Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. *Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
Indiana vehicle paperwork · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Indiana Bill of Sale: When the BMV Accepts One
Buying or selling a vehicle in Indiana? Here is what the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says about when a bill of sale works as proof of ownership, what it must include, and when the title takes over.
Form 44237BMV Bill of Sale form
Form 39530physical inspection to include
No notaryrequired, per the BMV
5 itemsa bill of sale must contain
The short answer
In Indiana, a bill of sale proves ownership only in limited cases, such as a vehicle that was never required to be titled, a sheriff's sale or certain older trailers. It needs the buyer's name, the vehicle's year, make and model, the VIN when it is the primary ownership document, and the seller's signature and address. No notary is needed.
When Indiana accepts a bill of sale
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says a bill of sale can be used to transfer vehicle ownership only in very limited circumstances. It cannot be used to transfer ownership of a vehicle that requires a certificate of title by law.
The BMV accepts a Bill of Sale (State Form 44237) or a similar document as proof of ownership only in these situations:
- You are voluntarily applying for a certificate of title for a vehicle that Indiana law does not require to be titled.
- The prior owner was not required to obtain a certificate of title. If you bought the vehicle with a bill of sale from an out-of-state seller, the BMV says to contact the motor vehicle agency in that state to find out whether the vehicle had to be titled.
- A sheriff's bill of sale.
- A utility trailer purchased before January 1, 1990.
- A pop-up trailer purchased before July 1, 2016.
- An off-road vehicle purchased or otherwise acquired before January 1, 2010.
- An abandoned vehicle sold at auction by a city, town or county.
- A vehicle purchased from the federal government, transferred with Standard Form 97, The United States Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle.
From the BMV's Proof of Vehicle Ownership: Bill of Sale page, read November 10, 2026.
What an Indiana bill of sale must include
When a bill of sale is used to transfer ownership, the BMV says it must contain:
| Item | Notes from the BMV |
|---|---|
| Purchaser's name | The buyer |
| Vehicle description | Year, make and model |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | Required when the bill of sale is the primary ownership document; not required when it only supplies missing information for a certificate of title |
| Seller's signature | Signed by the seller |
| Seller's address | The seller's address |
The BMV says the bill of sale does not have to be notarized or signed under penalties for perjury. A bill of sale application must include a Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft (State Form 39530).
From the BMV's Proof of Vehicle Ownership: Bill of Sale page, read November 10, 2026.
Using a bill of sale as a supporting document
A bill of sale can also show the date of sale or the purchase price when the vehicle's certificate of title does not include that information. It cannot override what is written on the title: if the title shows a different date of sale or purchase price, the BMV uses the information on the title.
To fix information written on a certificate of title in error, the BMV points to the Affidavit for Certificate of Title Correction (State Form 55582).
From the BMV's Proof of Vehicle Ownership: Bill of Sale page, read November 10, 2026.
If the vehicle has a title
For most cars, trucks and SUVs that must be titled, the BMV says a bill of sale cannot be used to transfer ownership: ownership moves through the certificate of title. Our Indiana title and registration guide covers titling and registering a vehicle after a purchase.
Just bought a used vehicle? Start at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. A checkup after a private-party purchase is a good way to learn what the vehicle needs.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana bill of sale FAQ
Does Indiana require a bill of sale to sell a car?
For a vehicle that must be titled, ownership is transferred with the certificate of title. The BMV says a bill of sale cannot be used to transfer ownership of a vehicle that requires a title by law.
What is the Indiana BMV bill of sale form?
The BMV lists Bill of Sale, State Form 44237. It also accepts a similar document that contains the required information.
Does an Indiana bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. The BMV says a bill of sale is not required to be notarized or signed under penalties for perjury.
What must an Indiana bill of sale include?
The purchaser's name, the vehicle's year, make and model, the VIN when it is the primary ownership document, and the seller's signature and address.
Do I need an inspection with a bill of sale?
Yes. The BMV says a bill of sale application must include a Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft, State Form 39530.
Can a bill of sale change the price on my title?
No. A bill of sale can supply a missing date of sale or purchase price, but if the title shows different information, the BMV uses the title.
More Indiana vehicle paperwork
See our Indiana title and registration guide and what a salvage title means, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Bill of sale rules, required contents and forms are from the Indiana BMV Proof of Vehicle Ownership: Bill of Sale page, read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Proof of Vehicle Ownership: Bill of Sale, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026