How to Transfer a Car Title in Indiana: Step-by-Step

Pennsylvania Title Replacement

If you are buying, selling, or inheriting a car, you must notify the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for an Indiana title transfer. The process to title and register your vehicle will vary. Nevertheless, the BMV must be notified to avoid getting cited for driving without a title, registration, and insurance. So, here is a better understanding of the process and how you are involved as a buyer, seller, or someone inheriting a car.

Indiana Motor Vehicle Purchase

Are you ready to purchase your first car? Well, we will help you with the Indiana title transfer. The process differs if you are buying from a dealer or a private seller. Also, if you purchase from out-of-state, regardless of where you get your vehicle, you must title and register it at the BMV.

Dealership Seller

If you purchase your car from a dealer, you don’t need to go through the title and registration processes. The dealer will do it for you. The documents are sent to BMV and copies are given to you as proof of purchase. You will receive your title and registration in the mail.

Private Seller

Purchasing from a private seller will require you and the seller to complete the title and registration process. You will have 45 days after your purchase to complete the title transfer. At the time of sale, make sure you accomplish this list:

The title:

  • The seller’s signature
  • Date of purchase
  • The sale price
  • The odometer reading

Once you complete the list, you can now visit the BMV to do your title transfer.

Out-of-state Dealership Purchase

If you bought your car from a dealer out-of-state, you could still title it in Indiana. To do so, you must provide:

  • The title certificate
  • Certificate of origin
  • Purchase order
  • Bill of sale
  • Sales contract

Indiana Title Transfer

Now you have all the information you will need to title your car at the BMV. To begin the process, complete:

Submit the two forms and:

  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of vehicle inspection
  • Pay Fees

The process to title an inherited vehicle is the same as when you purchase a car and title it. You must submit the same information and complete the same forms.

Indiana Title Transfer Fees

The title transfer fees do not include the sales tax. In Indiana, a 7% sales tax is paid to the state. When you purchase from a dealership, the sales tax is included in the sale price. However, you must pay the sales tax when you buy from a private seller.

So, the titling and title transfer fees in Indiana are:

  • New title/title transfer/ title amendment: $15
  • Duplicate title: $15
  • Late fee: $30
  • Expedited Title: $25
  • Sales tax: 7%

Indiana Duplicate Titles

If you misplaced your car title, you could apply for a duplicate title at the BMV or by mail. When you apply, complete:

  • The Application for Certificate of Title
  • A copy of your driver’s license or state ID
  • Pay Fee

You can mail the documents to:

Indiana BMV

100 N Senate Avenue

Room N411

Indianapolis, IN 46204

The title will be mailed to you.