Oregon boat — quick answer
In Oregon, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is 735-501. Boats in Oregon may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Oregon DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Oregon?
Recommended. A bill of sale (735-501) documents the sale; the seller files a Notice of Sale within 10 days.
Seller signs the title over; the buyer titles and registers at an Oregon DMV office. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Oregon DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Oregon boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required.
What to include on a Oregon boat bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and length
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12 characters
- Motor details (make, horsepower, serial number)
- Whether a trailer is included
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a boat in Oregon
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title over; the buyer titles and registers at an Oregon DMV office.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Notice of Sale or Transfer (735-6890) — file within 10 days to remove liability.
- 4Register with the Oregon DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Vehicle Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Oregon DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Oregon Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Oregon?
A bill of sale is recommended in Oregon. A bill of sale (735-501) documents the sale; the seller files a Notice of Sale within 10 days.
Does a Oregon boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required.
What is a HIN on a boat bill of sale?
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code unique to the boat, similar to a VIN on a car. It is required to register the vessel and should be copied exactly.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the boat trailer and motor?
The motor is usually described on the boat bill of sale. A trailer often has its own VIN and may need its own bill of sale and registration — use our trailer bill of sale for that.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.