Indiana doesn’t make selling a car difficult, but it does expect sellers to be precise. Most post-sale problems in Indiana come from simple oversights: plates left on the vehicle, incomplete title sections, or sellers assuming the buyer will “handle everything.” Once the vehicle is sold, the state still looks back to the last recorded owner if paperwork isn’t done correctly.
This guide explains how to sell a car in Indiana so the transfer is clean, documented, and finished properly.
What Indiana Requires Before You Sell
Indiana requires a valid certificate of title for most vehicle sales. Before selling, confirm the following:
- Your name matches the title exactly
- Any lien listed on the title has been fully paid and released
- All owners listed on the title are available to sign
- The VIN on the vehicle matches the title
Indiana does not require notarization of vehicle titles, which keeps the signing process simple.
Title and Paperwork Rules in Indiana
Title Signing
When selling a vehicle in Indiana:
- The seller signs the title exactly as printed
- All owners listed must sign unless the title clearly states “OR”
- No notarization is required
- Corrections, cross-outs, or incomplete sections can delay registration
Mistakes on the title often result in buyers coming back for fixes, sometimes weeks after the sale.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles that are not mileage-exempt due to age. Mileage must be recorded accurately at the time of sale. Incorrect or missing mileage entries can create registration delays and legal issues.
Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is recommended in Indiana. While the title transfers ownership, a bill of sale helps document:
- The sale date
- Purchase price
- Buyer and seller information
This document can be important if questions arise after the sale.
Inspections and Emissions in Indiana
Indiana has emissions testing requirements in select counties, primarily in certain urban areas.
Key points for sellers:
- Emissions testing applies only in designated counties
- Vehicles registered in emissions counties must pass testing
- Some vehicles are exempt based on age or fuel type
Sellers should be aware that vehicles failing emissions often sell for less or take longer to sell privately.
License Plates, Registration, and Seller Responsibility
Indiana treats license plates differently than many states.
- License plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle
- Sellers should remove plates before releasing the car
- Buyers must register the vehicle and obtain their own plates
Leaving plates on a sold vehicle can result in toll charges, tickets, or other liability issues being tied back to the seller.
Taxes and Fees
- Buyers are responsible for registration fees and applicable taxes
- Sellers are not responsible for buyer taxes after the sale
- Accurately documenting the sale date protects the seller
Always keep copies of the signed title and bill of sale for your records.
Special Situations Indiana Sellers Should Understand
- Selling with a lien: Vehicles with active liens cannot legally be sold unless the lien is paid off and released before ownership transfers.
- Two names on the title: If two owners are listed, both must sign unless the title clearly states “OR.”
- Lost title: Replacing a lost title before selling avoids delays and buyer hesitation.
- Non-running vehicles: Indiana allows the sale of non-running vehicles, but emissions rules and buyer registration requirements may affect value.
Getting Paid Safely
Private vehicle sales in Indiana still carry payment risk. Fake cashier’s checks, delayed payments, and buyer pickup schemes are common. Never release the vehicle or title until payment is verified and fully cleared.
For many sellers, avoiding uncertainty becomes the deciding factor.
When Selling Privately Feels Like Too Much Work
Selling a car in Indiana may be straightforward on paper, but managing buyers, paperwork accuracy, emissions concerns, and plate removal can take more effort than expected, especially for older or problem vehicles.
CarBuyerUSA works with vehicle owners across Indiana and nationwide, purchasing vehicles in a wide range of conditions. We help simplify the process, provide guidance through paperwork, and arrange pickup so sellers aren’t left managing loose ends. If you want a cleaner, more predictable way to sell your car in Indiana, CarBuyerUSA.com makes the process easier to finish and move on.
