Paperwork When Selling a Car in Indiana

Paperwork Required to Sell a Car in Indiana

Where do you begin when selling a car in Indiana? The process as a whole might seem daunting, but looking at it step-by-step makes it a lot less intimidating. We've created a categorized breakdown of what to expect to make it even easier.

Selling a Vehicle in Indiana

As it is in most U.S. states, Indiana requires all motor vehicles to be titled. Your car title is one of the most important documents you'll use to sell your car in Indiana, since you will use the title assignment to transfer ownership to the buyer. The title assignment is located on the back of the title, and includes blank spaces to be filled with the following information:

  • Odometer reading.
  • Purchase date.
  • Selling price.
  • Signatures from both the buyer and seller.

According to Indiana law, failure to disclose this information is a Class A misdemeanor and a Class D felony for subsequent offenses. As a seller, you are also responsible for removing the vehicle's license plate at the time of the sale. However, it is the buyer's responsibility to acquire a new title and registration.

Since there are high stakes involved when selling a car, both financially and legally, our Guide to Selling Your Car provides an easy-to-read overview with access to invaluable resources so you can enjoy a smoother process.

Required Documents

In most cases, you will only need the following documents to sell your car in Indiana:

Additional and/or substitute forms will also be required in exceptional circumstances. These forms include:

A complete list of forms can be found on the official website for Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Duplicate Title in Indiana

You car's title certificate is a critical document when selling a car in Indiana. However, if your title has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or is otherwise inaccessible, you can always apply for a duplicate title.

You have several options to choose from when ordering a replacement title:

No matter which option you choose, you will need to provide the following.

Mail-in applications should be addressed to:

Indiana BMV
100 N. Senate Ave.
Room N411
Indianapolis, IN 46204

For more information, visit our Replacing a Lost Title in Indiana page.

Vehicle History Report

When selling a car, it's important to be honest and upfront about your vehicle's condition. That's why obtaining a vehicle history report can help you sell your vehicle. Want to know more about them? Please visit our Vehicle History Reports page.

All you need is the vehicle identification number (VIN) and you'll have access to details, such as:

  • Title information.
  • Odometer reading.
  • Structural damage.
  • Services and repairs.
  • Accident indicators.

Indiana Salvage Title

If you're selling a salvaged car in the state of Indiana, you must have a salvage title certificate if the car was manufactured within the last 7 years. Vehicles older than 7 years may also be issued a salvage title upon request.

For more information, visit our Salvaged Vehicles in Indiana page.

Transferring License Plates after a Sale

Make sure to remove the vehicle's license plates after you sell your vehicle. If you wish to keep the plate yourself for another vehicle, make sure to have it properly registered at an Indiana license branch.

Forms for Easy Download

Other Helpful Links

Vehicle History Reports
Bill of sale

Forms

205
Application For Certificate Of Title For A Vehicle
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles' application for an Indiana vehicle title.
44237
Bill of Sale
Use the IN Bureau of Motor Vehicles' bill of sale as proof of purchase for a car or watercraft. Both the buyer and seller must complete this form.
23104
Mechanic's Lien Bill of Sale
This BMV bill of sale must be completed to transfer ownership of a vehicle with a mechanic's lien on the title
43230
Odometer Disclosure Statement
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles' form for disclosing the number of miles on a car you intend to sell in Indiana.
13637
One and The Same Person Affidavit
Submit to the Indiana BMV to clarify any discrepancies in the name(s) on your title or registration application.
1014
Request for Title
IN Bureau of Motor Vehicles form used to request vehicle titles from lien-holders.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review