What an Oregon bill of sale must include

Oregon does not have a single required bill of sale form, but the document you create or use must contain specific information for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to process a title transfer. The buyer, seller, and any lienholder must be clearly identified with their full legal names and addresses. The vehicle itself must be described by its year, make, model, body style, color, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You must also include the sale price, the date of sale, and the odometer reading at the time of transfer.

The bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Oregon, but both the buyer and seller must sign and date it. If there is a lienholder on the vehicle (such as a bank or credit union), their name and address should appear on the document as well. ODOT will use this information to may support the title transfers correctly and any liens are properly released or transferred.

You can write your own bill of sale on plain paper as long as it includes all required information, or you can read a template from ODOT's website or use one provided by a title service. The document becomes part of your title transfer record, so legibility and accuracy matter — misspelled names or incorrect VINs can delay processing.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon requires a bill of sale to show the buyer's name, seller's name, vehicle VIN, sale price, date of sale, and odometer reading.
  • Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale, but notarization is not required in Oregon.
  • You can write your own bill of sale on plain paper or use a template, as long as all required information is included and legible.
  • If the vehicle has a lien, include the lienholder's name and address on the bill of sale so ODOT can process the lien release or transfer.
  • Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records before submitting it with your title transfer documents to ODOT.

Where to get an Oregon bill of sale template

ODOT does not publish an official bill of sale form, but the agency's website includes information about what must be on the document. You can also find templates through Oregon's Secretary of State office or through third-party title services that operate in the state. Many banks and credit unions that finance vehicles also provide bill of sale templates to their customers.

If you are buying or selling through a dealership, the dealership will typically provide the bill of sale as part of the paperwork package. Private sellers and buyers often search online for "Oregon bill of sale template" and use a generic form, which is acceptable as long as it contains all required fields. Some people use forms from neighboring states and adapt them, which works if you verify that Oregon's requirements are met.

What happens if information is missing or wrong

If your bill of sale is missing required information or contains errors, ODOT will likely return your title transfer process and ask you to resubmit with a corrected document. Common problems include a missing VIN, mismatched names between the bill of sale and the title process, or an illegible signature. This delay can extend the time it takes to receive your new title by several weeks.

If you discover an error after you have already submitted the bill of sale to ODOT, contact the agency directly to ask whether you need to file an amended document or if they can correct it during processing. For major errors like a completely wrong VIN, you will likely need to create a new bill of sale and resubmit. This is why taking time to verify all information before signing is worth the effort.

Bill of sale and title transfer timing

The bill of sale itself does not have an expiration date in Oregon, but it should be dated close to when you actually transfer the title. If there is a large gap between the sale date on the bill of sale and the date you submit your title transfer process, ODOT may question whether the sale actually occurred or ask for additional documentation. Most people submit their title transfer within 10 to 30 days of the sale.

Oregon law requires that you transfer the title within 30 days of purchase, though the bill of sale can be created on the day of sale or shortly after. If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller, get the bill of sale signed at the same time you exchange money and keys. If you are waiting for the seller to pay off a lien before transferring the title, document that agreement separately and keep records of when the lien is released.

Private sale versus dealership bill of sale

Private sales and dealership sales both require a bill of sale, but the process differs slightly. When you buy from a dealership, the dealer handles most of the paperwork and provides a bill of sale as part of the package. You sign it, and the dealer typically submits the title transfer documents to ODOT on your behalf or provides them for you to submit.

In a private sale, you and the seller create and sign the bill of sale together. You are responsible for submitting it along with the signed title certificate to ODOT to complete the transfer. Private sellers sometimes try to avoid creating a bill of sale, but you should insist on one — it protects you by documenting the sale price, condition, and date, and it is required for ODOT to process your title transfer.

Keeping copies and records

After both you and the seller sign the bill of sale, make at least two copies — one for your records and one to submit to ODOT. Keep your copy in a safe place along with your title documents, registration, and insurance information. If a dispute arises later about the sale price, condition, or date, your signed copy of the bill of sale is your proof of the transaction.

Some buyers also photograph or scan the signed bill of sale before submitting it, in case the original is lost in the mail or during processing. If you are financing the vehicle through a bank or credit union, they may also ask for a copy of the bill of sale as part of their loan documentation. Having multiple copies protects you if one is damaged or lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oregon require the bill of sale to be notarized?

No, Oregon does not require notarization of a bill of sale. Both the buyer and seller must sign and date it, but you do not need to have it witnessed or notarized by a notary public. However, some lenders or title services may request notarization for their own records, so check with your bank or credit union before assuming it is not needed.

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

You can use a bill of sale template from another state as long as it includes all information Oregon requires: buyer name, seller name, VIN, sale price, date, and odometer reading. However, it is simpler to use an Oregon template or create your own document that clearly shows you understand Oregon's requirements. ODOT will accept any bill of sale that contains the required information, regardless of where the template came from.

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

A seller's refusal to sign a bill of sale is a red flag. Oregon law does not explicitly require a bill of sale for private sales, but ODOT requires documentation of the sale to process a title transfer. Without a signed bill of sale, you may have difficulty proving you own the vehicle or that the sale was legitimate. Do not proceed with a purchase if the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale — find another vehicle.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am inheriting a vehicle?

No, inheritance transfers use different documents. You will need a copy of the will or probate court order, a death certificate, and an affidavit of heirship or similar document depending on how the estate is being settled. Contact ODOT directly or visit your local DMV office to learn what documents are required for your specific situation.

What should I do if I lose the bill of sale after the sale?

If you have already submitted the bill of sale to ODOT and received your new title, losing your personal copy is not a major problem — ODOT has the original on file. If you have not yet submitted it, ask the seller for a copy or to sign another one. If the seller is unavailable, you can create a new bill of sale with the same information and have the seller sign it again, or contact ODOT to ask what options are available in your situation.