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 transfer of a vehicle from one owner to another. It serves as proof that the sale took place, who bought it, who sold it, and for how much. Oregon does not require a bill of sale by law, but the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and most lenders treat it as the standard record of ownership transfer.

You need a bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a vehicle in Oregon — whether it is a car, truck, motorcycle, or RV. Even if the sale is between family members or friends, having a signed bill of sale protects both parties. It becomes especially important if there is a loan involved, if the title is held by a lender, or if you are selling a vehicle with an outstanding loan balance.

The bill of sale is separate from the vehicle title. The title is the legal ownership document; the bill of sale is the record of the transaction itself. You will submit both documents to ODOT when you register the vehicle in your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon does not legally require a bill of sale, but ODOT and lenders expect one as the standard proof of sale.
  • The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.
  • You can use the official ODOT form (REG 131) or a private bill of sale template, as long as it contains all required information.
  • The buyer submits the bill of sale along with the title to ODOT within 10 days of purchase to register the vehicle.
  • Both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy for their records.

What information must be on the bill of sale

The bill of sale must clearly identify the vehicle, the parties involved, and the terms of the sale. At minimum, include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model of the vehicle, and the odometer reading at the time of sale.

Both the buyer and seller must be named with their full legal names and current addresses. The sale price must be stated in dollars — even if the sale is a gift or trade-in, write the actual amount paid or the fair market value. The date of the sale goes on the document, and both parties must sign and date it in front of a witness or notary (though Oregon does not require notarization for a bill of sale to be valid).

If the vehicle has a loan against it, note the lender's name and the loan balance on the bill of sale. If the seller is transferring the title with a lien still attached, that information must be disclosed. This protects the buyer from inheriting an unexpected debt.

Using the official ODOT form versus a private template

ODOT provides form REG 131, the official Oregon bill of sale. You can read it from the ODOT website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. The form is straightforward and includes all the fields ODOT expects to see. Using the official form removes any question about whether you have included the right information.

You are not required to use the ODOT form. A private bill of sale template — from a legal website, a car dealer, or even a document you write yourself — is acceptable as long as it contains all the required information: VIN, vehicle description, buyer and seller names and addresses, sale price, date, and signatures. Many people use templates from online sources or create their own because they are familiar with the format or want to add extra terms.

Whichever format you choose, make sure the document is legible, signed by both parties, and that you keep a copy. If you use a private template, double-check that it includes space for the odometer reading and any lien information, because ODOT will ask for these details when you register the vehicle.

How to fill out the bill of sale step by step

Step 1: Gather the vehicle information. Before you sit down to fill out the bill of sale, have the vehicle title, registration, and the vehicle itself available. You will need the VIN (found on the title, registration, or driver's side dashboard), the year, make, model, and current odometer reading.

Step 2: Write in the seller's information. The person currently listed on the title fills in their full legal name, current address, and phone number. If there are two owners on the title, both must sign the bill of sale.

Step 3: Write in the buyer's information. The person buying the vehicle provides their full legal name, current address, and phone number.

Step 4: Enter the vehicle details. Fill in the VIN, year, make, model, body style, and color. Write the odometer reading exactly as it appears on the instrument cluster. If the odometer does not work or reads over 999,999 miles, note that on the form.

Step 5: State the sale price. Write the amount paid in both numbers and words (for example, "$8,500" and "Eight thousand five hundred dollars"). If there is a trade-in, note its value separately. If the sale is a gift, write "gift" or "$0" and note that no payment changed hands.

Step 6: Disclose any liens. If the vehicle has an outstanding loan, write the lender's name and the remaining balance. If the title shows a lien, it must be listed here.

Step 7: Sign and date. Both the buyer and seller sign and print their names. Write the date the sale occurred. Oregon does not require a notary witness, but having one sign the document adds a layer of verification if questions arise later.

Step 8: Make copies. Both parties should receive a signed copy. The buyer will submit one copy to ODOT along with the title when registering the vehicle.

What happens after you sign the bill of sale

Once both parties have signed, the buyer becomes the owner of the vehicle in the eyes of the seller. However, the vehicle is not legally registered in the buyer's name until ODOT processes the title transfer. The buyer has 10 days from the date of purchase to submit the bill of sale, the signed title, and the registration form to ODOT.

If the vehicle has a lien, the lender must release it before the title can be transferred. This usually happens automatically when the loan is paid off, but the seller should confirm with the lender that the lien release has been filed. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.

The seller should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for their records. If the vehicle is later involved in an accident, theft, or legal dispute, the bill of sale proves when and to whom the seller transferred ownership. The seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle once the title is transferred to the buyer.

Common mistakes to avoid when completing a bill of sale

The most common error is leaving the VIN blank or writing it incorrectly. The VIN must match exactly what appears on the title and registration. A mismatched VIN can delay or block ODOT's processing of the title transfer.

Another frequent mistake is not disclosing an outstanding loan or lien. If the seller knows there is a loan against the vehicle and does not mention it on the bill of sale, the buyer may discover later that they cannot register the vehicle until the loan is paid off. This creates conflict and legal complications. Always disclose liens upfront.

Some people forget to include the odometer reading or write it down incorrectly. ODOT requires this information to prevent odometer fraud. If the reading is missing or clearly wrong, ODOT may reject the paperwork and ask for clarification.

Signing the bill of sale without a witness or notary is not illegal in Oregon, but it does make the document easier to dispute later. If either party claims the signature is forged or the terms were different, a notary's seal provides proof that both parties were present and signed willingly.

Where to get an Oregon bill of sale form

The official ODOT form REG 131 is available on the Oregon Department of Transportation website under the "Forms" section. You can read and print it at home, or visit any DMV office in Oregon to pick up a physical copy. There is no charge for the form.

If you prefer a private template, you can find bill of sale forms through legal document websites, car dealer associations, or your bank or credit union. Many of these templates are free to read. Make sure any template you use is specific to Oregon or generic enough to comply with Oregon law.

Some title companies and real estate attorneys also provide bill of sale forms. If you are buying or selling a vehicle as part of a larger transaction, your attorney or title company may offer a form as part of their service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to notarize the bill of sale in Oregon?

No, Oregon does not require notarization for a bill of sale to be legally valid. However, having a notary public witness both signatures adds credibility to the document and can prevent disputes later if either party claims they did not sign or that the terms were different.

What if I lose the bill of sale after I have already registered the vehicle?

You can request a copy of the title transfer record from ODOT. The bill of sale itself is not filed with ODOT — you submit it as supporting documentation when you register the vehicle — but ODOT's records will show the transfer. Contact your local DMV office or ODOT's title section to request a copy of the transaction record.

Can I use a bill of sale if the vehicle title is in someone else's name?

No. The person whose name appears on the title is the legal owner and the only person who can sell the vehicle. If you are buying from someone who does not hold the title, the actual title holder must sign the bill of sale and the title transfer form. If the title holder refuses or cannot be located, you cannot legally register the vehicle in your name.

What if the sale price on the bill of sale is different from what I actually paid?

The bill of sale should always reflect the actual amount paid. If you write a lower price to reduce taxes or registration fees, you are committing fraud. ODOT and the Oregon Department of Revenue use the stated sale price to calculate registration and tax obligations. Misrepresenting the price can result in fines, penalties, and legal action.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a vehicle from a dealer?

Dealers provide their own bill of sale or sales agreement, which serves the same purpose as a private bill of sale. You do not need to create a separate document. The dealer's paperwork will include all the required information and will be submitted to ODOT as part of the registration process.