What an Indiana vehicle bill of sale is and when you need one
An Indiana vehicle bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of ownership of a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle from one person to another. It serves as proof that a sale took place, who bought it, who sold it, how much was paid, and on what date. Indiana does not have a single state-mandated form, but the document you create or use must contain certain information to be legally valid and to support your title transfer at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
You need a bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a vehicle in Indiana, whether the transaction happens between private parties, from a dealer, or as a gift. The BMV requires it as supporting documentation when you transfer the title into your name. Without it, you cannot legally prove ownership or complete the registration process.
The bill of sale protects both buyer and seller. For the buyer, it documents what was paid and confirms the seller had the right to sell the vehicle. For the seller, it shows they no longer own the vehicle and received payment, which protects them if the vehicle is later involved in a crime or accident.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana does not provide an official bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or use a template, as long as it includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date, and signatures of both buyer and seller.
- The bill of sale must be presented to the BMV along with the signed title when you transfer ownership, and the BMV will not process a title transfer without it.
- Both the buyer and seller should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for their records, even after the title transfer is complete.
- If the vehicle is sold for less than fair market value or as a gift, you still need a bill of sale, and you must report the actual sale price or note "gift" on the document.
Required information on an Indiana bill of sale
The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the title, the registration, and the dashboard of the vehicle. It must also list the year, make, model, and color of the vehicle so there is no confusion about which vehicle is being sold. The odometer reading at the time of sale should be recorded as well.
Both the buyer and seller must be identified by their full legal names and current addresses. The sale price must be stated in dollars, even if the vehicle is being sold for less than market value or given as a gift—in the case of a gift, you can write "gift" or "$0" but you must still document the transaction. The date of the sale must be included, and both parties must sign and print their names on the document.
Indiana law does not require the bill of sale to be notarized, though having it notarized adds an extra layer of legal protection and is sometimes requested by lenders or title companies. If you choose to have it notarized, a notary public can do so at most banks, credit unions, and some UPS stores or legal service offices.
How to create a bill of sale in Indiana
You can write a bill of sale by hand or type it on a computer. There is no requirement to use a specific format or template. Start with a heading such as "Bill of Sale" or "Vehicle Bill of Sale" at the top of the page. Then list all the required information in a clear, readable order: the date, the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model, color, odometer reading), and the sale price.
A straightforward structure works well: "I, [seller name], sell to [buyer name] the vehicle described as [year, make, model, color] with VIN [number] and odometer reading [number] miles for the sum of [dollar amount] on this [date]." Leave space at the bottom for both parties to sign and print their names. You do not need legal language or formal wording—clarity and completeness matter more than style.
If you prefer a template, many are available online through the Indiana BMV website, legal document services, or free resources. The BMV does not provide an official form, but templates created by third parties follow the same requirements and are widely accepted. Print the template, fill it out by hand or computer, and have both parties sign it before the sale is final.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Once both parties have signed the bill of sale, the buyer should keep one copy and the seller should keep another. The buyer will then need to take the signed bill of sale, the signed title (also called the certificate of title), and a completed process for title transfer to the local BMV branch. The BMV will not process the title transfer without the bill of sale.
The buyer must complete this process within a set timeframe—Indiana law requires that you transfer the title within 60 days of purchase, though you should do it as soon as possible to avoid late fees or penalties. The BMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name once all documents are received and fees are paid.
The seller should keep their copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. If the vehicle is later involved in an accident, crime, or legal dispute, the bill of sale proves the seller no longer owned it and transferred ownership on a specific date.
Special situations: gifts, trade-ins, and sales between family members
If you are giving a vehicle as a gift, you still need a bill of sale. Write "gift" or "$0" in the sale price field, and both the giver and receiver must still sign the document. The BMV requires this to process the title transfer, even though no money changed hands. Some counties may assess a small transfer fee regardless of whether money was exchanged.
If you are trading in a vehicle toward the purchase of another, the dealer will typically handle the bill of sale for the new vehicle you are buying. The trade-in itself may be documented on the dealer's paperwork rather than a separate bill of sale, but you should ask the dealer for a written record of the trade-in value and condition for your records.
Sales between family members follow the same rules as any other sale. A bill of sale is required even if you are selling to a spouse, parent, or child. The only difference is that family members may agree to a lower price or a gift arrangement, but the document must still be completed and signed by both parties.
Common mistakes to avoid when completing a bill of sale
The most common mistake is leaving out the VIN or writing it incorrectly. The VIN must match exactly what appears on the title and registration, or the BMV will reject the title transfer process. Double-check the VIN before signing. Another frequent error is failing to have both parties sign the document—if only one person signs, it is not legally valid.
Some sellers fail to keep a copy of the signed bill of sale, which leaves them without proof that they sold the vehicle if a problem arises later. Always make a copy before handing over the original to the buyer. Do not leave the sale price blank or write "to be determined"—the price must be stated at the time of signing, even if it is a gift or a below-market sale.
Avoid signing a blank bill of sale or one with blank fields that the other party promises to fill in later. Once you sign, you are responsible for what is written on the document. Make sure all information is complete and accurate before you sign, and do not sign anything you have not read carefully.
Where to get help with your bill of sale
The Indiana BMV website provides information about title transfer requirements and may offer sample language or templates. You can also visit your local BMV branch in person to ask questions about what information must be included on a bill of sale. BMV staff can answer questions about the process but cannot draft the document for you.
If you need a template, legal document websites and free online resources offer Indiana-specific bill of sale forms that you can read and print. Some title companies and real estate offices also have templates available. If you are buying or selling through a dealer, the dealer may provide a bill of sale as part of the transaction paperwork.
If you have questions about whether a particular bill of sale meets Indiana requirements, or if you are unsure about the title transfer process, you can contact your local BMV branch by phone or visit in person. Having the bill of sale reviewed before you sign it can prevent delays or rejection when you submit it to the BMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale from another state in Indiana?
You can use a bill of sale from another state as long as it contains all the required information: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties. However, it is safer to use an Indiana-specific template or create one yourself to may support it meets Indiana BMV standards and will not be rejected during title transfer.
What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after I sell the vehicle?
If you are the seller and lose your copy, you can ask the buyer for a copy, or you can contact the BMV after the title transfer is complete to request a record of the transfer. The BMV keeps records of all title transfers, so you can obtain documentation that the vehicle was transferred out of your name on a specific date.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a licensed dealer?
Licensed dealers in Indiana typically provide their own bill of sale or sales agreement as part of the purchase paperwork. This document serves the same purpose as a private bill of sale and will be accepted by the BMV. Make sure you receive a copy and keep it with your title and registration documents.
Can I handwrite a bill of sale, or does it have to be typed?
A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in Indiana as long as it is legible and contains all required information. You do not have to type it. Many people handwrite bills of sale, and the BMV will accept them. Just make sure the handwriting is clear enough to read and that all details are accurate.
What if the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale?
If the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale, do not complete the purchase. Without a signed bill of sale, you cannot transfer the title into your name, and you will have no legal proof of ownership. A seller who refuses to sign is a red flag that something may be wrong with the vehicle or the sale itself.