ATVs in Indiana sit in a two-agency world: the BMV titles them and collects 7% sales tax, while the Indiana DNR handles the ORV use sticker for riding on public lands. There's no inspection requirement, but the 45-day title transfer window applies the same as for cars. A clean bill of sale with the VIN and odometer is essential because ATV theft is a known issue across rural Indiana.
ATV titling laws are inconsistent — some states require full title transfers, others only require registration, and a few have no requirements at all. Read our guide to find out exactly what your state requires for off-road vehicle transfers. Read: Do I Need a Bill of Sale? →
Indiana titles ATVs and off-road motorcycles through the BMV. The seller assigns the title to the buyer, who has 45 days to apply for a new title using Form 44049. ATV use on public lands also requires a separate ORV use sticker from the Indiana DNR.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
ATVs are subject to the same 7% Indiana state sales tax as cars, paid to the BMV at the time of titling.
Exemption: Family transfers (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild) are exempt with Form ST-108. ATVs used exclusively in production agriculture may qualify for an ag exemption with Form ST-105.
Inspection Requirements
No safety inspection is required for ATVs in Indiana. Operation on public ORV trails (such as Interlake or Redbird state recreation areas) requires an Indiana DNR ORV/Snowmobile use sticker, which is separate from BMV titling.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (title) / Indiana DNR (ORV use sticker) — not the same agency that handles cars in Indiana. Plan for separate filings.
Indiana ATV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
Record the 17-digit VIN from the frame stamp on the bill of sale
Note odometer/hour reading where applicable
Seller assigns the Indiana ATV title to the buyer
Buyer files Form 44049 at the BMV within 45 days
Pay 7% Indiana sales tax (or file ST-108 for family / ST-105 for ag use)
Buy an Indiana DNR ORV use sticker if riding on public lands
Common Pitfalls
Buying a pre-2004 ATV that was never titled — Indiana now requires titles, so retitling can be tricky
Forgetting the DNR ORV sticker and getting cited on public trails
Confusing the BMV title with the DNR sticker — they are two separate documents
Not verifying the VIN against the frame (ATV VIN tags are commonly damaged or missing)
Pro Tip
Generate an Indiana ATV bill of sale formatted for the BMV in under two minutes — VIN, odometer, 7% tax, and 45-day transfer language all built in.
Indiana ATV Bill of Sale — FAQs
Do ATVs need to be titled in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana requires titles for ATVs and off-road motorcycles, issued by the BMV. When you buy an ATV, the seller signs over the existing Indiana title and you apply for a new one using Form 44049 within 45 days. Older ATVs that were never titled (common for pre-2004 machines) can usually be retitled by submitting the bill of sale plus supporting ownership documentation. A title is required to register and to legally sell the ATV later.
How much sales tax do I pay on an ATV in Indiana?
Indiana charges 7% state sales tax on ATV purchases, the same flat rate that applies to cars. The buyer pays the tax to the BMV when applying for the title. Family transfers between spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren are exempt with Form ST-108. ATVs purchased for use in production agriculture — for example a working farm — can also qualify for the agricultural exemption with Form ST-105 given to the seller.
Do I need a DNR sticker to ride my ATV in Indiana?
For private land you generally do not need anything beyond the BMV title. However, to ride on Indiana DNR-managed public lands such as the Interlake or Redbird State Recreation Areas, you need an Indiana ORV/Snowmobile use sticker from the DNR. The sticker is purchased annually and is separate from BMV titling and registration. Riding without the sticker on public trails can result in a citation from a DNR conservation officer.
What should an Indiana ATV bill of sale include?
Include the buyer and seller names and addresses, sale date, sale price, the ATV make, model, model year, color, and the full 17-digit VIN from the frame stamp. Add the odometer or hour-meter reading if the ATV has one, and an "as-is" clause unless you are providing a written warranty. Both parties sign and date. Bring the bill of sale, signed title, Form 44049, and Form ST-108 to a BMV branch to complete the title transfer within 45 days.