Oregon Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template

Buying or selling a car in Oregon? A bill of sale proves the transaction took place and helps prevent disputes. While not always required for registration, it protects both buyers and sellers by documenting key details.

What is the Oregon Bill of Sale?

In Oregon, a bill of sale is an important document used to record the transfer of a vehicle between a buyer and a seller. In private sales, it’s especially useful because both parties are responsible for completing the paperwork on their own. Even when buying from a dealership, having a bill of sale adds extra security by clearly stating the terms of the transaction and helping to prevent misunderstandings.

More than just a receipt, the bill of sale is a legal record that lists key details such as the buyer’s and seller’s information, the sale price, and the date of the transaction. It helps protect both parties if disputes arise in the future or if proof of ownership is needed.

Why Sellers and Buyers Need the Oregon Bill of Sale

For Seller

Proof of Ownership Transfer: Shows that the vehicle was officially sold and is no longer in your possession. This protects you from being held responsible for parking tickets, accidents, or toll violations after the sale.
Protection from Delayed Title Transfer: If the buyer doesn’t transfer the title right away, the bill of sale proves the exact date you sold the vehicle. This can help you avoid legal or financial problems later on.
Record for Personal Files: Acts as a record of the sale that you can keep for your own reference or provide if any questions about the transaction come up.
Prevents Liability Issues: In case the buyer disappears or refuses to register the vehicle, you have written proof that your responsibility for the car ended on the date of sale.

For Buyers

Protection from Scams or Hidden Problems: A written record of the sale helps you settle disputes if the car has issues that were not mentioned before buying.
Required for Registration and Taxes: The document is often needed when registering the car, applying for a title, or completing tax paperwork with the Oregon DMV.
Smooth Transfer Process: Makes future transactions easier, ensuring there’s no confusion about the details of the sale or the terms agreed upon.
Avoids Delays and Extra Costs: Having the bill of sale ready helps prevent unnecessary fees or delays if you need to prove ownership in the future.

Types of Oregon Bill of Sale

In Oregon, different types of bills of sale are used depending on the item being sold. There are official forms for motor vehicles and boats, while other items, such as trailers, animals, or personal property, can use a general bill of sale.

Each bill of sale should clearly list the buyer’s and seller’s names, describe the item, include the sale price, and be signed by both parties. Although notarization is not always required, it is often recommended to make the document stronger and more legally valid.

Motor Vehicle: Oregon’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a specific form for vehicle sales. It must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a release of interest statement, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller, with the date of the sale.
Boat/Watercraft: A bill of sale is required when registering a boat, especially if it was bought from a state that does not issue titles. The Oregon DMV offers official vessel forms for this purpose.
Trailer: Used for the sale and registration of trailers, this bill of sale includes identifying details about the trailer and the parties involved.
Animal: This type of bill of sale is used to record the sale or transfer of animals, such as horses or livestock.
General: A general bill of sale is suitable for other personal items, such as furniture, tools, or firearms, and serves as proof that ownership has been legally transferred.

Details Should Be Written in an Oregon Bill of Sale

A good bill of sale isn’t just a scribbled note with a handshake. It should include:

Some sellers also include an “as-is” clause, stating that the car is sold without warranties, protecting them from future claims about hidden defects. In some cases, notarization may be required for added legal security.

How to Register a Vehicle in Oregon

Once you buy a vehicle, you must register it with the Oregon DMV. Here’s how:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before heading to the DMV, make sure you have everything ready to avoid delays.

Signed Title – The seller must transfer it to you.
Bill of Sale – Needed in some cases.
Title & Registration Application – Fill out the required form.
Proof of Insurance – Oregon requires valid auto insurance.
Emissions Test Results – Required for certain areas.
Payment for Fees & Taxes – The amount depends on the vehicle type.

Step 2: Register Your Vehicle

You can register:

In Person – Visit your local Oregon DMV office.
Online – Some registrations can be done through the DMV website.

Step 3: Get Your Registration & Plates

After submitting your documents, here’s what happens next.

Submit all documents
Pay the necessary fees
Receive your license plates, registration card, and stickers

Step 4: Avoid Late Fees

Oregon VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy

Plan to buy a used vehicle? Be sure to check the VIN and get the report before you decide to purchase the vehicle. Check the specifications and the records, like auction, recalls, past usage, and more.

Mileage History

Title Brand

Ownership History

Warranty Status

Sales History

Salvage Title

Usage History

Repair Cost

Auction History

Hail Damage

Ownership Duration

Recalls History

Accident History

Flood Damage

Lien & Loans

Maintenance Schedule

Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State

Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Oregon Bill of Sale

Is a bill of sale required in Oregon?

No, a bill of sale is not legally required for private vehicle sales in Oregon. However, it is highly recommended and considered the best practice to have one so that both the buyer and the seller are protected. A signed bill of sale can help to prevent disputes later on, and it is useful for the buyer when they transfer the title and register the vehicle at the DMV.

Can I handwrite a bill of sale?

Yes, you can handwrite a bill of sale, and it can be a legally binding document. This is true as long as the document includes all the necessary details and is signed by both the buyer and the seller. The important thing is that the document is easy to read and complete, including essential information like the date, item description, price, and the full names and addresses of the seller and buyer.

Do both buyer and seller need to keep a copy?

Yes, both the buyer and the seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale because it is a legal document that protects both parties. The buyer needs their copy to prove they own the item, and the seller can use their copy to prove they are no longer responsible for it. Also, both copies are very useful for matters related to tax and insurance.

Does the Oregon bill of sale need to be notarized?

No, a bill of sale for Oregon does not have a legal requirement to be notarized. However, having it notarized is considered a good practice that can make the document’s validity stronger and protect you if there is a dispute later on.