An Oregon bill of sale is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a valuable item from one person to another, based on the specific state laws of Oregon (OR). The item can be any kind of personal property that is bought or exchanged for money, or traded for another item of value.

On a bill of sale document, the person receiving the item is referred to as the buyer, and the person giving up the item is referred to as the seller.

Much like a retail receipt, a bill of sale proves that a transaction took place, and documents the legal transfer of ownership. You should use a bill of sale in Oregon if you’re buying or selling a car (or any type of vehicle), a boat, a gun/firearm, a motorcycle, or a horse.

Common Uses of an Oregon Bill of Sale

Oregon bills of sale are most commonly used for buying and selling motor vehicles. Other personal property of value such as boats, guns, horses, laptops, furniture, jewelry, and equipment are also frequently bought and sold using bills of sale.

This form protects both the buyer and seller in the event that there is a problem after the sale.

Because bill of sale laws vary across the US, you need to use the form specific to Oregon if you’re buying or selling a valuable item in the Beaver State.

How to Write an Oregon Bill of Sale

Once the terms of the transaction have been agreed by both parties, the buyer and seller should complete a bill of sale form. If the item being sold or exchanged is not a car, boat, firearm, or horse, a general Oregon bill of sale can be filled out by including the following:

Seller and Buyer Information

The buyer and seller need to provide their respective contact details, including their full names, addresses (including cities, states, and ZIP codes), telephone numbers, and email addresses.

Item Information and Price

This section may vary depending on the type of item involved in the transaction, but you’ll always need to write the agreed-upon sale price and describe the item’s condition. Noting any faults or damage will help you avoid disputes later.

You’ll also want to include details that could help identify the unique item being sold. Such information may include:

Oregon bill of sale forms detail valuable information regarding the private sales of property. The information outlines specifics about the property as well as the buyer and seller. These forms are often used for properties with significant financial value, such as vehicles and boats.

Do I Need a Bill of Sale in Oregon?

An Oregon Bill of Sale is a handwritten or typed document created to prove the sale and purchase, and transfer of ownership of various personal items, including boats, vehicles, and firearms. It helps the residents of Oregon to record the legal agreement and transaction between two parties in the sale of movable and tangible assets. A bill of sale states the property is being sold in its current condition and that it belongs to the purchaser from the moment of the sale, while the ex-owner no longer bears liability for the item.

There are five main types of Bills of Sale in Oregon:

1. Generic. This document is used when the items sold are not classified as a vehicle, boat, gun, or mobile home. It is the most common agreement between the seller and the buyer that protects them both in case of any future disagreement or dispute about the item that was transferred.
2. Vehicle. There is an official form issued by the Department of Transportation called Form 735-501, Vehicle Bill of Sale. It is required when the personal property being transferred is a vehicle and contains the identification of both parties and the description of the vehicle (its plate number, year, make, vehicle identification number, and title number). Form 735-6890, Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle is used to inform the  DMV of the Oregon Department of Transportation that you sold or transferred ownership of a vehicle.
3. Vessel. Use this Vessel Bill of Sale to record the details of the transaction involving any kind of boat, from a sailboat to motorized watercraft. It was issued by the Oregon State Marine Board and requires you to provide a full description of the boat, including its state-assigned Certificate of Number, model year, manufacturer, and hull identification number.
4. Firearm. This document describes the sale of an assault weapon or pistol in the state of Oregon. Provide such details as the handgun’s serial number, caliber, and model to ease the identification of a firearm in the future.
5. Mobile Home. The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has issued a specific form called Form 440-3925, Manufactured Structure Bill of Sale to use when selling and buying a mobile (manufactured) home – a dwelling structure built on a steel chassis.

A Bill of Sale in Oregon is required when a vehicle, boat, or mobile home is being sold. In all other situations, it is not mandatory to create this document. However, it is recommended to draft a bill of sale because it represents a sales contract, it is legally binding for the parties, and it makes the purchaser the new owner of the item.