An Oregon bill of sale records a private sale: the vehicle, the price, the date and who signed. Oregon DMV has its own form for it, the Vehicle Bill of Sale (735-501), but the step sellers must not miss is a different one: telling DMV about the sale within 10 days.
This page sets out what Oregon DMV asks of sellers and buyers, quoted from its guidance and its form, and gives you a free Oregon bill of sale template.
The short answer
Oregon DMV tells sellers to “sign and date either the back of the title or a Bill of Sale”, and to “notify DMV of the sale within 10 days” (ORS 803.112), which you can do online through DMV2U. A bill of sale is needed when the seller’s name is not on the title: “If the seller’s name is not on the title, get a Bill of Sale from them.” The buyer must apply for title within 30 days.
When Oregon needs a bill of sale
For most private sales, the seller signs and dates the back of the title and the buyer takes it to DMV. Oregon DMV’s guidance on buying and selling a vehicle names the case where a bill of sale becomes necessary: when the person selling you the vehicle is not the person named on the title.
If you write one, DMV says it must contain “at least the VIN, a statement releasing interest in the vehicle, the printed name of the seller(s), the seller’s signature(s), and the date of sale”. The official Vehicle Bill of Sale, form 735-501, is built around those items: the seller states “I transfer all rights, title and interest in the above-described vehicle to” the buyer.
Form 735-501 has its own rules: “Use only blue or black ink. Do not white out or strike through any name(s). Must be original seller’s signature (no photocopies).”
The 10-day notice of sale
Ten days, not thirty. Form 735-501 puts it plainly for the seller: “You must provide notification to DMV of the sale within 10 days of the sale. (ORS 803.112)”. Some websites give a 30-day window; that is the buyer’s deadline to apply for title, not the seller’s deadline to report.
The notice goes through DMV2U, and DMV says to “include the name and address of the buyer”. A bill of sale with the buyer’s full name and address gives you everything you need to file it.
Seller and buyer checklist
| Who | What | When |
|---|---|---|
| Seller | Sign and date the back of the title, or a bill of sale. Make sure any lienholder has signed the title or given a signed release. | At the sale |
| Seller | Write the odometer reading on the title; both seller and buyer sign it (vehicles model year 2011 or newer and under 20 years old). | At the sale |
| Seller | Notify DMV of the sale through DMV2U, with the buyer’s name and address. | Within 10 days |
| Buyer | Apply for title. Late applications may be subject to a late title transfer fee. | Within 30 days |
Oregon DMV also tells sellers: “You may remove your license plates before selling your vehicle.”
What to put in an Oregon bill of sale
- The VIN, plus year, make, title number and plate number.
- A statement that the seller releases their interest in the vehicle to the buyer.
- The printed name and signature of every seller, and the date of sale.
- The buyer’s full name and address, which you need for the notice of sale.
- The sale price and the odometer reading, as a record for both sides.
- A copy for each party.
Common mistakes
- Waiting 30 days to report the sale. The seller has 10 days.
- Buying from someone whose name is not on the title, without a bill of sale. DMV tells buyers to get one in exactly that case.
- Correcting names with white-out. Form 735-501 says not to white out or strike through any name.
- Handing over a photocopy. The form requires the original seller’s signature.
Free Oregon bill of sale template
Fill it in online below, or download the 2026 Oregon version in PDF or Word, which ends with a checklist of the DMV steps after the sale. If you prefer DMV’s own form, use 735-501. Nothing is uploaded and there is no signup.
Oregon bill of sale: common questions
Is a bill of sale required in Oregon?
Not when the seller signs and dates the back of the title. DMV says to get a bill of sale when the seller’s name is not on the title.
Does an Oregon bill of sale need to be notarized?
Oregon DMV’s guidance and form 735-501 do not ask for a notary. They do require the original signature of the seller.
How long do I have to report a sale in Oregon?
Ten days from the sale, under ORS 803.112. You can file the notice online through DMV2U.
How long does the buyer have to title the vehicle?
Thirty days from the date of purchase. After that, DMV may charge a late title transfer fee.
Do I need to record the mileage?
For vehicles model year 2011 or newer and under 20 years old, write the odometer reading on the back of the title, and both seller and buyer sign it.
Related
- Bill of sale rules for all 50 states + DC
- Washington bill of sale: a 5-business-day report of sale
- Vehicle bill of sale template
- General bill of sale template
How this page was checked
The requirements and quotations come from Oregon DMV’s guidance “Buying or Selling a Vehicle” and its Vehicle Bill of Sale, form 735-501 (4-25), both read in full on oregon.gov. The 10-day rule is ORS 803.112, as cited on the form.
Last verified: October 2026. We do not advance this date without re-checking the sources. Forms and fees are set by Oregon DMV and can change: confirm with DMV before you file.
LegalTemplateVault is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Compiled and edited by Daniel Mercer, editor of LegalTemplateVault. He is not an attorney, and neither is anyone else on this site: we compile primary sources and cite them so you can check them yourself.