South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, Indiana Side by Side Bill of Sale for Gift transfer — Print a Ready-to-Sign Form

Print a side by side bill of sale form for your gift transfer in South Bend, Indiana. Fill in the details online, then print the completed document for both parties to sign.

Print a ready-to-sign form

Print Instructions

Paper Size

US Letter (8.5 × 11 in)

Margins

0.5 in minimum all sides

Ink

Black ink, laser or inkjet

Before You Print

☐Verify the VIN matches the side by side title exactly
☐Confirm buyer and seller names match government-issued IDs
☐Have both parties present at the time of signing
☐Bring a valid photo ID accepted by Indiana
☐Print at least two copies — one for each party

Both parties should sign with a ballpoint pen in blue or black ink. Initial any corrections rather than using correction fluid.

Gift transfer — What You Need to Know

The vehicle is transferred to the recipient with no monetary consideration. Gift transfers often have special tax implications and may require notarization depending on the state.

Seller guidance

If the vehicle's fair market value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 for 2024 per IRS), the donor must file IRS Form 709 (United States Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return). The lifetime exemption ($13.61 million in 2024) typically means no tax is owed, but the form is still required. Some states require the word "gift" on the title or a separate gift affidavit to waive use tax.

Buyer guidance

You will likely owe use tax on the fair market value of the vehicle at registration unless your state exempts immediate family gifts. California, for example, exempts transfers between parents, children, spouses, and domestic partners. Check your state DMV for exemption eligibility.

Legal note (Indiana-specific)

Indiana charges 7% sales tax on vehicle purchases and does not provide a general gift exemption for motor vehicles — tax applies based on fair market value even for family transfers. Complete State Form 44237 (Application for Certificate of Title) and pay the applicable sales tax at the BMV.

Gift transfer checklist

Establish fair market value (Kelley Blue Book or comparable)
Determine if IRS Form 709 filing is required (value >$18,000 in 2024)
Obtain state-specific gift affidavit or complete the gift section on the title
Confirm state sales/use tax exemption eligibility for family gifts
Notarize the bill of sale or gift affidavit if your state requires it
Pay 7% Indiana sales tax on the vehicle's fair market value
Complete State Form 44237 (Application for Certificate of Title)
No family gift exemption — sales tax applies regardless of relationship

Side by Side Safety & Recall Information

Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases

Average Safety Rating

0 / 5

Avg. Price Range

$5,000–$30,000

Odometer Disclosure

Not required

Safety checkpoints for side by side buyers

Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement
Confirm headlights, taillights, brake lights, and (where required) turn signals function
Verify horn and reverse-warning beeper operation
Check that windshield (if equipped) is rated and unmodified
Inspect parking brake operation on a 15-degree slope

Common recall categories

SteeringFuel SystemFire HazardSuspensionThrottle

On average, each side by side model has approximately 2.6 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.

Indiana Tax & Fee Summary

State Sales Tax Rate

Title Transfer Fee

$15

Private Party Exempt

Flat 7% statewide; no additional local vehicle taxes

Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases

Visit the official Indiana DMV website

Local Requirements — St. Joseph County

DMV / Title Office

Indiana BMV – South Bend Branch

Address

1139 E Ireland Rd, South Bend, IN 46614

Phone

(888) 692-6841

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM; Sat 8:30 AM–12:00 PM

https://www.in.gov/bmv

Transfer Fees & Taxes — South Bend

Title Transfer Fee

$15.00

Sales Tax Rate

7.00%

Base Registration Fee

$21.35

Indiana flat statewide rate 7%

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Indiana does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

South Bend Transfer Checklist

Complete State Form 44237 at the BMV
Title transfer within 45 days
7% sales tax collected at BMV
Seller must sign title assignment and disclose odometer reading

County Information — St. Joseph County

County Clerk / Recorder

St. Joseph County Clerk

Phone

(574) 235-9635

Website

https://www.sjcindiana.com/clerk

South Bend Gift transfer side by side printable — when to file

Indiana requires title transfer within 45 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For gift transfer transactions specifically, file at Indiana BMV – South Bend Branch (1139 E Ireland Rd, South Bend, IN 46614) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM; Sat 8:30 AM–12:00 PM. Miss the 45-day window and Indiana typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed South Bend bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $15.00 title transfer fee plus 7.00% sales tax on the purchase price.

Printable reminder. Whether you keep your printable as a printed two-copy paper record, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Indiana BMV – South Bend Branch; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.

Frequently asked questions

What gift transfer documents do I need for a side by side sale in South Bend, Indiana?

For a gift transfer side by side transaction in South Bend, you need: Establish fair market value (Kelley Blue Book or comparable); Determine if IRS Form 709 filing is required (value >$18,000 in 2024); Obtain state-specific gift affidavit or complete the gift section on the title; Confirm state sales/use tax exemption eligibility for family gifts; Notarize the bill of sale or gift affidavit if your state requires it; Pay 7% Indiana sales tax on the vehicle's fair market value; Complete State Form 44237 (Application for Certificate of Title); No family gift exemption — sales tax applies regardless of relationship.

What is the sales tax on a side by side private sale in South Bend, Indiana?

The combined sales tax rate in South Bend is 7.00%. Indiana flat statewide rate 7%

Do I need to notarize a side by side bill of sale in Indiana?

No, notarization is not required. Indiana does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

What are common recalls for a side by side?

Common recall categories for side by sides include: Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard, Suspension, Throttle. On average, each side by side model has approximately 2.6 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov before completing a sale.