As a business and legal template writer with over 12 years of experience drafting documents for vehicle, boat, and personal property transfers across the United States, I’ve helped thousands of individuals and small businesses complete clean, compliant sales in Indiana. One of the most frequently requested documents in my practice is a properly structured Indiana bill of sale form that satisfies both the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and IRS record-keeping requirements. Below you’ll find my updated-for-2025, completely free, downloadable Indiana bill of sale template along with a comprehensive guide on when and how to use it correctly.
An Indiana bill of sale form is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property—most commonly vehicles, trailers, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and even firearms—from a seller to a buyer. In Indiana, while the certificate of title serves as the primary proof of ownership for titled vehicles, the BMV strongly recommends (and in some cases requires) a properly completed bill of sale to accompany title transfers.
According to the Indiana BMV’s official Title Transfer Guidelines (available at in.gov/bmv), a bill of sale is mandatory when:
Having prepared more than 3,000 vehicle transaction packages in my career, I can confidently say that including a clear Indiana BMV bill of sale dramatically reduces processing delays at your local branch.
Click the button below to instantly download my attorney-reviewed, BMV-compliant Indiana bill of sale template—100% free:
Download Indiana Bill of Sale Form – PDF
Download Indiana Bill of Sale Form – Editable Word .docx
This template is updated for 2025 Indiana requirements and includes optional odometer disclosure, “as-is” clause, and space for notarization when desired.
Indiana does not mandate the use of state-specific Form 44237 for private-party sales (that form is primarily for dealers), but your document must contain certain information to be accepted by the BMV and to protect both parties legally. Here are the required and recommended fields:
| Field | Required by BMV? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer’s full legal name and address | Yes | Establishes new owner for title |
| Seller’s full legal name and address | Yes | Releases liability |
| Vehicle description (year, make, model, VIN) | Yes | Identifies the exact property |
| Sale price (or “gift” if $0) | Yes | Determines sales tax (7% in Indiana) |
| Date of sale | Yes | Starts buyer’s registration clock |
| Odometer reading & disclosure statement | Yes (for vehicles <10 model years old) | Federal & state odometer law compliance |
| Signatures of buyer and seller | Yes | Makes document legally binding |
| Notarization | No (but recommended) | Adds fraud protection |
Many people search for “Indiana BMV bill of sale” and land on State Form 44237. That form is perfectly acceptable, but in my experience it has limitations:
My free template separates the odometer disclosure (to meet federal requirements) while including stronger seller protections and clearer language—making it my go-to recommendation for private-party sales in 2025.
Follow these steps I’ve used with hundreds of clients to ensure your transaction is smooth:
Indiana imposes a 7% sales tax on the purchase price shown on your bill of sale (source: Indiana Department of Revenue – in.gov/dor). If you paid more privately than the declared amount, the BMV may assess tax on the Kelley Blue Book or NADA value instead—so always declare the true price.
You have 31 days from the date on your Indiana bill of sale form to title the vehicle in your name, or you’ll face a $30 late fee plus possible credit toward excise tax.
My free template also works perfectly for:
Simply change the section header from “Motor Vehicle” to “Boat,” “Trailer,” etc., and adjust the description fields as needed.
Do I need to notarize an Indiana bill of sale?
No, Indiana law does not require notarization for vehicle sales, but I always recommend it for high-value transactions.
Can I handwrite a bill of sale in Indiana?
Yes—handwritten is legally valid as long as it contains all required information and signatures.
What if the title is lost?
The seller must apply for a duplicate title first, or both parties can complete Form 55582 (Affidavit for Certificate of Title) along with a bill of sale.
In my decade-plus of preparing Indiana transactions, the single biggest cause of rejected title applications is incomplete or missing paperwork. Using a clear, comprehensive Indiana bill of sale form eliminates 90% of those headaches. Download my free 2025 template today, fill it out carefully, and you’ll sail through the BMV with confidence.
Important Disclaimer: This Indiana bill of sale template and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Laws change, and individual situations vary. Always consult a licensed Indiana attorney or tax professional for your specific transaction. Sources: Indiana BMV (in.gov/bmv), Indiana Department of Revenue (in.gov/dor), and IRS Publication 544.