Selling your car in Indiana? Whether you’re in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, or a smaller community, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process legally, securely, and efficiently.
Sell a Car in Indiana – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before listing or selling your car, be sure to collect the following paperwork:
- Indiana Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name, free of any liens, and properly signed by both parties.
- Valid ID: A valid Indiana driver’s license or other state-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old. This may be written on the title or on a separate form.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): Not legally required but advised for documentation.
- Lien Release (if applicable): You’ll need proof that any lien has been satisfied before selling.
Indiana BMV Forms You May Need
Here are some commonly used documents when selling a car in Indiana:
- Form 44237 – Bill of Sale
- Form 205 – Application for Certificate of Title (used by the buyer)
- Form 39530 – Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not completed on the title)
- Form 44049 – Request for Replacement Title (if your title is lost)
Find all forms on the Indiana BMV website.
Sell Your Car in Indiana — Fast & Easy
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We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
A clean, presentable vehicle might earn you a better offer. But don’t worry if your car isn’t perfect, we make the sale easy no matter the condition.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is. No cleaning or fixing required. Just request an offer and let us handle the rest.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting an offer, do some research to know your vehicle’s market value:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get an offer in under 2 minutes.
- Check KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: See how much similar vehicles are worth based on mileage, trim, and features.
- Local Listings: Compare prices in South Bend, Carmel, Bloomington, Lafayette, and Gary for similar cars.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
You have several options to sell your car in Indiana:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Best for Speed & Convenience): We give you a firm offer, handle the paperwork, and pay you fast.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Easy if you’re buying another car, but usually results in a lower offer.
- Private Sale: May fetch more money, but takes longer and requires you to manage all the paperwork and communication.
If you want a smooth and secure transaction, Ken Ganley Buying Center is your best bet.
Step 5: Get Paid
Avoid scams and payment delays. We provide same-day, secure payment through trusted channels, so you can sell with confidence.
We take care of every detail — from the offer to the paperwork to the payment.
What Affects Car Values in Indiana? Local Market Insights to Know
Resale values in Indiana are influenced by season, demand, and geography:
- SUVs and AWD vehicles are popular due to winter weather conditions in northern regions.
- Fuel-efficient sedans and hybrids are often favored in metro areas like Indianapolis and Bloomington.
- Trucks and vans hold strong value in rural and agricultural parts of the state.
- As of mid-2025, the average used car price in Indiana was $32,936, slightly below the national average, reflecting steady regional demand. This makes Indiana a competitive market for buyers and sellers seeking value.
Understanding what’s in demand can help you assess your car’s value more accurately.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Indiana?
With Ken Ganley Buying Center, you can skip the waiting and uncertainty. Get a real offer, fast payment, and a team that handles it all.
Start your free appraisal online or call us at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Indiana sell their vehicles quickly and safely.
Need help selling your car in Indiana? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Indiana?
No. Notarization is not required. However, both buyer and seller must sign the title correctly.
Do I keep my license plates after the sale?
Yes. Plates remain with the seller in Indiana and may be transferred to another vehicle or returned to the BMV.
Can I sell a car without the title?
No. You must apply for a duplicate title using Form 44049 before selling.
Is a bill of sale required?
Not required, but it’s a good idea to have one for personal documentation.
Who pays sales tax in Indiana?
The buyer pays the sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Indiana BMV.