Oregon does not require a bill of sale form from the DMV, but you will need a written record of the sale to register the vehicle in your name
Oregon's Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue or mandate a specific bill of sale document. Instead, Oregon law allows you to use any written agreement between buyer and seller that includes the required information. The state does not have a single official form you must read from the DMV website or print from a government office.
What matters to Oregon is that you have proof of the sale in writing when you go to register the vehicle. The DMV will ask to see this document when you submit your registration paperwork. Without it, you cannot complete the title transfer, even if you have the signed title itself.
You can write your own bill of sale on plain paper, use a template from a private source, or buy a pre-printed form from an office supply store. The content is what counts, not the source or format.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon law does not require a specific DMV bill of sale form; any written agreement between buyer and seller that includes vehicle details and sale price will work.
- Your bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, sale price, buyer and seller names and addresses, and the date of sale.
- Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public or the DMV will not accept it as proof of the transaction.
- You will need the bill of sale, the signed title, and proof of insurance when you register the vehicle at your local DMV office.
- If you buy or sell a vehicle without a bill of sale, you can still create one after the fact, but the DMV may ask questions about the delay.
What information must be on an Oregon bill of sale
Oregon requires the bill of sale to contain specific details so the DMV can verify the transaction is legitimate. The document must include the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the year, make, and model, and the sale price in dollars. Both the buyer's and seller's full names and addresses must appear on the form.
The date of the sale must also be written on the bill of sale. This date matters because Oregon law requires you to register the vehicle within a certain timeframe after purchase. If there is a large gap between the sale date and your registration date, the DMV may ask why you waited.
The bill of sale does not need to describe the vehicle's condition, list any defects, or include warranty information. Those details can be part of a separate agreement if the buyer and seller choose to include them, but they are not required by the state.
Who must sign the bill of sale and how
Both the seller and the buyer must sign the bill of sale. Oregon does not require the signatures to be notarized, but many people choose to have a notary public witness the signing anyway. A notarized bill of sale can help if there is ever a dispute about the sale, because the notary's seal proves the signatures are genuine.
If you are buying from a private seller, you can sign the bill of sale at the time of purchase, at the seller's home, or at a notary's office. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer will usually provide the bill of sale and sign it as part of the sale process. You sign it at that time.
Print or write the bill of sale in black or blue ink so it is straightforward to read. Both parties should keep a copy for their records. The original goes to the DMV when you register the vehicle.
How to create a bill of sale if you do not have one
If you already bought a vehicle and did not get a bill of sale at the time of purchase, you can create one now. Write or type a document that includes all the required information listed above: VIN, year, make, model, sale price, both names and addresses, and the date of sale. Have the seller sign it, and ideally have the signatures notarized.
Bring this document to the DMV along with the signed title and proof of insurance. The DMV staff will review it, but they may ask questions about why the bill of sale was created after the sale. Be honest about the circumstances. If the seller is no longer available to sign, explain that to the DMV staff and ask what options you have.
In some cases, the DMV may accept an email or text message from the seller confirming the sale details if a formal bill of sale cannot be obtained. This is not may provide, so contact your local DMV office before you go in to ask whether they will accept alternative proof.
Bill of sale versus the vehicle title
The bill of sale and the vehicle title are two separate documents that serve different purposes. The bill of sale is proof that money changed hands and that the buyer and seller agreed to the transaction. The title is the legal ownership document issued by the state.
When you buy a vehicle, the seller must sign the title over to you. The title has a section on the back where the seller writes their name and signature, and you write your name as the new owner. The DMV uses the signed title to update its records and issue a new title in your name.
You need both documents to complete the registration. The bill of sale proves the transaction happened; the title proves who owned it before and who owns it now. If the title is missing or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the DMV, but you cannot replace it with a bill of sale alone.
What to bring to the DMV when you register with a bill of sale
Gather these documents before you go to your local DMV office: the signed bill of sale, the signed title, proof of insurance, and your driver's license or state ID. Some DMV offices may also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, so bring one of those as well.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns it until you pay off the loan), you will also need the lender's name and account number. The DMV will contact the lender to confirm the lien is satisfied or to note it on the new title.
Bring the original bill of sale, not a photocopy, if possible. If you only have a copy, bring it and explain the situation to the DMV staff. They will let you know whether they need the original or whether the copy is acceptable.
Timing and registration important date in Oregon
Oregon law requires you to register a vehicle within a certain timeframe after you buy it. The exact important date depends on whether you are a new resident to Oregon or whether you already lived in the state. If you are new to Oregon, you typically have 30 days from the date you establish residency to register the vehicle. If you already lived in Oregon, you must register it within 30 days of purchase.
The bill of sale date is important because the DMV will use it to calculate whether you met the important date. If you bought the vehicle on January 15 and did not register it until March 1, the DMV will see that you waited more than 30 days. You may be charged a late fee or asked to explain the delay.
If you are still waiting for the title to arrive from the seller or the previous lender, contact the DMV office in your county to ask about a temporary registration or extension. Some offices will allow you to register with a bill of sale and a promise to provide the title within a certain number of days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale from an online template or office supply store?
Yes. Oregon does not require a specific form, so any bill of sale that includes the required information will work. Templates from online sources and pre-printed forms from office supply stores are acceptable as long as both parties sign and the document contains the VIN, year, make, model, sale price, names, addresses, and date.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Contact your local DMV office and explain the situation. The DMV may ask for other proof of the transaction, such as a bank statement showing the payment, a text message or email from the seller, or a receipt. Bring whatever documentation you have. If the seller is unwilling to cooperate, the DMV may not be able to register the vehicle in your name without a court order.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?
Oregon does not require notarization, but it is a good idea. A notarized bill of sale provides extra proof that the signatures are genuine and can help if there is ever a dispute. Many banks and credit unions offer notary services for free or a small fee.
What if I lost the bill of sale after I bought the vehicle?
Contact the seller and ask them to sign a new one. If you cannot reach the seller, contact your local DMV office and explain what happened. Bring any other proof you have, such as a receipt, bank statement, or email confirming the sale. The DMV will decide whether to accept alternative proof or whether you need to obtain a new bill of sale from the seller.
Can I register the vehicle without a bill of sale if I have the signed title?
No. Oregon requires both the signed title and proof of the sale (the bill of sale) to register a vehicle. The title alone does not prove that you paid for the vehicle or that the seller agreed to the transaction. You must have both documents.