If you want to get ready to sell your vehicle, there are a few things that you should know. You will need to fill out the appropriate title paperwork and prepare the title for the buyer. You should also remove the license plates from the vehicle. Here’s more on what you should do when selling your vehicle privately.
Selling a Vehicle in Indiana 101
When you want to sell a vehicle in Indiana, you will need to transfer the vehicle into the other person’s name. To sell your vehicle, some of the information you will need to provide includes:
- The odometer reading
- The sale price
- The purchase date
- Signatures from the seller and buyer
If you fail to disclose any of this information, then you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If this is not the first offense, then this could be charged as a Class D felony.
To sell your vehicle, you need to have several forms prepared. These include:
- The Odometer Disclosure Statement
- The Mechanic’s Lien Bill of Sale
- The Bill of Sale
- The Vehicle Certificate of Title
- The Application for Certificate of Title
You may also need an out-of-state title request in some cases.
How to Sign Over the Title to the Buyer
To transfer the title to your vehicle to a buyer, you will fill out the title and then give it to the buyer. The title, proof of residency and payment will then be taken to the BMV by the buyer to complete the transfer.
Sellers need to fill out several parts of the title including:
- The signature
- The date of purchase
- The price of the sale
- The odometer reading
- Information indicating the buyer
Before taking the vehicle, the seller should always remove the license plates from the vehicle. Then, the buyer should take the title to the local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to complete the transfer.
Replacing a Lost Title
If you lost your vehicle’s title, then you have a few options to order a new, replacement title. You can do so online through the myBMV portal or by going to any Indiana license branch. You can also go to a certified partner location of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles or go to the local post office for support. You may also request a replacement by mail by mailing:

Room N411
Indianapolis, IN 46204

For requests by mail, complete the Application for Certificate of Title and provide your unexpired ID and a check or money order for $15. This should be payable to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Transferring License Plates
After selling your vehicle in Indiana, you will need to remove your license plates. You can move those to a new vehicle of your own if you register it at your local Indiana licensing branch. In Indiana, plates do not follow the vehicle but stay with you.