Indiana Documentation and Registration

When purchasing a vehicle from one of our auctions in Indiana, there are a couple of different documentation types you’ll encounter.

When researching a car, ALWAYS review the documentation type in the vehicle detail page. This ensures you're prepared for any additional steps required to obtain a title and register the vehicle.

Title

If the documentation type is marked as “Title” your purchase can be just as easy to register as it would have been had you bought the vehicle from a dealership or private party. Here are instructions from the Indiana BMV:

1. Complete the Application: Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (State Form 205).​
2. Gather Required Documents:
   1. Assigned vehicle title from the seller.
   2. Bill of sale, if applicable.
   3. Proof of identification.
   4. Proof of Indiana residency.
   5. Proof of insurance.​
3. Submit to BMV: Take the completed application and documents to your local BMV branch or mail them to the BMV Central Office.​
4. Pay Applicable Fees: Fees vary; consult the BMV for specifics.​

For more details, visit the Indiana BMV Titles page.

Lien Papers

If you received lien papers, there are extra steps you will have to take in order to obtain a title and register the vehicle. Please refer to the Indiana BMV for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

1. Obtain Lien Release: Ensure the lienholder has signed off in the proper lien release section on the certificate of title or has provided a lien release letter.​
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (State Form 205).​
3. Submit to BMV: Provide the completed application, lien release, and any additional required documents to your local BMV branch.​
4. Pay Applicable Fees: Fees may vary; consult the BMV for specifics.​

For more information, refer to the Releasing a Lien page.

Salvage Title

Vehicles with a salvage title cannot be legally registered and operated on the road in Indiana. In order to register the vehicle, you will need to obtain a rebuilt title. That involves a few extra steps:

1. Rebuild the Vehicle: Repair the vehicle to meet Indiana safety and operational standards.​
2. Document Repairs:
   1. Keep receipts for all parts used.
   2. Take before and after photographs of the vehicle.​
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (State Form 205).​
4. Submit Salvage Restoration Packet: Include all required documents, such as the salvage title, proof of repairs, and inspection reports, and mail them to the BMV Central Office.​
5. Obtain Rebuilt Title: After approval, you'll receive a rebuilt title indicating the vehicle has passed inspection.​
6. Register the Vehicle: Take the rebuilt title to your local BMV branch to register the vehicle.​

For detailed steps, refer to the Salvage Motor Vehicle Restoration Title Application Checklist.