Selling a car privately in Indiana
Indiana keeps the seller's side on the title itself: every owner listed signs and prints their name in the seller section, and you complete the odometer statement, date of sale, purchase price, and buyer information before handing it over. No notary is required. A bill of sale is a useful receipt in Indiana but cannot substitute for the title.
The buyer applies for a new title at the BMV within 45 days of the sale (a late fee applies) and pays Indiana's 7% sales tax there. Indiana plates belong to the seller and do not go back to the BMV; keep yours for transfer to another vehicle. With no formal notice-of-sale filing, your dated bill of sale and a photo of the completed title are your record.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the seller section on the title (Indiana)
All owners sign and print their names, and you fill in the odometer statement, date of sale, price, and buyer information before the handoff.
- 2
Give the buyer a dated bill of sale (Indiana)
Indiana's Form 44237 works as the receipt. It documents the price and date; the title does the legal transfer.
- 3
Remove and keep your license plates
Indiana plates belong to the seller; the buyer has 45 days to title at the BMV and get their own.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Indiana sale packet
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Start your free beta packetIndiana private sale FAQ
Does an Indiana car title need to be notarized?
No. Indiana requires complete information in the seller section, signed by all owners listed, but no notarization for a standard private sale.
How long does the buyer have to title in Indiana?
45 days from the sale date to apply at the BMV, after which an administrative penalty applies. They pay 7% sales tax when titling.
Is an Indiana bill of sale enough to transfer ownership?
No. For titled vehicles only the certificate of title transfers ownership in Indiana. Use a bill of sale as the dated receipt alongside the title, not instead of it.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana plates stay with the seller and can be transferred to another vehicle you own. Do not leave them on the sold car.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.