Oregon Form 735-501 — Bill of Sale

About Form 735-501

Official name: Oregon Vehicle Bill of Sale (DMV Form 735-501)

Issued by: Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services

Purpose: Documents a private vehicle sale in Oregon and substitutes for the title's transfer section when the seller's name is not on the title. No sales tax is owed — Oregon has no state sales tax.

When required: Required whenever the seller's name does not appear on the title. The buyer applies for a new Oregon title within 30 days of the sale; a $25 late fee applies at 31–60 days and $50 after 60 days.

What Form 735-501 is

Form 735-501 is Oregon DMV's Vehicle Bill of Sale. The edition we read is 735-501 (4-25). By signing it, the seller transfers all rights, title and interest in the vehicle to the buyer named on it.

Most Oregon sales do not need it: the seller can sign either the back of the title or a bill of sale. It is required when the seller's name is not on the title.

What it asks for

• The vehicle: VIN (with a box to tick if it begins with "OR"), plate number, year, make and title number.
• The buyer's printed name, address and date of purchase.
• Each seller's printed name (or business name), signature, address and date of release. A business signs through an authorized representative.

Rules printed on the form

• Use only blue or black ink. Do not white out or strike through any name.
• The seller's signature must be original; photocopies are not accepted.
• The seller must notify DMV of the sale within 10 days (ORS 803.112).
• The buyer who does not apply for a title within 30 days of the purchase may owe a late fee.

What DMV will not process

DMV says it cannot process a bill of sale that is missing the VIN, a statement releasing interest in the vehicle, the seller's printed name and signature, or the date of sale. For a model year 2011 or newer vehicle under 20 years old, you also need an odometer disclosure signed by both of you.

Three ways to send in the title application

• Walk in at a DMV office that takes drop-ins.
• Book an appointment at a DMV office.
• Mail the paperwork to DMV. Either way, the 30-day clock runs from the date of sale.

Buyer checklist

• Get the title, and check that its VIN matches the vehicle and that every owner and lender shown has released interest.
• Check the title for brands, such as totaled or flood damage.
• Apply for your title within 30 days. It costs $25 extra at 31 to 60 days and $50 after 60 days.
• Keep the seller's contact and ID details in case you need to reach them later, and check the vehicle's title history through NMVTIS before you pay.
• A seller with an unpaid loan cannot sell, donate or give the vehicle away until the lender is paid off.
• DMV currently lists about 4 to 5 weeks for a title to arrive.

What to Include in an Oregon Bill of Sale

A complete bill of sale usually includes:

• VIN
• Statement releasing interest in the vehicle
• Seller printed name(s)
• Seller signature(s)
• Date of sale
• Buyer name and address (recommended)
• Sale price (recommended)
• Odometer reading (required for model year 2011+ vehicles under 20 years old)