Indiana Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boat

When you buy a vehicle or vessel in Indiana, get the bill of sale. The document records the transaction details, such as the transaction date and the agreed price, helping the seller and buyer with ownership transfer, tax reporting, and legal protection.

Indiana Bill of Sale Form

We have provided an Indiana bill of sale template so you can use it to document your sales and purchases. Get an Indiana bill of sale today?

What's the Use of an Indiana Bill of Sale?

The bill of sale is an official document that records the transaction between a buyer and seller. In Indiana, it is often used for selling vehicles and vessels. This document is useful for:

Proof of ownership: Confirms that the buyer has legally purchased the item.
Legal protection: Helps avoid future disputes over the condition or price.
Tax reporting: Some counties may require it for sales tax calculations.
Title transfer: Can be used as supporting evidence if there is a delay in processing the title.

Expose Hidden Records With a Vehicle History Check

Buying a used car should have come with extra protection so you are not getting junk. On the outside, the car might look good with almost no dent, but do you know what has happened in the past? Be informed about the car’s past by getting a vehicle history report.

What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?

When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.

Mileage
Ownership History
Sales History
Usage History
Accident History
Lien & Loans
Recalls History
Flood Damage

Title Brand
Warranty Status
Salvage Title
Repair Cost
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Accident History
Maintenance Schedule

Know every detail before you buy! A VIN report reveals accident history, ownership records, and more – get peace of mind before making your purchase.

In addition, sellers can display the original factory specifications and features of their vehicles with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.

Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!

What's Included in a Window Sticker?

Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.

What Can You Find on an Indiana Bill of Sale?

The Indiana bill of sale typically includes information about the transaction, including the buyer and seller’s name and address, vehicle or vessel information, sale date, price, and signatures of both parties involved.

Why You Need a Bill of Sale?

Why Do Sellers Need a Bill of Sale?

For the seller, the bill of sale is an important document that protects the transaction from potential issues that could happen in the future. Here are some reasons you should be getting or writing down the bill of sale if you are the seller.

Protects Against Liability

Once you sell a car, trailer, or boat, you don’t want to be responsible for parking tickets, accidents, or legal issues caused by the new owner. A Bill of Sale proves that the vehicle is no longer yours.

Records the Sale Price

If there is any disagreement about how much the vehicle was sold for, this document provides written proof of the agreed amount.

Required for Tax Reporting

In some cases, Indiana may require proof of the sale price for tax purposes. A Bill of Sale helps with this process.

Why Do Buyers Need a Bill of Sale?

For buyers, getting the bill of sale is essential, even if it’s not mandatory. However, some DMVs need the bill of sale to proceed with the car registration request. If you are a buyer, get the bill of sale for the following reasons:

Proof of Purchase

The document indicates that you legally purchased the vehicle, trailer, or boat. This is helpful in case of disputes.

Helps With Title Transfer

If there is a delay in the title transfer process due to paperwork issues or administrative backlogs, having a Bill of Sale provides documented proof that you are the vehicle’s rightful owner.

Avoids Fraud and Misrepresentation

If the seller provides false information about the vehicle’s condition or price, a Bill of Sale can help protect you legally.

What to Check Before Buying a Car!

Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.

Check the vehicle history

Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.

Look for flood damage

Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.

Verify the odometer reading

Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.

Be informed about the title

Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.

Check for theft records

You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.

Get the service record

Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.

How to Register a Vehicle in Indiana?

Once you buy a car, truck, or trailer in Indiana, register the vehicle with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles before driving it on the public road. Here are the simple steps you can follow to get your vehicle registered:

Step 1: Gather What You Need

Obtain a Signed Title from the Seller

Before registering your vehicle, ensure the seller signs the title to you. This document proves ownership and is required for registration.

Complete a Title Application (If Needed)

In some cases, you may need to fill out a title application to update ownership details before proceeding with registration at the Indiana BMV.

Provide a Bill of Sale (Recommended)

Although not always required, a Bill of Sale serves as proof of the transaction, helping to prevent future ownership disputes or legal issues.

Pay Registration and Title Fees at the BMV

Visit your local Indiana BMV office to pay the necessary registration and title fees, which vary depending on your vehicle’s type and weight.

Submit Proof of Insurance

Indiana law requires all registered vehicles to have minimum liability insurance. Ensure you have valid proof of coverage when applying for registration.

Receive Your License Plate and Registration Card

Once your application is approved, you will receive your license plate and registration card, allowing you to legally drive on Indiana roads.

Registering a Vessel in Indiana

Aside from a vehicle, you can buy a vessel in Indiana. However, you must register it through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles before operating the vessel in public water. Here are the simple steps to register your vessel.

Complete the Indiana Boat Registration Application

Fill out the required boat registration form, which provides details about the vessel, owner, and purchase information for official records.

Provide a Bill of Sale as Proof of Purchase

A Bill of Sale must confirm the transaction, ensure legal ownership transfer, and prevent future disputes.

Submit the Hull Identification Number (HIN)

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique identifier for your boat, which is required for registration to verify its history and authenticity.

Pay the Registration Fees

Boat registration fees vary based on the vessel’s size and type. These fees must be paid to complete the registration process.

Receive Your Registration Number and Decals

Once approved, you will receive a registration number and decals, which must be properly displayed on your boat before use on Indiana waters.

Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State

Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!

Frequently Asked Questions

What good is a bill of sale?

It’s a signed record of a sale, protecting both buyer and seller in case of disputes, and while not always mandatory, it is a good record to have.

How do I get the title if I only have the bill of sale?

If you need to get a car title, be prepared to visit the DMV. You might need a surety bond to overcome obstacles before getting your bonded title and registering the car.

Does a bill of sale expire?

This bill of sale typically remains valid indefinitely, but adding a date is advisable for clarity since it helps establish a transaction timeline, making it useful in the case of disputes. Recording the item delivery and acceptance date can establish the transaction’s timing.