Free Oregon Vehicle Bill of Sale Form (2026)
An Oregon vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that establishes the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle from a seller to a buyer. It serves as an official receipt, outlining the purchase price, date of sale, and specific vehicle details like the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, and model. Having a documented bill of sale protects both parties from future legal or financial disputes by clearly logging the transaction details.
In Oregon, a bill of sale is legally required by the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) if the title does not contain a designated area for the purchase price, or if the title is lost and a replacement is being processed simultaneously. Even when not strictly mandated, the Oregon DMV highly recommends using their official Form 735-501. Oregon does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. However, sellers are legally obligated to report the sale to the DMV within 10 days of the transaction to release their liability.
Oregon Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Oregon. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell and Transfer a Vehicle in Oregon
Step 1: Agree on the purchase price and acceptable payment method. Buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle and verify its mechanical condition before finalizing the transaction.
Step 2: Complete the bill of sale (such as Oregon DMV Form 735-501) detailing the buyer, seller, vehicle specifics, and price. The seller must also fill out the odometer disclosure on the back of the title for vehicles newer than 20 years old.
Step 3: Neither the bill of sale nor the title transfer requires notarization in Oregon. Both parties can sign the documents securely at their own convenience.
Step 4: The seller must sign over the title to the buyer. In Oregon, standard license plates stay with the vehicle, so do not remove them unless they are custom or specialty plates. The seller must also notify the DMV within 10 days using the Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle.
Step 5: The buyer has 30 days to take the signed title, bill of sale, and an Application for Title and Registration to a local Oregon DMV office. Buyers registering the vehicle in the Portland Metro or Medford/Rogue Valley areas must also pass a DEQ emissions test before registration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Oregon?
While the properly signed title is the primary transfer document, the Oregon DMV requires a bill of sale if the sale price is not listed on the title, or if the seller is not the owner on record. It is strongly recommended in all sales for liability protection.
Does a Oregon vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, the state of Oregon does not require a vehicle bill of sale or the certificate of title to be notarized. Both the buyer and seller simply need to sign and date the documents.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Oregon?
Yes, you can draft your own bill of sale or use a generic template as long as it includes the buyer's and seller's names, vehicle details (VIN, make, year), sale price, and signatures. However, using the official Oregon DMV Bill of Sale (Form 735-501) is strongly recommended to ensure all required information is included.
Are private vehicle sales in Oregon considered 'as-is'?
Yes, private vehicle sales in Oregon are considered 'as-is.' Oregon's Lemon Law applies only to new vehicles, meaning buyers assume all risks once the private transaction is complete. Pre-purchase mechanical inspections are highly recommended.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Oregon?
Oregon does not have a general state sales tax or use tax, which means private party used vehicle sales are generally completely tax-free. Oregon does enforce a 0.5% Vehicle Privilege Tax, but this only applies to the sale of newly manufactured vehicles by dealerships.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Oregon DMV?
The buyer must bring the original signed title, a completed Application for Title and Registration (Form 735-226), the bill of sale (if applicable), proof of a passing DEQ emissions test (only if living in the Portland or Medford testing areas), and payment for the required title and registration fees.