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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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 when selling my car in Indiana?
No, notarization is not required for title transfers in Indiana. However, both buyer and seller must sign the title correctly in their respective sections. All vehicle owners listed on the title must sign and print their names in the seller section, and signatures must match the names exactly as they appear on the title.
Do I keep my license plates after selling my car in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana license plates remain with the seller and should be removed from the vehicle at the time of the transaction. The Indiana BMV does not require license plates of sold vehicles to be returned. You can transfer the plates to a different vehicle you own or keep them in your possession.
Can I sell a car without the title in Indiana?
No, you cannot legally sell a car without the title in Indiana. If your title is lost or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate title using Form 44049 (Request for Replacement Title) before completing the sale. The duplicate title will be clearly labeled “DUPLICATE” which voids the original title.
How long does the buyer have to register the vehicle in Indiana?
The buyer must apply for a certificate of title within 45 days after purchasing or acquiring the vehicle. If the certificate of title is applied for after the 45-day period, an administrative penalty will be charged. This is a strict requirement enforced by the Indiana BMV.
Is a VIN inspection required when selling my car in Indiana?
A VIN inspection is required for any vehicle from another state being titled in Indiana, including vehicles owned by new Indiana residents. The inspection can be performed at any Indiana BMV branch or certified service provider at no charge, or by a law enforcement officer who may charge up to $5. They must provide a completed Physical Inspection form (State Form 39530).
Who pays the sales tax when I sell my car in Indiana?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax on the purchase price when they apply for the Indiana certificate of title. If purchased from a dealership, the dealer collects the sales tax. For private sales, the buyer pays the sales tax directly at the BMV branch when applying for the title.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Indiana?
While not legally required by Indiana law, a bill of sale is strongly recommended for documentation and protection of both parties. Indiana provides Form 44237 (Bill of Sale) for this purpose. The bill of sale helps document the transaction and can protect you if issues arise before the title transfer is completed.
What should I do to complete the title properly when selling in Indiana?
When selling, you must complete the seller section by signing and printing your name, completing the odometer statement, entering the date of sale, purchase price, and purchaser information. Ensure all co-owners sign if there are multiple owners listed. Remove your license plates before handing over the vehicle, and provide any necessary lien release documentation if applicable.