What an Indiana car title is and why you need one

An Indiana car title is the legal document that proves you own a vehicle. It lists the vehicle identification number (VIN), the owner's name, any lienholders (like a bank if you financed the car), and the odometer reading at the time of transfer. You need this document to sell the car, register it, get a loan against it, or prove ownership if there's a dispute.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues and maintains all car titles in the state. If you buy a car from a dealer or private seller, the title transfers to you. If you inherit a vehicle or receive one as a gift, you'll need to get a title in your name. Without a title, you cannot legally register the vehicle with the BMV, and you cannot drive it on Indiana roads.

Key Takeaways

  • An Indiana car title is issued by the BMV and proves legal ownership of a vehicle.
  • You can obtain a title by purchasing a vehicle, inheriting one, receiving a gift, or transferring ownership from another state.
  • The BMV processes title requests by mail, in person at a branch, or through an authorized third-party agent.
  • A title transfer typically takes 10 to 15 business days when submitted by mail, or same-day if you visit a BMV branch in person.
  • You will need documents like a bill of sale, proof of identity, and proof of residency depending on how you obtained the vehicle.

How to get a title when you buy a car

If you buy from a licensed dealer, the dealer handles most of the title work for you. They will give you a temporary registration document and submit the title paperwork to the BMV on your behalf. You should receive the physical title in the mail within two to three weeks. Keep the temporary registration in your vehicle until the permanent title arrives.

If you buy from a private seller, you must handle the title transfer yourself. The seller signs the back of their title and gives it to you along with a bill of sale (a straightforward written record of the sale that includes the VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures). You then take both documents to a BMV branch or mail them to the BMV with your process for a new title. You will also need to provide proof of your Indiana residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, and a valid photo ID.

If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lender's name appears on the title. The lender must sign off on the transfer, which usually happens through the seller's bank. Ask the seller to confirm the lien is clear before you complete the purchase, because you cannot get a clean title until the debt is paid.

How to get a title for an inherited or gifted vehicle

If you inherit a vehicle, you will need the deceased owner's title, a copy of the death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir (usually a will or court document). Submit these to the BMV along with your proof of residency and photo ID. The BMV will issue a new title in your name.

If someone gives you a vehicle as a gift, the process is similar to a private sale. The owner signs the back of the title and provides you with a bill of sale or a written gift letter stating the vehicle is a gift with no money exchanged. Some people worry about gift tax, but Indiana does not charge a sales tax on gifts. However, you will still owe registration fees when you title the vehicle in your name.

How to transfer a title from another state

If you move to Indiana with a vehicle titled in another state, you must get an Indiana title within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of Indiana residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement), a valid photo ID, and a bill of sale or gift letter if the vehicle was recently transferred to you. The BMV will issue a new Indiana title and you will pay a title transfer fee.

Some states issue electronic titles (e-titles) that are stored digitally rather than as a paper document. If your previous state uses e-titles, contact that state's motor vehicle agency to request a physical copy or an electronic release so Indiana can process your transfer. This step can add one to two weeks to the process, so plan ahead if you are moving.

Where to submit your title process

You have three ways to submit a title process in Indiana. The fastest is to visit a BMV branch in person with all required documents. You will receive a temporary registration on the spot and the permanent title will arrive by mail in 10 to 15 business days. BMV branches are located in every county; you can find the nearest one on the BMV website.

You can also mail your process to the BMV. Send your completed process form (Form 130, available on the BMV website), the signed title, proof of residency, photo ID, and the title fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the BMV receives your packet. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the title returned by mail.

A third option is to use an authorized third-party agent, such as a notary public or a title service company. These agents can submit your paperwork to the BMV on your behalf and often charge a small fee for this service. Processing time is the same as mailing directly, but you avoid the trip to the BMV branch.

Documents you will need for a title transfer

The exact documents depend on your situation, but most title transfers require the following: the current title signed by the previous owner, a completed BMV process form, proof of your Indiana residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail), and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card).

If you are buying from a private seller, bring a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller. If the vehicle is a gift, bring a written gift letter or a bill of sale stating no money was exchanged. If there is a lien on the vehicle, the lender must release it before you can get a clean title. If you are transferring from another state, bring your out-of-state title and proof that you now live in Indiana.

You will also need to pay a title fee. The fee varies depending on whether the title is new, a transfer, or a duplicate, and whether the vehicle has a lien. Check the BMV website or call your local branch for the exact fee, as it may change.

What happens after you receive your title

Once you have your Indiana title, you can register the vehicle with the BMV. Registration is separate from titling and must be renewed every year or every two years depending on your vehicle type. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on Indiana roads without both a title and a current registration.

Keep your title in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or a home safe. If the title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the BMV by submitting a form and paying a small fee. If you sell the vehicle later, the buyer will need the title to transfer ownership to themselves, so do not lose it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an Indiana car title?

If you explore in person at a BMV branch, you receive a temporary registration when ready and the permanent title arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days. If you mail your process, processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the BMV receives it. Using a third-party agent takes the same time as mailing.

Can I drive my car before the title arrives?

Yes, if you receive a temporary registration from the BMV. The temporary registration is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent title. If you mailed your process, you will not have a temporary registration, so do not drive the vehicle until the title arrives.

What if the previous owner's signature is missing from the title?

The title cannot be processed without the previous owner's signature on the back. Contact the seller and ask them to sign the title. If you cannot reach them, contact the BMV to ask about other options, though you may need a notarized statement or court order to proceed.

Do I need a title if I paid cash for a car?

Yes. Every vehicle in Indiana must have a title, regardless of whether it was financed or purchased with cash. The title proves you own the vehicle and is required to register it and drive it legally.

What is the difference between a title and a registration?

A title proves ownership of the vehicle. A registration allows you to drive it on public roads and is renewed annually or biennially. You need both documents to legally own and operate a vehicle in Indiana.