Indiana Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Selling or buying a car privately in Indiana? A vehicle bill of sale is your most important piece of paperwork outside the title itself. While Indiana doesn't mandate a specific state-issued bill of sale form, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) expects to see documentation of the sale price, vehicle details, and both parties' information when you show up to transfer the title.
The Indiana BMV handles all vehicle titling and registration through its network of branch offices across the state. Indiana keeps things relatively simple compared to neighboring states — there's no notarization requirement for the bill of sale, no emissions testing, and the sales tax is a flat 7% with no local add-ons. That said, you still need to get the paperwork right.
One thing that catches some buyers off guard is Indiana's excise tax. On top of the 7% sales tax you pay at transfer, you'll also owe an annual excise tax when you register the vehicle. This is calculated based on the car's value and age, and it's billed as part of your yearly registration renewal.
7%
State sales tax
31 Days
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Indiana BMV Requirements
Indiana's title transfer process runs through the BMV branch offices. Here's what both parties need to prepare for a hassle-free transaction:
Important: Indiana's 31-Day Rule
The buyer must transfer the title into their name within 31 days of the purchase date. Late transfers incur additional fees, and driving without proper registration can result in fines. The date on your bill of sale sets this clock in motion.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: Complete the title assignment section on the back of the title with the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale documenting buyer/seller details, VIN, vehicle description, price, date, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Required by federal law — record the mileage and its accuracy on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If there was a loan on the vehicle, a lien release letter from the lender is necessary
What the Buyer Needs at the BMV
- Assigned Title: With the seller's signature and all transfer fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Indiana driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance: Indiana requires minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($15), registration ($21.35 + excise tax), and 7% sales tax
How to Fill Out an Indiana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Walk through each section below to complete your Indiana vehicle bill of sale. Our template handles the formatting — you just need the details.
Enter Seller Information
Write the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the vehicle title. Add their current Indiana mailing address and a phone number. When multiple people are listed on the title, check whether it says "and" (all parties sign) or "or" (any one party can sign).
Enter Buyer Information
Fill in the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new Indiana title, along with their current address and contact number. The BMV will use this information to issue the new title and registration.
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body style, and color. Copy the 17-character VIN from the dashboard plate or driver-side door jamb and double-check it against the title. A single wrong digit in the VIN will cause problems at the BMV. Include the license plate number if the vehicle is currently registered.
Record the Odometer Reading
Write the exact mileage displayed on the odometer at the time of sale. Indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded the mechanical limit, or doesn't reflect the actual mileage. This federal odometer disclosure is required for vehicles less than 20 years old with a GVWR under 16,000 lbs.
State the Sale Price
Document the agreed purchase price in both numerals and written words. The Indiana BMV calculates the 7% sales tax from this amount. For a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and be prepared to complete a gift affidavit at the BMV. Immediate family gift transfers are exempt from sales tax.
Sign and Date
Both parties sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for the buyer and one for the seller. Indiana doesn't require notarization, so signatures alone are legally binding. The buyer should take the bill of sale, signed title, and other documents to a BMV branch within 31 days.
Indiana Title Transfer Process
Once you've completed the bill of sale and title assignment, the buyer takes over. Here's the step-by-step process for transferring a vehicle title through the Indiana BMV:
Finalize the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, complete the title assignment, exchange payment and keys
Secure Insurance
Obtain Indiana minimum liability insurance before driving the vehicle or visiting the BMV
Visit an Indiana BMV Branch
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, photo ID, and proof of insurance to any branch
Pay All Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($15), registration ($21.35 + excise tax), and 7% sales tax on the purchase price
Receive Your New Title and Plates
The BMV issues a new title in the buyer's name plus registration and license plates
Indiana Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Indiana keeps its vehicle tax structure simple with a flat 7% state sales tax and no local add-ons. However, don't forget about the annual excise tax that comes with registration. Here's what to budget for:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 7% of sale price (no local tax) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $15 |
| Registration Fee | $21.35 base + excise tax based on vehicle value |
| Excise Tax | Based on vehicle age and value (annual, billed with registration) |
| License Plate | Included with registration or transfer existing plate |
| Late Transfer Penalty | Additional fees after 31 days |
| Duplicate Title | $15 |
Sample Indiana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Here's a preview of our Indiana-specific vehicle bill of sale template. Your final document will include every field the BMV expects to see.
STATE OF INDIANA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Indiana Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Indiana Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Indiana Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about Indiana vehicle bills of sale, BMV title transfers, and related requirements.
Official Indiana Resources
These official state and federal resources can help you verify requirements, locate BMV branches, and access forms for your Indiana vehicle transaction.
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and branch locations
Indiana BMV — Titles & Registration
Detailed guide to Indiana title transfer requirements
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure rules 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 specs
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications when selling a vehicle
Other Indiana Bill of Sale Templates
Looking for a different type of bill of sale for Indiana? We have state-specific templates for every kind of property transfer.
Indiana Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Indiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Indiana Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Indiana Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Indiana General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Indiana ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Indiana Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Indiana Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Indiana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few quick questions and download your Indiana-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at every BMV branch statewide.
No account required. Free to create and preview.