Indiana Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Indiana. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before completing the transaction.
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Quick answer
To sell a car in Indiana, sign the title over to the buyer (no notarization required for a standard in-person sale) and complete the odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. In Indiana, your license plates stay with you, not the vehicle — remove them and either transfer them to another car or credit them toward a new plate. The buyer then has 45 days to apply for a new title with the Indiana BMV. Verify current requirements with the Indiana BMV.
Key facts
- State
- Indiana
- Agency
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Last verified
- 2026-07-06
- Official source
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles ↗
Key facts from official sources
Indiana does not require notarization for a standard in-person private-party sale.
Indiana BMV — Buying and Selling ↗Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles under 10 years old.
Indiana BMV — Buying and Selling ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓YesSeller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Indiana does not require notarization for a standard private-party title assignment where both parties sign in person.
A bill of sale (State Form 44237) is commonly used and is required when it serves as the primary proof of ownership; a standard 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.
Step-by-step process
- 1Verify the title is clear of liens before selling.
- 2Sign the title over to the buyer in the designated section.
- 3Complete the odometer disclosure on the title.
- 4Provide the buyer with the signed title and any other required documents.
- 5Notify the state motor vehicle agency of the sale if required.
- 6Remove your license plates if required by your state.
- 7Cancel your insurance or transfer it to your new vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Leaving your plates on the car — Indiana plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle; remove them before handing it over.
- ✗Assuming the sale must be notarized — Indiana does not require it for a standard in-person sale.
- ✗Skipping the odometer disclosure for a vehicle under 10 years old.
- ✗Not giving the buyer a completed bill of sale (State Form 44237) for their records.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about Indiana sell a 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
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Indiana, check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-06 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice