Document Genius

Free Indiana Bill of Sale Template

An Indiana bill of sale records the transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer. It serves as proof of purchase and helps resolve disputes over ownership or payment. Use our customizable Indiana bill of sale template to create a legally sound record in just a few minutes.

4.8
1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Pick Your Template

Choose the Indiana bill of sale form you need — vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or motorcycle.

2

Add the Details

Enter buyer and seller information, item description, sale price, and other required info.

3

Sign and Keep Copies

Finalize the form with signatures. Keep a copy for yourself and submit one to the BMV when required.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is an Indiana Bill of Sale?
  2. When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Indiana?
  3. Does an Indiana Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
  4. Indiana-Specific Tips and Common Scenarios

What Is an Indiana Bill of Sale?

An Indiana bill of sale is a written record of a transaction for personal property. It typically includes:

  • Names and contact information of the parties
  • Item description (make, model, VIN/HIN/serial number)
  • Purchase price and payment terms
  • Date of the transaction
  • Signatures of buyer and seller

Bills of sale are commonly used for vehicles, boats, trailers, firearms, motorcycles, and other property.

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Indiana?

A bill of sale is recommended or required in these cases:

  • Vehicles: Required for untitled, out-of-state, sheriff, abandoned, or federal government sales, or vehicles which are otherwise unable to be titled under Indiana law.
  • Boats: You don’t need a bill of sale to register a watercraft if you have a title, but you may use a Watercraft Ownership Affidavit when no title is required.
  • Trailers: Required for utility trailers (pre-1990) and pop-up trailers (pre-2016).
  • Firearms: Isn’t legally required for private firearm transfers, but it’s recommended as proof of the transaction.
  • Motorcycles: Used when title information is missing. Buyers must register within 45 days.

Does an Indiana Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?

Not usually. Indiana does not generally require bills of sale to be notarized. However:

    • Vehicles: Notarization is not required, but a notarized form may help when a title is missing.
    • Boats: A bill of sale does not need to be notarized for watercraft registration, since the BMV accepts a title or an ownership affidavit instead.
    • Trailers: A trailer bill of sale does not need to be notarized; it only requires the seller’s signature and basic vehicle details.
    • Firearms: Not required, but notarization can provide an extra layer of legal protection.
    • Motorcycles: Not required under Indiana law.

Indiana-Specific Tips and Common Scenarios

  • Vehicles: Existing residents must title and register newly purchased vehicles within 45 days, or within 60 days of moving into the state, and registration can be completed online, at a kiosk, at a BMV branch, or at an FSP/PSP location.
  • Boats: Decals must show the registration number and expiration date, and be affixed on each side of the bow either within three inches to the right of the number or above the waterline if no number is required.
  • Trailers: Trailers with a gross vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds or less can be registered with a permanent registration for a one-time fee of $82, and that registration does not expire or require annual renewal.
  • Firearms: Indiana has permitless carry (effective July 1, 2022) if you qualify as a “proper person” under state law.
  • Motorcycles: Buyers must title and register within 45 days or face penalties. A bill of sale can help prove the sale terms if the title is incomplete.