Indiana Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Indiana. Confirm the latest requirements with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before completing your transaction.
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Quick answer
Buying a used car in Indiana? Get the signed title and an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. Indiana gives you a generous 45 days to apply for the title with the Indiana BMV — but a $30 penalty applies after that. You'll pay a $15 title fee, 7% sales tax on the purchase price, and an annual excise tax. Indiana has no statewide emissions or safety inspection (only Lake and Porter counties require an emissions test). Verify current requirements with the Indiana BMV.
Key facts
- State
- Indiana
- Agency
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Buy a Used Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 45 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-13
- Official source
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles ↗
Key facts from official sources
The buyer must apply for an Indiana certificate of title within 45 days of purchase; a $30 administrative penalty applies after that.
Indiana BMV — Titles: Buying & Selling ↗Notarization is not required for a standard in-person Indiana purchase.
Indiana BMV — Buying and Selling ↗Indiana has no statewide emissions or safety inspection for private sales; only Lake and Porter counties require an emissions test.
Indiana BMV — Buying and Selling ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection required?
◆Conditional⏱ Important Deadlines
- 45-day deadline: Buyer must apply for an Indiana certificate of title within 45 days of purchase. A $30 administrative penalty applies for title applications after 45 days (Indiana Code § 9-17-3-2).Official source ↗
Buyer Checklist
Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Indiana does not require notarization for a standard private-party sale where both parties are present and sign in person.
A bill of sale (State Form 44237) is required when used as the primary proof of ownership in place of a title, or when titling an out-of-state vehicle in Indiana. A standard private sale with a properly signed title does not always require a separate bill of sale.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
No statewide emissions or safety inspection for private sales. Out-of-state vehicles must have a vehicle inspection at a BMV branch. Residents of Lake and Porter counties must pass an emissions test.
Step-by-step process
- 1Run a vehicle history report (e.g., CARFAX or NMVTIS) before purchase.
- 2Verify the seller's name matches the name on the title.
- 3Ensure the title is free of liens or confirm the lien will be resolved.
- 4Have the seller sign the title over to you and complete odometer disclosure.
- 5Obtain a bill of sale from the seller.
- 6Submit the signed title, application, fees, and proof of insurance to your state DMV.
- 7Pay any applicable sales tax.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Not verifying that the seller is the titled owner.
- ✗Failing to check for outstanding liens before purchase.
- ✗Missing the deadline to register the vehicle after purchase.
- ✗Not getting a bill of sale.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 4 researched claims about Indiana buy a used car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register after buying a used car?
Deadlines vary by state. In Indiana, confirm the registration deadline with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to avoid late fees.
What if the title has errors?
Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.
Can I drive the car home before registering it?
Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-13 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice