Indiana Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template
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.
What is an Indiana Bill of Sale?
An Indiana bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property, such as a vehicle, boat, or firearm. It includes key details like the names of the buyer and seller, the purchase price, and a description of the item being sold. In some cases, like vehicle sales, Indiana law may require specific forms provided by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
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.
Why Do Indiana 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 get or write 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 and ensures the established price between the two parties.
Why Do buyers in Indiana 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.
Bill of Sale Types in Indiana
Indiana has two main types of bills of sale: one for motor vehicles and one for general personal property. Other versions, like conditional or quitclaim bills, may also apply depending on the sale.
General Bill of Sale
- Used for selling personal property such as furniture, tools, or equipment.
- Must include the names and addresses of both buyer and seller.
- Should describe the item, sale price, and payment details.
- Both parties must sign the document.
Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
- Used for transferring ownership of a vehicle in Indiana.
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- Must include:
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- Vehicle description (year, make, model)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Odometer reading
- Names and addresses of buyer and seller
- Seller’s signature
- An odometer disclosure statement is required for ownership transfers.
Other Types of Bills of Sale
- Absolute Bill of Sale: Transfers full ownership with no conditions.
- Conditional Bill of Sale: Ownership is transferred only after the buyer meets certain terms, like full payment.
- Quitclaim Bill of Sale: Transfers whatever interest the seller has without guaranteeing ownership validity
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:
1. Gather Required Documents
Make sure you have all of the following documents ready before visiting the BMV:
- Vehicle Title: The original certificate of title for the vehicle.
- Proof of Auto Insurance: Valid, current Indiana auto insurance coverage.
- Proof of Identity & SSN: Your driver’s license or ID card, and proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Identification Number (FIN).
- Proof of Residency: A utility bill, bank statement, or other official document showing your Indiana address.
- Bill of Sale: The document received from the seller or dealership detailing the purchase.
2. Complete Vehicle Checks
- Get a VIN Inspection: A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required for the vehicle.
- Check for Emissions Testing: If your vehicle is registered in Lake or Porter counties, you must undergo mandatory emissions testing.
3. Finalize Registration
- Visit a BMV Branch: Go to any official Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch in Indiana with all your paperwork.
- Pay Fees: Pay the required registration fees to receive your new license plate and certificate of registration.
Indiana VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle. Here’s what you’ll be getting in the report.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
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!
Indiana Bill of Sale FAQs
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 one.
How do I get the title if I only have the bill of sale?
To get a vehicle title with only a bill of sale, try to contact the seller first to get the signed title. If that is not possible, you can apply for a bonded title. This process usually needs a surety bond, DMV forms, and sometimes a vehicle inspection. A bill of sale alone is not enough because the DMV must check the owner’s signature and the title status.
Does a bill of sale expire?
No, the bill of sale itself is not something that expires because it is a permanent record of the sale that happened in the past. However, the validity of the bill of sale can be questioned if it was not correctly signed, notarized, or recorded with the proper authorities, especially for big assets such as real estate.
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It is also very important that the date on the bill of sale is the real date of the transaction. This is so that it can show an accurate date the transaction occurred, in case, in the future if issues may arise.
Does the Indiana bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, most bills of sale in Indiana don’t need to be notarized. However, getting it notarized adds extra security and helps prevent fraud. For vehicles and boats, the state also requires a physical inspection form (Form 39530), but notarization of the bill of sale itself is optional.
