Transferring a car title in Indiana is like maneuvering through a legal maze—one misstep could cost you time and money. You’ve got just 45 days after purchase to complete the process, and missing this deadline triggers penalties. The paperwork seems straightforward, but there’s a critical distinction between private sales and inherited vehicles that’ll determine exactly which documents you’ll actually need.
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Key Takeaways
- Complete title transfer within 45 days of purchase to avoid $30 late fee.
- Seller signs title with odometer reading, sale date, price; removes plates.
- Buyer submits signed title, Form 205, proof of ID/residency, pays $15 fee.
- Out-of-state titles require VIN inspection via State Form 39530.[BACKGROUND]
- Gifts designate “GIFT” on title for sales tax exemption.[BACKGROUND]
What Is an Indiana Title Transfer?
An Indiana title transfer officially changes vehicle ownership from one party to another through paperwork submitted to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
You complete it within 45 days of purchase to avoid $30 late fees and establish legal ownership, as both seller and buyer sign the title—seller removing plates.
Submit Application for Certificate of Title (Form 205), bill of sale, and odometer disclosure (Form 43230 if needed), paying $15 fee ($25 expedited).
Understand title importance: it proves ownership across title types like standard, lien-held, or out-of-state, requiring inspection for VIN verification.
Why You Need an Indiana Title Transfer
You need an Indiana title transfer** to officially record vehicle ownership in your name with the BMV, establishing your legal accountability** and shielding the seller from ongoing liability.
This ownership verification process protects you legally and guarantees the state recognizes you as the rightful owner. Without proper title transfer, you risk driving without legal documentation—a violation that can result in citations.
The title importance becomes critical when you must apply within 45 days of purchase; missing this deadline triggers administrative penalties.
Indiana Car Title Transfer Steps
Indiana’s title transfer process requires coordination between seller and buyer to complete several documented steps within a strict 45-day window. You and the seller sign the title, with the seller detailing the transfer date and odometer reading in the seller section. For Ownership Documentation, submit the original title, Application for Certificate of Title, bill of sale or purchase order, and odometer disclosure statement to the BMV. Pay the $15 title transfer process fee; add $25 for expedited service. Gifts to family require “GIFT” in the sale price field. Out-of-state purchases demand State Form 39530 VIN inspection. Late transfers incur a $30 penalty.[99 words]
Gather Documents for Indiana Title Transfer
Obtain the original title signed by the seller, noting odometer reading, sale date, and price.
Complete the Application for Certificate of Title (Form 205). Include a bill of sale if applicable.
Verify lienholders have released interest for financed vehicles.
Provide State Form 39530 for physical inspection, required for out-of-state titles.
Submit your valid driver’s license or ID as proof of address.
This precise assembly prevents delays and rejection.
When Is a Bill of Sale Needed?
You need a bill of sale only in limited circumstances during Indiana title transfers, such as when voluntarily applying for a title on a non-titled vehicle or purchasing from an out-of-state seller requiring BMV verification.
Verify it includes your name as purchaser, a precise vehicle description (year, make, model), VIN, seller’s signature, and seller’s address to meet acceptability standards.
It also supports determining sale date and price if absent from the title, with special applications for pre-1990 utility trailers and pre-2010 off-road vehicles.
Limited Circumstances for Use
| Circumstance | Description | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Purchase | Verifies transaction | Seller’s signature, address, VIN |
| Voluntary Titling | Non-titled vehicle | Purchaser’s name, year/make/model |
| Supporting Document | Missing title info | Sale date/price |
| Utility Trailer Pre-1990 | Specific exemption | Vehicle description |
| Off-Road Pre-2010 | Limited use | Physical inspection form |
Acceptable Information Requirements
- Your name as purchaser.
- Vehicle details (year, make, model).
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Seller’s signature and address.
Special cases like pre-1990 utility trailers or pre-2016 pop-up trailers mandate it.
Indiana Title Transfer Costs
| Fee Type | Cost | Deadline/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Title | $15 | New app/transfer |
| Expedited Service | $25 | Additional |
| Late Transfer | $30 | Private sale, 45 days |
| Out-of-State Window | N/A | 60 days post-move |
| Duplicate Title | Varies | Extra fees apply |
Indiana Title Transfer Deadlines
- Submit your title application within 45 days of private-party buys, or face administrative penalties.
- Dealers handle paperwork timely, giving you up to 45 days even if they deliver title at 31 days.
- As an out-of-state resident, finish within 60 days of establishing Indiana residency.
- Missing deadlines incurs extra costs, complicating documentation and legal ownership.
Handle Out-of-State Vehicles
When you’re transferring an out-of-state vehicle title to Indiana, you’ll need to complete a VIN inspection to verify the vehicle’s identification before the transfer becomes official.
If a lienholder in another state holds your vehicle’s title, you must visit a BMV branch to submit a Request for Title (State Form 1014), which the branch will then mail to the lienholder for processing.
Once the lienholder releases the title and it arrives at the BMV, you’ll be contacted to return and complete your application for the Indiana certificate of title.
VIN Inspection Required
- Schedule your inspection at any BMV branch or certified service provider at no charge, or contact law enforcement who may charge up to $5.00.
- Bring State Form 39530 (Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft) and your vehicle documentation.
- The inspector verifies the VIN’s existence and condition.
- Submit the completed inspection form with your title application to the BMV.
This mandatory requirement guarantees compliance with Indiana’s titling regulations and prevents registration complications.
