What an Oregon bill of sale is and why you need one
An Oregon bill of sale is a written record that you and the seller sign to document the transfer of a vehicle. It shows the date of the sale, the vehicle details, the sale price, and the names and signatures of both parties. Oregon does not require a bill of sale by law, but the Oregon DMV strongly recommends you get one anyway — it protects you if a dispute arises later about who owned the vehicle, when, and for how much.
The bill of sale becomes your proof of purchase. If the seller later claims they never sold you the car, or if the vehicle has unpaid tickets or loans attached to it, a signed bill of sale is your evidence that the transaction happened and when. Without one, you have only your word against theirs.
You do not need to use an official Oregon DMV form. Any written document that both parties sign and that includes the required information will work. Many people use a template from the Oregon DMV website, a generic bill of sale template, or even a handwritten document on plain paper — as long as it has the key details and both signatures, it is legally valid.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon does not legally require a bill of sale, but the DMV recommends one to protect yourself in disputes about ownership or sale price.
- A bill of sale can be handwritten or typed, and you do not have to use an official form — any document with vehicle details, sale price, date, and both signatures works.
- The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, sale price, odometer reading, and the printed names and signatures of both buyer and seller.
- Keep a copy for your records before you submit the title transfer paperwork to the Oregon DMV.
- A bill of sale does not transfer the title itself — you still need to file the title transfer with the DMV within 10 days of purchase.
What information to include on the bill of sale
The bill of sale must contain enough detail that anyone reading it can identify the exact vehicle and understand the terms of the sale. Start with the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is a 17-character code found on the driver's side of the dashboard and on the title document itself. Include the year, make, model, and body style (sedan, truck, SUV, etc.). Add the color and the current odometer reading — this protects you by documenting the mileage at the time of sale.
Write the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion. For example: "$5,500 (five thousand five hundred dollars)". Include the date of the sale. Add the name, address, and phone number of the seller, and your name, address, and phone number as the buyer. Both parties must sign and print their names on the document.
You may also want to note whether the vehicle is sold "as-is" (meaning you accept it in its current condition with no warranty), or whether the seller is making any promises about its condition. This is not required, but it can prevent misunderstandings later.
How to get a bill of sale form
The Oregon DMV does not issue an official bill of sale form, but the DMV website has a sample bill of sale that you can read and print. Search for "Oregon bill of sale" on the Oregon DMV website (oregon.gov/odot/dmv) to find the template. You can also find generic bill of sale templates online through a search engine — many are free and work just as well as the Oregon sample.
If you prefer, you can write your own bill of sale on plain paper or type one yourself. There is no legal requirement to use a particular format. The only rule is that it must be signed by both the buyer and the seller, and it must include the vehicle details and sale price. Some people use a bill of sale from the seller's insurance company, or one provided by a used car dealer — these are also acceptable.
If you are buying from a private seller, ask them if they have a bill of sale template they prefer to use. If they do not, offer to provide one. Most private sellers are willing to sign a straightforward, clear bill of sale because it protects them too — it shows they no longer own the vehicle after the sale date.
Scam alert: Fake bills of sale and title washing
Be cautious if a seller offers to sign a bill of sale with a lower price than what you actually paid. Some buyers do this to lower their registration fees, but it is fraud and can result in fines or criminal charges. The bill of sale must show the true sale price.
Also watch for sellers who seem reluctant to sign a bill of sale or who want to complete the sale without one. A legitimate private seller should have no problem signing a bill of sale — it protects them by showing they transferred ownership on a specific date. If a seller refuses or pressures you to skip this step, that is a red flag that something may be wrong with the vehicle's history or title.
Do not accept a bill of sale that is already signed by the seller but left blank for the buyer information, or one that is pre-filled with incorrect information. Fill it out together with the seller present, or ask them to fill it out in front of you. This prevents someone from later claiming they never sold you the vehicle or that the sale price was different.
What to do with the bill of sale after you sign it
Make a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records before you do anything else. Keep this copy in a safe place — you may need it if a dispute arises, or if you later sell the vehicle and the new buyer asks for proof of your ownership.
You do not submit the bill of sale to the Oregon DMV as part of the title transfer. Instead, you use it as supporting documentation if the DMV questions the sale or if you need to prove when you purchased the vehicle. The bill of sale stays with you; the title document is what goes to the DMV.
If you are financing the vehicle through a bank or credit union, the lender may ask to see the bill of sale as part of the loan process. Have it ready to provide. Some lenders require a bill of sale before they will fund the purchase.
How a bill of sale relates to the title transfer process
The bill of sale and the title transfer are two separate steps. The bill of sale is your proof that the sale happened. The title transfer is the legal process of changing the owner's name on the vehicle's title document with the Oregon DMV.
You must complete the title transfer within 10 days of purchasing the vehicle. To do this, you will need the signed title document from the seller, a completed process for Title and Registration (Form 735-14), proof of insurance, and payment for registration and title fees. The bill of sale is not required for the title transfer itself, but it is useful to have on hand in case the DMV has questions about the sale.
If the seller does not sign the title document or if there is a problem with the title, the bill of sale becomes even more important — it is your evidence that you purchased the vehicle and when. Keep it safe throughout the entire registration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I handwrite a bill of sale, or does it have to be typed?
A handwritten bill of sale is perfectly legal in Oregon as long as both parties sign it and it includes all the required information: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and both names. Handwritten is actually common for private sales. Just make sure the handwriting is clear and legible.
What if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the vehicle?
If you lose your copy, ask the seller for another signed copy. If the seller will not provide one or is unreachable, you still own the vehicle — the bill of sale is evidence of ownership, not proof of it. Your name on the title document is the legal proof. However, a bill of sale is very useful to have, so try to get a copy from the seller if possible.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a used car dealer?
Dealers typically provide their own sales paperwork, which serves the same purpose as a bill of sale. However, you can still request a separate bill of sale if you want additional documentation. Most dealers will provide one without issue.
What if the seller and I disagree on the sale price after we sign the bill of sale?
Once both parties sign the bill of sale with a specific price, that price is the documented sale price. If a dispute arises, the signed bill of sale is the evidence of what was agreed to. This is another reason to make sure the price is correct and clearly written before you both sign.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Yes, a bill of sale from another state is still valid in Oregon as long as it includes all the required information and is signed by both parties. Oregon does not have a specific bill of sale form that must be used, so any state's template or a generic template will work.