Free Indiana Car Bill of Sale
Indiana runs a uniform car-sale system: 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 205 is the TITLE APPLICATION, so double-check the numbers before the BMV visit. 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.
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 a bill of sale (State Form 44237) with VIN, odometer, sale price — the BMV uses one only in limited cases, such as a title missing the sale date or price.
- Seller completes odometer disclosure on Indiana title.
- Seller signs title over.
- Buyer completes State Form 205 (Application for Certificate of Title) at Indiana BMV within 45 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 45-day deadline — an administrative penalty applies.
- Underreporting sale price — the 7% tax is due on the purchase price.
- Forgetting emissions in Lake/Porter (NW Indiana only).
Pro Tip
IN car sales: flat 7% tax, BMV process, 45-day deadline, no inspection (except Lake/Porter).