Out-of-State Lien Process
Out-of-state vehicles with liens require you to visit an Indiana BMV branch and complete Request for Title (State Form 1014), prompting the BMV to mail it to the lienholder for title release.
The lienholder holds the title, so this lienholder notification initiates the process; you’ll receive contact once the BMV obtains it.
Verify all lienholders fully release their interest beforehand to avoid delays.
After title release, provide a completed Physical Inspection of a Vehicle (State Form 39530) from law enforcement or BMV to verify the VIN, enabling full transfer.
This analytical sequence confirms ownership and compliance precisely.
Transfer Title With a Lien
If a lien exists on your vehicle and the title is held by a lienholder in another state, visit an Indiana BMV branch to complete Request for Title (State Form 1014); the branch mails this to the lienholder and contacts you once they receive the title.
Follow these steps for precise title verification and lien release:
> Follow these steps for precise title verification and lien release.
- Obtain all lien releases from holders before transfer; they must sign the title or provide a letter with owner name, release date, year, make, and VIN.
- Check for outstanding liens via BMV records to prevent sale complications.
- Retain lien release proofs; new owners require them during transfer.
- Return to the branch post-receipt to apply for Indiana title, ensuring seller signs with date, price, and odometer.
Transfer Without Original Title
Lost, stolen, or destroyed original titles require you to request a duplicate title from the Indiana BMV online or in person using State Form 1014 (Application for Certificate of Title), a photo ID, proof of ownership like a bill of sale, and applicable fees.
Submit your title application with vehicle details (VIN, plate, year, make, model) and pay the $15 fee; the original becomes void upon issuance.
If financed, contact the lienholder for release proof, as duplicates mail to them otherwise, delaying transfers.
Without the original, expect added steps, documentation verification, and processing delays for ownership changes.
Transfer Title to Family
When you transfer an Indiana vehicle title to a family member, write “GIFT” in the sale price field on the title to designate it as a no-cost transaction, then sign it along with the recipient, who completes an odometer disclosure statement.
The recipient acts as the buyer, submitting a Title Application to the BMV within 45 days, proof of identity, insurance, and registration while paying the transfer fee.
This gift designation process exempts the transfer from sales tax, minimizing costs compared to standard sales.
Gift Designation Process
Guarantee precise gift documentation:
- Sign jointly: You sign as seller; recipient as buyer—both parties authenticate the transfer.
- Skip sales tax: No tax applies, but pay $15 title fee at BMV.
- Recipient handles paperwork: They submit Application for Certificate of Title, proof of ID, insurance.
- Finalize promptly: BMV issues temporary registration; new title mails soon after.
No Sales Tax
Mark the sale price field “GIFT” on the title when you transfer it to a family member in Indiana; this exempts the transaction from sales tax.
You qualify for gift exemptions in family transfers—covering spouses, children, parents, grandparents, or siblings—under Indiana Code § 6-2.5-5-15.5, avoiding state gross retail tax entirely.
As the recipient, you act as buyer, completing paperwork like the Application for Certificate of Title, providing odometer details, and securing signatures from both parties.
You pay only the $15 title fee at the BMV within 45 days; provide relationship proof if required.
Fix Seller-Signed Title Issues
- File an Affidavit for Certificate of Title Correction (Form 55582) for errors, ensuring accurate seller and buyer details before BMV submission.
- Supply a bill of sale (Form 44237) if the title lacks sale date or purchase price, verifying transaction essentials.
- Correct undated signatures with supporting documents to confirm the transaction date and prevent rejection.
- Apply for a duplicate title if the seller can’t provide a clear one, resolving ownership gaps efficiently.
Get Court Order for Title Transfer
Obtain a court order for Indiana title transfer when the original title is lost, stolen, improperly assigned, or ownership disputes arise, as this exhausts other BMV processes.
Initiate the court petition process by filing a verified petition with your local county court, including title ownership verification via affidavits, bills of sale, VIN details, vehicle description, and police inspection (Form 39530).
The judge-signed order, bearing the court seal, must direct the BMV to issue title.
Submit it with Form 205/38529, fees, and 7% sales tax (or exemption) to BMV Central Office, 100 N. Senate Ave., Rm. N411, Indianapolis.
Consult an attorney; fees vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Indiana?
You complete the title transfer process by obtaining signed title, bill of sale, required documents (Form 205, odometer statement, ID, proof of residency/inspection), then submit at BMV within 45 days, paying $15 fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Title in Indiana?
You’ll pay a $15 fee to reissue your title under Indiana regulations. Should you require expedited processing, that administrative courtesy costs an additional $25. These title transfer fees apply regardless of transaction type.
Does a Title Transfer Need to Be Notarized in Indiana?
No, you don’t need to notarize a title transfer in Indiana—signatures suffice for the title transfer process and meet notarization requirements. Complete forms accurately, including physical inspections, for smooth processing.
How Many Days Do You Have to Transfer License Plates in Indiana?
You have 31 days to operate a vehicle using plates transferred from a sold one for plate transfer, per IC 9-18-6-5; no BMV deadline applies beyond this for personal use, distinct from license renewal or 45-day titling.
Conclusion
You master Indiana title transfer by gathering the signed original title, Form 205, proof of identity, and inspection if needed, then submit everything to the BMV within 45 days to dodge penalties. You’re securing legal ownership, shielding yourself from liabilities, whether buying privately, inheriting, or handling out-of-state liens. Like forging a steel chain, each precise link—seller’s signature, odometer disclosure, fees—ensures unbreakable compliance and seamless mobility.
