Free Indiana Car Bill of Sale
Indiana runs one of the most uniform car-sale systems in the country: a flat 7% sales tax that is identical in all 92 counties (no city or county may add a cent), a centralized BMV whose branches all process the same paperwork, and no statewide inspection — only Lake and Porter counties in the northwest corner test emissions, a legacy of the Chicago metro airshed. The forms are the pair to keep straight: State Form 44237 is the BILL OF SALE and State Form 44049 is the TITLE APPLICATION, and they are swapped in casual guides often enough that double-checking the numbers before the BMV visit saves a second trip. Title promptly — Indiana charges an administrative penalty for late applications.
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Indiana Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Indiana charges 7.0% flat state sales tax on vehicle sales — no local add-ons. Tax is on actual sale price. Indiana BMV checks against NADA for unusually low sale prices.
Inspection Requirements
Indiana does not require statewide safety or emissions inspection. Lake and Porter counties (NW Indiana, Gary/Hammond metro) require emissions testing every 2 years.
Indiana Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete bill of sale (Form 44049 or equivalent) with VIN, odometer, sale price.
- Seller completes odometer disclosure on Indiana title.
- Seller signs title over.
- Buyer completes Form 44237 at Indiana BMV within 31 days.
- Buyer pays 7.0% flat state tax + $15 title fee + registration.
- Lake/Porter counties: confirm emissions certificate.
- Buyer keeps plates or transfers plates (IN allows plate transfer between same vehicle class).
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the 31-day deadline — late transfer fees apply.
- Underreporting sale price — IN BMV checks against NADA.
- Forgetting emissions in Lake/Porter (NW Indiana only).
Pro Tip
IN car sales: flat 7% tax, BMV process, 31-day deadline, no inspection (except Lake/Porter).