An Indiana Vehicle Bill Of Sale: Requirements & How To Write One

in Buying By State
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Whether you’re interested in selling your vehicle or buying a new one, there are several valuable legal papers to complete along the way. One critical item is the Indiana bill of sale. If it’s your first-time hearing about this paper, you might wonder - what is it? What are the requirements for an Indiana vehicle bill of sale? How do you create one?

If you want to learn more about the vehicle bill of sale in Indiana, you’re in the correct spot. The more you know about this paper, the better you will feel about completing the transaction on either side of the process. Read on to learn more about the requirements for an Indiana bill of sale, whether it’s a requirement and other valuable information. 

Indiana Bill of Sale Requirements

Several critical items should be in your Indiana bill of sale if you’re making it yourself. These details ensure accurate documentation of the sale and a clarification of the movement between parties.

According to in.gov, here are some items necessary in an Indiana bill of sale for it to be legal:

  • Seller’s signature: The signature of the individual releasing the document must be clear on the bill of sale.
  • Seller’s address: Note the address of the seller, which is the location the car is coming from in the purchase.
  • VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number helps clarify the car being sold.
  • Vehicle description: Include the machine’s year, make, model, and more.
  • Purchaser’s name: Note the name of the person who is paying for and accessing ownership of the car.

These are necessary for a bill of sale to be acceptable.

If you fill out this information and submit it with incorrect descriptions, Indiana offers the opportunity to correct it with the form Affidavit for Certificate of Title Correction - State Form 5582. An application for a bill of sale in Indiana must include the form Physical Inspected of a Vehicle or Watercraft - State Form 39530.


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Is A Bill of Sale Required to Register a Vehicle in Indiana?

According to autotrader.com, a bill of sale is a requirement in Indiana for sales between private parties but not for the registration of the machine. In rare cases, it could be used to title a vehicle. A bill of sale would work if you don’t have a Title, Certificate of Origin, or a court order for your purchased machine.

If you’re participating in a private sale from one person to another, you must have a bill of sale. However, you don’t need it for registration unless the situation is dire and there is no way to use another document like the title.

Does the Bill of Sale Mean Ownership?

In some cases, a bill of sale in Indiana can prove ownership. However, the best thing it does is offer proof that a transaction occurred. It shows who previously owned the vehicle, the state it was in when sold, and more.

It’s always a good idea to have a bill of sale on your hands. It provides a legal defense for a buyer and seller, proving useful if there is a legal dispute over the machine. It could be the difference between emerging victorious in a case and losing.


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What Are the Benefits of a Bill of Sale in Indiana?

An Indiana vehicle bill of sale is necessary for a private transaction, but it’s not a requirement when the buyer registers the vehicle. Even if you never use the bill of sale for anything, it’s a valuable choice to bring one to life. Many benefits come with the seemingly docile document.

According to investopedia.com, here are the benefits of an Indiana bill of sale:

  • Release of liability: The bill of sale will release liability from the buyer to the seller. If the buyer gets in an accident, they can’t blame the damage on the seller.
  • Proof of transaction: Ownership isn’t always secured through a bill of sale, but it will show the transfer of the machine from one person to another.

A bill of sale is a valuable asset, whether buying or selling.

Essentially, a bill of sale is the only receipt you will get in the private sale of a car. It’s critical if you want proof that the thing happened and a state requirement in Indiana for non-commercial endeavors. 


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Conclusion

An Indiana vehicle bill of sale is a requirement for private sales in the state, though it isn’t necessary when registering the car. Still, it’s valuable if you want proof of the switch and a release of liability if you’re the buyer.

We hope this information comes in handy! The more you understand the bill of sale, the easier it will be to create one and fill it out for indisputable proof of a legal sale. If you have the time, creating a bill of sale in Indiana is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a bill of sale?

A bill of sale shows a purchase occurred and a car transferred from one party to another. It reveals vital personal information to clarify the deal.

Items displayed in the bill of sale include the following:

  • Purchase date
  • VIN
  • Car description
  • Amount paid

These offer a solid foundation for proof the sale occurred. 

A bill of sale can’t offer conclusive proof that someone owns a car. However, it does offer liability defense and proof of the transfer.

Does Indiana require a bill of sale?

Indiana does require a bill of sale between parties in a private transaction. However, you don’t need the bill of sale when registering the machine.

What do I do after getting an Indiana bill of sale?

After you get the Indiana bill of sale, a title transfer comes next. This step will ensure the car belongs to the person who purchased it.

The bill of sale reveals the private interaction. Keep it for future documentation.



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