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:
- Vehicle certificate of title.
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form 205).
- Bill of Sale (Form 44237).
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 43230).
- Mechanic's Lien Bill of Sale (Form 23104).
Additional and/or substitute forms will also be required in exceptional circumstances. These forms include:
- Request for Out of State Title to Perfect Lien (Form 1014): Necessary when a lien holder in another state has possession of the original vehicle title.
- One and the Same Person Affidavit (Form 13637): This form is designed to clear any discrepancies between your name and the name listed on the title and/or registration.
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:
- Online.
- In person at an Indiana license branch.
- In person at an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) certified partner location.
- In person at a U.S. Postal Service location.
- By mail.
No matter which option you choose, you will need to provide the following.
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form 205).
- Unexpired photo ID.
- Check or money order for the $15 fee, made payable to BMV.
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
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form 205)
- Bill of Sale (Form 44237)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 43230)
- Mechanic's Lien Bill of Sale (Form 23104)
- Request for Out of State Title to Perfect Lien (Form 1014)
- One and the Same Person Affidavit (Form 13637)