Oregon Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Oregon is one of only five states in the country with no sales tax — and that includes vehicle purchases. When you buy a car privately in Oregon, there is zero sales tax on the transaction. This makes Oregon one of the most affordable states for buying a vehicle, despite having the highest title fee in the nation at $98.50.
The Oregon DMV manages all vehicle titling and registration through its network of field offices statewide. Oregon's transfer process is notably streamlined — no notarization is required for either the title or the bill of sale. Both parties simply sign the documents, and the buyer takes them to the nearest DMV office to complete the transfer.
Oregon funds its road infrastructure through fuel taxes rather than sales tax, which explains the higher title and registration fees. The state does require DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) emissions testing in the Portland and Rogue Valley metro areas, but most of the state is exempt. A well-prepared bill of sale documents the transaction and protects both parties.
0%
No sales tax
30 Days
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
Portland
DEQ required
Oregon DMV Requirements
Oregon's vehicle transfer process is centralized through the Oregon DMV. No notarization is needed, making the process simpler than most states. Here is what each party needs:
Important: DEQ Emissions & High Title Fee
If you live in the Portland metro area (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, or parts of Columbia County) or the Rogue Valley (Medford area), your vehicle must pass a DEQ emissions test before it can be registered. Also be aware that Oregon's title fee is $98.50 — the highest in the country — though the absence of sales tax more than offsets this cost on most vehicle purchases.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller signs the title and completes the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading — no notarization needed
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with full buyer/seller details, vehicle description, VIN, price, date, and both signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement for vehicles under 20 years old — recorded on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a lien, a release from the lender must accompany the title
What the Buyer Must Bring to the Oregon DMV
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all fields completed (no notarization required)
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both buyer and seller
- Valid Photo ID: Oregon driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance: Oregon minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$20,000)
- DEQ Certificate: Required in Portland metro and Rogue Valley — must pass emissions before registration
- Payment: Title fee ($98.50), registration ($122 for 2 years) — no sales tax
How to Fill Out an Oregon Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Oregon vehicle bill of sale. Since Oregon requires no notarization and charges no sales tax, the process is more straightforward than in most states.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as shown on the current Oregon vehicle title, their mailing address, and contact information. If the title lists co-owners connected by "and," both must sign. If connected by "or," either can sell independently.
Enter Buyer Information
Record the buyer's full legal name exactly as it should appear on the new Oregon title, along with their current address and phone number. The buyer's address determines whether a DEQ emissions test is required before registration.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Carefully transcribe the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard plate or door jamb and confirm it matches the title exactly. The Oregon DMV will not process the transfer if the VIN does not match.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and note whether it is accurate, has exceeded the mechanical limit, or does not reflect actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Since Oregon has no sales tax, there is no tax calculation based on this amount. However, the price is still important for insurance valuation, personal records, and potential use tax obligations if the buyer is from out of state. For gifts, write "$0 — Gift."
Sign and Date
Both buyer and seller should sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies. No notarization is needed in Oregon — just your signatures. The buyer then takes the signed title and bill of sale to any Oregon DMV office within 30 days to complete the transfer.
Oregon Title Transfer Process
Oregon's title transfer process is handled entirely through the Oregon DMV. With no notarization requirement and no sales tax, the process is among the most straightforward in the country.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale and title (no notary needed), exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance & DEQ (if applicable)
Obtain Oregon liability insurance; pass DEQ emissions if in Portland metro or Rogue Valley
Visit Any Oregon DMV Office
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, photo ID, proof of insurance, and DEQ certificate if required
Pay DMV Fees (No Sales Tax)
Title fee ($98.50) and registration ($122 for 2 years) — zero sales tax
Receive Your New Title and Plates
Oregon issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides license plates or a plate transfer
Oregon Vehicle Fees (No Sales Tax)
Oregon charges no sales tax on vehicle purchases — one of only five states with this benefit. Instead, the state uses higher DMV fees and fuel taxes to fund transportation. Here is a complete breakdown of what you will pay:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | None — 0% |
| Title Fee | $98.50 (highest in the US) |
| Registration Fee | $122 for 2 years |
| License Plates | $24.50 (new plates) or transfer existing |
| DEQ Test Fee | $25 (Portland metro / Rogue Valley only) |
| Duplicate Title | $98.50 |
| Trip Permit | $25 (temporary permit to drive unregistered vehicle) |
Sample Oregon Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Oregon-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your completed document will include all fields the Oregon DMV expects for a smooth title transfer.
STATE OF OREGON
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Oregon Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Oregon Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Oregon Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Oregon vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and DMV requirements.
Official Oregon Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your nearest DMV office, and access government forms for your Oregon vehicle transaction.
Oregon DMV
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle services
Oregon DEQ — Vehicle Inspection
Emissions testing locations, requirements, and exemptions
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Oregon Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Oregon? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Oregon Boat Bill of Sale
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Oregon Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Oregon Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Oregon Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Oregon General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Oregon ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Oregon Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Oregon Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Oregon Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Oregon-compliant document in minutes. No sales tax. No notarization needed.
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