Can I sell a junk car in Indiana without a title?
Only when the car is at least 15 model years old and you hold a BMV certificate of authority. Any junk car sale to a recycler needs either the title or that certificate. A buyer who buys a car under 15 model years old with neither paper commits a Level 6 felony, so reputable buyers refuse.
By Gary Cash For Junk Cars Inc, published November 15, 2026, updated November 15, 2026.
What the statute asks for
IC 9-22-5-18 says the seller gives a recycler a certificate of authority or a certificate of title, and breaking that rule is a Class C misdemeanor. IC 9-32-9-29, as amended by SEA 65 in 2024, lets a recycler buy a vehicle without a title only when the vehicle is at least 15 model years old and the seller presents a certificate of authority. Buying a vehicle under 15 model years old without a title or a certificate is a Level 6 felony for the buyer.
The four situations
| Your situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| You have the title | Sign and sell. |
| No title, car under 15 model years old | Get a duplicate title from the BMV first. |
| No title, car 15 or more model years old | Get a BMV certificate of authority. |
| The car is not in your name | The owner or estate must be the seller. |
What does not fix it
A registration, an insurance card, a bill of sale and a repair invoice do not replace the title or the certificate. They help show ownership and are worth bringing, but they are not the papers the statute names.
What to do next
Work out the model year, check which row above you are in, and contact the BMV about a duplicate or a certificate. Then send us the vehicle or call. If you are unsure which row you are in, call and we will go through it with you. The no-title page has the short version, and the certificate guide says what the certificate is.
Sources
Questions people ask
- Is a bill of sale enough?
- No. A bill of sale shows a transaction, but the statute asks for the certificate of title or the certificate of authority.
- What counts as 15 model years old?
- Count from the car's model year to the current model year. The year is on the door-jamb sticker and in the VIN. If you are close to the line, we check it with you on the call.
- Can the buyer apply for the certificate for me?
- Senate Enrolled Act 65 (2024) lets a recycler apply on a seller's behalf. We do not currently offer that, so plan to get it yourself.