Which Documents Prove Ownership of a Vehicle?

It is important to be able to prove that you own a vehicle, especially if you wish to sell it down the line. In fact, it is a state requirement. If you have a vehicle you are preparing to sell, whether operational or a junked, you will need to locate the proper documents that prove your ownership.

Continue reading to learn which documents are universally accepted as proof of ownership, and which documents might be applicable depending on the buyer.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Previously Owned Vehicles

For those who wish to sell a previously-owned vehicle to a private buyer, a certain type of document that proves ownership must be provided in order for the sale to be legal and valid. The document that applies here is a car title. A simple transfer of title is all that must take place when selling a vehicle to another person, legally. If you are selling your car, you would sign the title over to the buyer, who then becomes the new owner. After the new owner signs the title, they must visit their DMV to officially register the car.

Brand New Vehicles

If you are selling a vehicle that never had a previous owner before you, you might be able to use the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, also known as a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), to prove ownership of the vehicle when you do not have a car title. This document is given to new car buyers at the dealership. They are official documents that can be used at a DMV to prove ownership of a car.

Additional Documents That Might Be Accepted

Depending on various factors, such as state laws and insurance regulations, there might be additional documents that can be used to prove ownership of a motorized vehicle. These may or may not include 1) letter of release from lien-holder, 2) a bill of sale, or 3) the registration certificate.

Did You Lose Your Car Title?

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will allow car owners to replace a lost, faulty, or stolen car title if they can meet all the replacement requirements. This new title will have “DUPLICATE” printed on its face to show that is it not the original document, but it will work just the same. Once a duplicate title is issued, the original one is no longer valid. Download an Indiana State Certificate of Authority form to get started.

How to Sell a Car Without a Title in Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. You will get the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

How to Sell a Junk Car That Has No Title

So you have finally come to the decision to get rid of that old, broken down, rusty junk car that has been taking up all your garage and driveway space for too many years! And then, “Uh Oh”, you enter full panic-mode because you cannot find the title document. So what do you do? The answer is actually quite simple, and will give you some much needed relief this holiday season!

Continue reading to learn what you need to do in order to sell a car without a title.

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188


Although a vehicle with a title is worth more because of the potential to resell, you do not necessarily need one to sell a car, especially if you are doing business with a scrap yard or junk car buying company. These enterprises are not in the business of buying and selling cars, but rather, buying cars and dismantling them for the valuable metal components within them.

In these cases, a car title would be quite moot to a junk car buyer. Instead, the primary purpose of a car title when selling a junk car to a scrapper would be to simply prove your ownership. After all, a junk car buyer does not want to purchase a vehicle from an unauthorized seller; this would be against the law. So how can you sell a junk car without a title, while still proving ownership? Well, there is more than one answer. It all depends on your personal preference, the resources available to you, and more.

Here are some possible options:

YOU CAN REPLACE IT

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will allow car owners to replace a lost, faulty, or stolen car title if they can meet all the replacement requirements. This new title will have “DUPLICATE” printed on its face to show that is it not the original document, but it will work just the same. Once a duplicate title is issued, the original one is no longer valid. Visit the BMV Duplicate Title Application page to get started.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR AUTHORITY TO SELL

According to the BMV, “A person who owns a vehicle that has a certificate of title that is faulty, lost, or destroyed, or who is the possessor of an abandoned vehicle may apply to the BMV for authority to sell, give away, or dispose of the vehicle for scrap metal without applying for a certificate of title. An approved Certificate of Authority – Disposal of a Motor Vehicle – State Form 55018 must be provided to the automotive salvage recycler, or other appropriate facility when disposing of the vehicle.”

YOU CAN PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE PROOF OF OWNERSHIP

Some junk car buyers may be able to verify ownership using alternative methods, such as the car’s registration, insurance policy, and other official legal documents. This policy differs among scrappers, so it is not always a guarantee. Be sure to learn about such policies before choosing a junk car buyer to work with.

No Title? No Problem!

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. You will get the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Titles

Need To Sell a Car Without a Title? 317-608-2188

Need To Sell a Car Without a Title? 317-608-2188

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a federal database that grants consumer access to vehicle history information from across the nation. The NMVTIS protects consumers from automotive fraud and unsafe vehicles, and even helps used car buyers make more educated purchasing decisions. To get your own NMVTIS report, visit the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System website for assistance.

In the meantime, read through the answers to these frequently asked questions about car titles:

What is a Title Search?

A title search is a method used by car buyers to ensure they are purchasing a safe and legal vehicle. A title search will allow consumers to check the status of a car title, verify lien holder accuracy, see if it has been processed, and whether or not there has ever been a lien recorded on the title certificate.

What is a Title Search Database?

Federal title search databases like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System are organizations that were put into operation by the government for the purpose of preventing fraudulent car sales. This includes educating consumers on better buying choices, protecting consumers from buying unsafe cars, and preventing stolen cars from being resold. State administrations, including law enforcement, use title search databases for crime deterrence.

How Can I Check The Status of a Title?

To check the status of any valid car title, all you have to do is visit a federal title search database like National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Once there, you will need to enter the vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as the make and model of the vehicle, where prompted. You cannot check the status of a car titled without the proper VIN.

How Do I Get My Title Number For My Car?

A title number, also known as a “control” or “document” number, is the unique numerical sequence assigned to a vehicle. It is 8 digits long and located on a vehicle’s registration card between the plate number and the VIN. It is also located on the title. If you do not have your title or registration card, visit your local BMV for information and replacement instructions.

How Can I Check The Title of a Car?

In order to implement a title check on a car, you will need to follow a few steps. First, locate the VIN and have a credit card handy. Most often, title searches are not free, but they usually run under $10. Second, choose a trusted title search portal, like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Last, follow the portal’s instructions on completing a title search.

Do I Need a Car Title?

Having a title is not necessary but having a vehicle with a title is worth more because of the potential to resell the automobile. If you have questions about your title, please refer to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If your title is lost or destroyed, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Authority. Visit our FAQS PAGE to download a free application.

Can I Sell a Car Without a Title?

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Are you looking for your title but can’t seem to find it? That’s not a problem with GC’s Junk Cars! Our junk car buyers may be able to verify ownership using alternative methods. With us, the junk car selling process is easy and the reward is generous! And since we provide free phone quotes, there is no initial obligation. Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to request your free over-the-phone quote, today!