How to Sell a Boat Privately in Indiana (2026)
| Titling agency | Indiana DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 45 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | State Form 1014 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Indiana — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Indiana requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Indiana DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Indiana uses State Form 1014.
- 4Gather documentation — current Indiana registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Indiana dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Indiana registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Indiana DMV — buyer must register within 45 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Indiana DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Indiana lien release procedure
- Obtain State Form 1014 from the Indiana BMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs State Form 1014 releasing the lien.
- Submit State Form 1014 with the existing title and title application at an Indiana BMV branch.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Indiana title.
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Start My Indiana Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Indiana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Indiana?▾
Yes. Indiana requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Indiana DMV.
What is the Indiana boat title transfer deadline?▾
Indiana requires the buyer to transfer registration within 45 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Indiana?▾
Indiana charges 7% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Indiana DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Indiana boat bill of sale?▾
Indiana does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Indiana?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Indiana DMV and pays the registration fee plus 7% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 45 days of the sale date.
Source: Indiana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07