Indiana does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, but you can use any written document that records the sale details — or read a template that matches Indiana law
Indiana law does not require a specific bill of sale document or format. What matters is that you have written proof that the sale happened, who bought and sold the car, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date. You can write this on a blank piece of paper, use a template from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, or read one from a legal document service. The document does not need to be notarized in Indiana, though having it notarized adds weight if a dispute arises later.
The bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller. For the seller, it proves you transferred ownership and are no longer responsible for the vehicle. For the buyer, it documents what they paid and that the seller agreed to the sale. Without it, either party can later claim the terms were different, or the seller can deny the sale happened at all.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana does not mandate a specific bill of sale form, so you can use a template, a blank document, or the BMV's own version — all are legally valid as long as they record the essential details.
- The bill of sale must include the seller's and buyer's names and addresses, the VIN, the sale price, the odometer reading, and the date of sale.
- Both the seller and buyer should sign the bill of sale; notarization is optional but recommended for added protection.
- The buyer needs the bill of sale when they register the vehicle with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, so keep a copy for your records.
- Indiana law does not require the bill of sale to be filed with any state agency — it is a private document between buyer and seller.
What information must be on the bill of sale
The bill of sale should record the following details so there is no confusion later about what was sold and on what terms:
- Seller's full name and address — the person transferring the vehicle.
- Buyer's full name and address — the person receiving the vehicle.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — found on the dashboard, driver's side, or on the vehicle's title.
- Year, make, and model — for clarity, though the VIN is the legal identifier.
- Sale price — the amount paid, in dollars. If the car is a gift, write "gift" or "$0".
- Odometer reading — the mileage at the time of sale, required by federal law.
- Date of sale — when the buyer took possession or when the parties agreed to the sale.
- Signatures — both seller and buyer should sign and print their names.
You can also include the vehicle's condition (as-is, with warranty, etc.), whether there are any liens on the title, and any other terms the buyer and seller agreed to. The more detail you include, the less room there is for disagreement later.
Where to find or create a bill of sale template
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not publish an official bill of sale form on its website, but it accepts any written bill of sale that contains the required information. You have several options:
Write one yourself. A handwritten bill of sale on plain paper is legally valid in Indiana as long as it includes the details listed above and is signed by both parties. This is the fastest and cheapest option.
read a template. Many legal document websites offer free or low-cost Indiana bill of sale templates. Search "Indiana bill of sale template" and choose one that matches the format above. Print it, fill in the blanks, and have both parties sign.
Use the BMV's guidance. While the BMV does not provide a form, its website explains what information a bill of sale must contain. You can use that guidance to create your own or verify that a template you found is complete.
Whichever route you choose, make sure both the buyer and seller receive a signed copy. Keep yours in a safe place — you may need it if a question arises about the sale later.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Fill in all the blanks clearly and completely. Use the vehicle's title or registration to copy the VIN and owner information accurately — a wrong VIN can cause problems when the buyer tries to register the car. Write out the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)") to prevent disputes about the amount.
Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale in front of each other if possible. Print your full legal names below your signatures. If one party cannot be present, some states allow a notary to witness the signature, though Indiana does not require this. However, having a notary sign the document adds a layer of proof that both parties actually signed it and understood what they were signing.
Do not leave blanks. If a field does not explore (for example, there is no lien on the title), write "N/A" or "None" so it is clear the information was not forgotten. Make at least two copies — one for the seller, one for the buyer — and keep both signed originals.
What happens with the bill of sale after the sale
The bill of sale is a private document between you and the other party. Indiana law does not require you to file it with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or any other state agency. However, the buyer will need to bring the bill of sale when they register the vehicle or transfer the title into their name at the BMV.
The seller should keep a copy for their records, especially if they are selling a vehicle with an outstanding loan or lien. If the buyer fails to register the vehicle and it is later involved in an accident or crime, the bill of sale proves you are no longer the owner. The buyer should also keep their copy in case they later sell the vehicle and need to show proof of their ownership.
If you are selling a vehicle with a lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), the bill of sale should note that the lien exists and state who holds it. The buyer should understand that they cannot take full ownership until the lien is paid off and released by the lender.
Notarization and when it matters
Indiana does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. A notarized bill of sale is not legally stronger than an unnotarized one in Indiana, but it does provide extra evidence that both parties actually signed the document and that a neutral third party (the notary) witnessed it.
Notarization can be useful if you are selling an expensive vehicle, if there is any chance of a dispute, or if the buyer plans to register the vehicle out of state (some states prefer notarized bills of sale). A notary public can be found at most banks, credit unions, and UPS stores. The cost is usually between $5 and $15 per signature.
To have a bill of sale notarized, bring the unsigned document and a valid photo ID to the notary. Both the buyer and seller should be present. The notary will watch you sign, verify your identity, and then sign and stamp the document themselves.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is leaving the VIN blank or copying it incorrectly. The VIN is how the state identifies the vehicle, so any mistake here can delay or block the buyer's registration. Double-check the VIN against the vehicle's title or registration before you sign.
Another mistake is not recording the odometer reading. Federal law requires this on any vehicle under 10 years old, and the buyer's registration cannot be completed without it. If you forget to write it down at the time of sale, ask the buyer to provide it later — but it is better to do it together when the sale happens.
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "cash" without a dollar amount. The buyer may need to report the sale price for tax or insurance purposes, and a blank price creates ambiguity. If the car is a gift, write "gift" or "$0" explicitly.
Finally, do not assume the bill of sale is filed with the state just because you signed it. It is not. The buyer is responsible for taking it to the BMV to register the vehicle. If the buyer never registers the car and it is later involved in a problem, the seller's copy of the bill of sale is their only proof they no longer own it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car in Indiana without a bill of sale?
Technically, Indiana law does not require a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle. However, without one, you have no written proof the sale happened, and the buyer has no proof they own the car. Both parties are at risk. It is strongly recommended that you create and sign a bill of sale even if the law does not mandate it.
What if the buyer does not show up to sign the bill of sale?
You cannot complete the sale without the buyer's signature. If the buyer refuses to sign or does not appear, the sale is not final. Do not hand over the keys or the title until both parties have signed the bill of sale. If you have already given the buyer the vehicle, you have no legal proof they own it.
Do I need to notify the BMV that I sold my car?
Indiana does not require the seller to notify the BMV of a sale. However, you should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale to prove you no longer own the vehicle. If the buyer does not register the car and it is later used in a crime or accident, your bill of sale is your protection against liability.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Yes, as long as it contains all the required information and is signed by both parties. Indiana does not have a specific form requirement, so a bill of sale from any state is legally valid in Indiana. However, make sure it includes the VIN, odometer reading, and sale price, as these are required by Indiana and federal law.
What if I made a mistake on the bill of sale after signing it?
If the error is minor (a misspelled name or a small correction), you can cross out the mistake, write the correction above it, and have both parties initial and date the change. If the error is major (wrong VIN, wrong price), it is better to start over with a new bill of sale and have both parties sign the corrected version. Keep the old one for your records.