What an Oregon auto bill of sale is and when you need one
An Oregon auto bill of sale is a document that records the sale of a vehicle from one person to another. It shows who owned the car, who bought it, the sale price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date of the transaction. Oregon does not legally require a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle title, but having one protects both the buyer and seller by creating a written record of the transaction.
You should use a bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a car privately — that is, directly from one person to another rather than through a dealership. Even though Oregon does not mandate it, the document serves as proof of the sale if a dispute arises later, and it can help protect the seller from liability if the buyer gets into an accident or fails to register the vehicle.
The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not provide an official bill of sale form, but the state recognizes bills of sale that contain the required information. You can write one yourself, use a template, or purchase a pre-printed form from an office supply store.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon does not legally require a bill of sale, but creating one protects both buyer and seller by documenting the transaction in writing.
- A bill of sale must include the seller's and buyer's names and addresses, the vehicle's VIN and year, the sale price, and the date of sale.
- Both the seller and buyer should sign the bill of sale in front of a witness or notary public to make it legally stronger.
- The buyer will need the bill of sale when registering the vehicle with the Oregon DMV, along with the signed title certificate.
- Keep a copy of the completed bill of sale for your records; the seller should keep one and the buyer should keep one.
What information must go on an Oregon bill of sale
The bill of sale must clearly identify both parties to the sale. Include the seller's full name, address, and phone number, and the buyer's full name, address, and phone number. If either party is a business, use the business name and the address where the business operates.
The vehicle information section must contain the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model of the car, the color, the odometer reading at the time of sale, and the license plate number if one is currently assigned. The more detail you include about the vehicle's condition — whether it has mechanical problems, body damage, or outstanding recalls — the better the document protects both parties.
The sale terms must state the total sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00)"). If the buyer is paying in installments, describe the payment schedule. Include the date of the sale and the date the buyer takes possession of the vehicle if those dates differ.
Add a statement that the seller warrants the vehicle is free of liens or disclose any liens that exist. A lien is a claim against the vehicle held by a lender or creditor. If the seller still owes money on the car, the buyer needs to know this before completing the purchase.
How to sign and witness the bill of sale
Both the seller and the buyer must sign the bill of sale. While Oregon law does not require a witness or notary, having one present when both parties sign makes the document much stronger if it is ever challenged in court. A witness can be any adult who is not a party to the sale — a friend, family member, or neutral third party.
If you choose to have the document notarized, a notary public will verify the identity of both parties and watch them sign. The notary then adds their seal and signature to the document. Many banks, credit unions, and title companies offer notary services, often for a small fee or free to customers.
Each person should sign and print their name on the bill of sale. If a witness is present, they should also sign and print their name and write the date. If the document is notarized, the notary will add their information and seal.
Steps to complete the bill of sale before handing over the vehicle
First, gather the information you will need: both parties' names and addresses, the vehicle's VIN (found on the title certificate or the dashboard), the sale price, and the date of sale. Write or type the bill of sale using a template or your own format, making sure all required information is included.
Second, review the document with the other party to make sure all details are correct. Correct any errors by crossing them out neatly and initialing the change — do not use white-out or tape, as this can raise questions about the document's authenticity.
Third, both parties should sign the bill of sale in the presence of a witness or notary if you choose to use one. Each party should receive a signed copy. The seller should keep one copy for their records.
Fourth, the buyer will need the signed bill of sale along with the signed title certificate to register the vehicle with the Oregon DMV. The seller should not hand over the keys or the title until the bill of sale is fully signed.
What happens after the sale is complete
Once the bill of sale is signed, the buyer becomes the owner of the vehicle, even though the title certificate has not yet been transferred. The buyer has a set amount of time — usually 30 days in Oregon — to register the vehicle and transfer the title into their name. The buyer will take the signed bill of sale and the signed title certificate to the Oregon DMV to complete the registration.
The seller's responsibility ends once the bill of sale is signed and the buyer takes possession of the vehicle. However, the seller should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years in case questions arise about the sale later. If the seller is asked about the vehicle in a lawsuit or insurance claim, the bill of sale proves when and to whom the vehicle was sold.
The buyer should also keep the signed bill of sale with their vehicle records. If the buyer later sells the vehicle, they may need to show the bill of sale to prove they owned it and when they purchased it.
Where to get an Oregon bill of sale form
You can create your own bill of sale by writing the required information on a blank piece of paper, or you can read a template from the internet. Many websites offer free Oregon bill of sale templates that you can print and fill in by hand or type on your computer.
Office supply stores and some car parts retailers sell pre-printed bill of sale forms that are already formatted with blanks for you to fill in. These forms are inexpensive and often come with instructions.
The Oregon DMV website does not provide an official bill of sale form, but the DMV's registration guide explains what information a bill of sale should contain. You can use that information to create your own or to check that a template you find includes everything required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car in Oregon without a bill of sale?
Yes, Oregon does not legally require a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle. However, selling without one leaves both you and the buyer without written proof of the transaction. If a dispute arises later — for example, if the buyer claims you promised the car was in better condition — you will have no documentation to support your side of the story.
What if the seller still owes money on the vehicle?
The bill of sale must disclose any liens on the vehicle. The buyer should understand that they may be responsible for paying off the loan before they can fully own the car. The seller and buyer should agree in writing on how the loan will be handled — whether the seller will pay it off before handing over the title, or whether the buyer will assume the loan.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale in Oregon?
Notarization is not required by Oregon law, but it strengthens the document by having a third party verify the identities of both parties and witness their signatures. If you think the bill of sale might be questioned later, notarization is worth the small cost.
What should I do if I made a mistake on the bill of sale after signing?
If you discover an error after both parties have signed, do not cross it out or use white-out. Instead, create a new bill of sale with the correct information and have both parties sign it again. Keep the original as well, in case it is needed later to explain what happened.
How long should I keep the bill of sale after selling my car?
Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. If the buyer gets into an accident or fails to register the vehicle, you may need to show the bill of sale to prove you are no longer the owner. Some people keep it indefinitely as part of their vehicle records.