Indiana Catalytic Converter Laws
Selling Catalytic Converters in Indiana
Catalytic converter theft and resale has become a major issue across the U.S., and Indiana is no exception. To combat this, the state has enacted strict laws on the purchase, sale, and possession of detached catalytic converters.
If you live in Indiana and are looking to sell a used catalytic converter, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant — and why RRCats remains a legal and secure option for your sale.
What Indiana Law Says About Catalytic Converters
Indiana classifies catalytic converters as valuable metal under state law. As a result, their sale is closely regulated under Indiana Code § 25-37.5-1-9.
Restrictions on Selling Detached Converters
Under the law:
“A person may not sell or attempt to sell, and a valuable metal dealer may not purchase or attempt to purchase, a catalytic converter, in whole or in part, as valuable metal when the catalytic converter is not attached to a motor vehicle at the time of the sale or attempted sale.”
— Indiana Code § 25-37.5-1-9(a)
Exceptions to This Rule
There are two clear exceptions where the sale of a detached catalytic converter is allowed:
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The seller is a licensed used parts dealer or automotive repair company.
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The seller provides an affidavit from a law enforcement officer affirming the officer’s reasonable belief that the catalytic converter was lawfully obtained.
— Indiana Code § 25-37.5-1-9(b)
This means private individuals cannot legally sell a detached catalytic converter unless they meet one of the two exceptions above.
Classic Car Exemption: No Converter Required for Older Vehicles
In addition to resale restrictions, Indiana law also addresses whether a vehicle requires a catalytic converter.
Per Indiana Code § 9-19-8-0.5 (2024):
“A motor vehicle that is at least twenty-five (25) years old is not required to have a catalytic converter installed as equipment on the motor vehicle unless required by rules adopted under IC 13-17-5.”
This exempts vehicles aged 25 years or older from needing to maintain or reinstall catalytic converters, unless specific environmental rules dictate otherwise.
Note: This exemption applies only to equipment requirements — it does not automatically permit the resale of the converter unless one of the resale exceptions is met.
Can You Still Sell Your Converter?
Yes, you can legally ship or sell your converter, provided you comply with the rules (ID, documentation, affidavit if required). Even if in-state laws are tight, selling to RRCats (NJ‑based) remains an option.
Sell Your Converter Today
Selling to RRCats from Indiana
Here’s how we handle Indiana-converter shipments legally:
- We verify your ID, ownership, and an affidavit if required
- We process payments by check or traceable method (no cash for converters over $25)
- We maintain full transaction records.
- We accept converter shipments from Indiana under NJ compliance
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“Their online system works great. Verifying ID and proof of ownership worked smoothly and gave me confidence that I was dealing with a reputable company.”
~ Customer, Mike K.*
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~ Customer, Steven C.*
