is your main proof of ownership and the agreed sale price. If you are buying from a licensed Oregon dealer, the dealer will provide their own sales paperwork, which serves the same purpose as a bill of sale. Dealer paperwork often includes additional disclosures required by state law, such as warranty information and odometer statements.
In both cases, you will need documentation of the sale when you go to the DMV to register the vehicle and transfer the title into your name. Private buyers should bring the signed bill of sale; dealer buyers should bring the dealer's invoice or sales agreement.
Notarization and extra protections
Oregon does not require a notary to witness or certify a bill of sale. However, some buyers ask the seller to have the bill of sale notarized as proof that both parties signed it willingly and that the signatures are genuine. Notarization adds a layer of protection if questions arise later about whether the sale actually happened or whether the seller truly agreed to it.
If you choose to notarize, you and the seller will need to visit a notary public together with the signed bill of sale. The notary will verify your identities, watch you both sign (or re-sign) the document, and add their seal and signature. This typically costs between $5 and $15 per signature. Some banks and credit unions offer notary services to customers for free or at a reduced rate.
Odometer disclosure and title history
The bill of sale must include the odometer reading at the time of sale. This is a federal requirement, not just an Oregon one, and it protects buyers from purchasing vehicles with rolled-back odometers (a common fraud). Write down the exact mileage shown on the dashboard when you sign the bill of sale, and make sure the seller does the same.
When the buyer takes the bill of sale to the Oregon DMV to transfer the title, the DMV will record the odometer reading in the state's system. If the mileage on a later title process seems to go backward, the DMV and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can flag it as suspicious.
What to do with your copy after the sale
Keep your copy of the signed bill of sale in a safe place — a file folder, safe deposit box, or digital scan stored securely. If you are the seller, this document proves you sold the vehicle on a specific date to a specific person and that you received payment. If you are the buyer, it proves you own the vehicle and what you paid for it.
The bill of sale is especially important if a problem arises after the sale — for example, if the seller claims you still owe money, or if the buyer later says the vehicle was damaged and tries to hold you responsible. The signed, dated bill of sale is your evidence of what was agreed and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale from a website template, or does it have to be Oregon-specific?
Yes, you can use a template from any website as long as it includes all the information Oregon requires: seller and buyer names and addresses, VIN, year and make, odometer reading, sale price, date, and both signatures. Many national bill of sale templates work fine for Oregon sales because they include these standard fields.
Do I have to notarize the bill of sale?
No, notarization is not required by Oregon law. However, some buyers request it for extra proof that the sale was real and that both parties signed willingly. If you choose to notarize, both you and the buyer must be present with a notary public, and it usually costs $5 to $15.
What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale?
If you are the seller and lose your copy, you still have proof of the sale if the buyer registered the vehicle in their name — the Oregon DMV record shows the transfer. If you are the buyer and lose your copy, you can request a duplicate from the seller or contact the Oregon DMV to confirm the title is in your name. Keep digital scans or photos of important documents to avoid this problem.
Does the buyer need to bring the bill of sale to the DMV?
Yes, the buyer will need the signed bill of sale when they go to the Oregon DMV to register the vehicle and transfer the title into their name. The DMV will ask for it as proof of the sale and to record the odometer reading and sale information in the state system.
What if the seller and I disagree on the sale price in the bill of sale?
The sale price on the bill of sale should match what you both agreed to pay. If there is a disagreement, do not sign the bill of sale until you have settled the price. Once both parties sign, the bill of sale is a binding record of the agreed terms. If a dispute arises after signing, the signed bill of sale is the evidence a court would look at.