Free Indiana Vehicle Bill of Sale Form (PDF)
An Indiana vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a receipt and proof of transfer for a motor vehicle sold between a private buyer and seller in the Hoosier State. It outlines the specific details of the transaction, including the purchase price, date of sale, and vehicle information such as the VIN, make, and model. Having this document ensures both parties have a clear record of the agreement, which is essential for accounting, tax verification, and liability purposes.
In Indiana, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) officially requires a bill of sale (State Form 44237) to transfer a title if the original title does not contain a dedicated space to record the purchase price or date of sale. While Indiana law does not mandate that a standard vehicle bill of sale be notarized, completing an official state bill of sale is highly recommended to establish the exact purchase price for state sales tax calculation. Furthermore, it is critical to note that the seller must remove their license plates before handing over the keys, as plates remain with the seller under Indiana law.
Indiana Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Indiana. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a Vehicle in Indiana
Step 1: Negotiate the terms of the sale, thoroughly inspect the vehicle, and establish the final purchase price and preferred payment method.
Step 2: Complete the official Indiana BMV Bill of Sale (State Form 44237). Ensure both the buyer and seller sign it, and accurately record the vehicle's year, make, VIN, and purchase price. Provide an Odometer Disclosure Statement (State Form 43230) if the vehicle is subject to mileage requirements and the title lacks a designated odometer reading space.
Step 3: Sign the documents. Notarization is not legally required for a standard Indiana bill of sale or title transfer, though you may choose to have it notarized for added legal protection and fraud prevention.
Step 4: The seller must completely fill out and sign the assignment section on the back of the Indiana Certificate of Title. Critically, the seller must remove their license plates before relinquishing the vehicle, as plates stay with the seller in Indiana.
Step 5: The buyer has 45 days to take the signed title, bill of sale, valid ID, and proof of insurance to a local BMV branch. If the buyer resides in Lake or Porter county, they must also provide a passed vehicle emissions test certificate before the vehicle can be fully registered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Indiana?
Yes, under certain circumstances. The Indiana BMV requires a bill of sale (State Form 44237) if the Certificate of Title does not have a designated space to record the purchase price and date of sale. Even if the title includes these fields, drafting a bill of sale is highly recommended for personal record-keeping and tax calculation purposes.
Does a Indiana vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, an Indiana vehicle bill of sale does not legally require notarization. However, having the document notarized can prevent future disputes regarding signatures or the agreed-upon purchase price.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Indiana?
While you can write your own generic bill of sale, the Indiana BMV provides an official document: State Form 44237 (Bill of Sale). It is strongly recommended to use this official state form, as it contains all the necessary fields required by the BMV for title transfers and tax assessments.
Are private vehicle sales in Indiana considered 'as-is'?
Yes. In Indiana, private vehicle sales are strictly considered 'as-is'. The state's Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles purchased from licensed dealers. Buyers are fully responsible for inspecting the vehicle before purchase, as they will have little to no legal recourse against a private seller for post-sale mechanical issues.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Indiana?
Indiana charges a 7% sales tax on the purchase of a motor vehicle. For private sales, this tax is typically based on the purchase price listed on the title or the bill of sale. If the declared purchase price is significantly lower than the vehicle's fair market value (such as a NADA book value), the BMV may require an Affidavit of Purchase Price to verify the sale price is legitimate.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Indiana DMV?
To successfully transfer a vehicle title in Indiana, the buyer must bring the original signed title, a completed Bill of Sale (State Form 44237) if applicable, an Application for Certificate of Title (State Form 205), an Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not completed on the title), proof of Indiana auto insurance, a valid driver's license or ID, and payment for title fees and the 7% sales tax. Buyers residing in Lake or Porter counties must also bring proof of passing an emissions test.