What you need to do to get an Indiana title
To get an Indiana vehicle title, you submit a form to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) along with proof of ownership and payment. The form is called the process for Indiana Certificate of Title, and you can file it in person at any BMV branch, by mail, or through an authorized deputy. The BMV will issue the title in your name once they verify the vehicle information and ownership documents match their records.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on how you file. In-person applications are usually processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail applications typically take two to four weeks, depending on how long the form takes to reach the BMV office and how busy they are. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they often handle the title process for you, but you still need to provide the required documents.
Key Takeaways
- You need the completed process for Indiana Certificate of Title form, a bill of sale or purchase agreement, and proof of ownership from the previous owner.
- The fee for a standard title is set by Indiana and does not change based on the vehicle type, though specialty titles like salvage or rebuilt cost more.
- You can file in person at any BMV branch, by mail to the BMV office in Indianapolis, or through an authorized deputy in your county.
- Bring a valid ID and proof of residency when you file in person, and make sure all documents are signed and dated before you submit them.
Documents the BMV requires
The BMV needs the process for Indiana Certificate of Title (form 130), which you can get from any BMV branch, read from the Indiana BMV website, or request by mail. You also need a bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price and date, signed by both the buyer and seller. If you inherited the vehicle or received it as a gift, you need a signed statement from the previous owner instead.
Bring the previous owner's title or a document showing they owned the vehicle. If the title is from another state, bring that title. If there is no title available (for example, if the vehicle is very old or was never titled), you may need to provide other proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale from a dealer or a court document. The BMV will tell you what counts as proof if you are unsure.
You also need to show who you are and where you live. Bring a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you moved recently and your ID does not show your new address, bring both the ID and a residency document.
Where and how to file your process
You can file your title process at any of the 140 BMV branches across Indiana during their regular business hours. Find the branch nearest you on the Indiana BMV website, which lists addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Bring all your documents and the completed form, and the staff will check everything while you wait. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you right away so you can fix it before you leave.
If you cannot go in person, you can mail your process to the BMV office in Indianapolis. Send the completed form, all required documents, and the fee to the address listed on the BMV website. Include a copy of your ID and residency proof. Mail applications take longer to process because the documents have to travel and the BMV has to verify everything by mail, so plan for two to four weeks.
You can also file through an authorized deputy, which is a private business licensed by the BMV to handle certain transactions. Deputies are often located in smaller towns or rural areas where there is no BMV branch nearby. Not all deputies handle title applications, so call ahead to confirm. Deputies charge a small fee on top of the BMV fee, but they can save you a trip.
The fee and payment methods
Indiana charges a flat fee for a standard vehicle title. The exact amount changes based on the type of vehicle and whether you are getting a new title or a duplicate, so check the current fee on the BMV website or call your local branch before you go. If you are getting a salvage title (for a vehicle that has been in a major accident) or a rebuilt title (for a salvaged vehicle that has been repaired), the fee is higher.
At an in-person BMV branch, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are mailing your process, send a check or money order made out to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash in the mail. If you file through a deputy, ask what payment methods they take — most accept cash and cards, but policies vary.
What happens after you submit your process
Once the BMV receives your process, they verify that the vehicle information, ownership documents, and your identity all match their records. This step usually takes a few days to a week. If everything checks out, they print your title and mail it to the address you provided on the form. In-person applications are often processed faster than mail applications because the staff can verify information when ready.
If the BMV finds a problem — for example, if the signature on the bill of sale does not match the signature on the title, or if the vehicle identification number (VIN) does not match — they will contact you. Keep your phone number and email current on the form so they can reach you. If you do not hear from them within the timeframe they gave you, call your local BMV branch to check the status.
Once your title is issued, the BMV mails it to you. Do not assume it is lost if it takes a few weeks — mail delivery times vary. If you need the title urgently, some BMV branches can print a temporary title or certified copy while you wait for the permanent one to arrive in the mail.
Special situations and what to do
If you are buying a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer usually files the title process for you as part of the sale. Ask the dealer what documents you need to provide and when you can expect the title. Some dealers file when ready; others wait until after the sale is finalized. Get a timeline in writing so you know what to expect.
If you are buying from a private seller and the title has a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a bank or lender), the lender must sign off on the title before you can register it in your name. The seller should handle this with their lender, but confirm it is done before you complete the purchase. If the lien is not released, the BMV will not issue a title in your name.
If you are moving to Indiana from another state and you already have a title from that state, you can transfer it to an Indiana title. Bring your out-of-state title, a bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of residency in Indiana, and your ID to any BMV branch. The process is the same as getting a new title, and the fee is the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my Indiana title?
In-person applications are usually processed within a few business days, and you may get a temporary title to use while you wait for the permanent one. Mail applications take two to four weeks because the documents have to travel and be verified. Call your local BMV branch if you have not received your title within the timeframe they gave you.
What if I lost the previous owner's title?
You can still file for a title if you have a bill of sale or purchase agreement signed by both you and the previous owner. The bill of sale serves as proof of ownership. If you do not have either document, contact the previous owner and ask them to sign a statement confirming they sold you the vehicle, or ask the BMV what other documents they will accept.
Can I get a title for a vehicle I inherited?
Yes. Bring the previous owner's title, a signed statement from the estate or heirs confirming you inherited the vehicle, a copy of the will or court document showing the inheritance, your ID, and proof of residency. The BMV may ask for additional documents depending on the situation, so call ahead to confirm what you need.
Do I need a title if I am just registering the vehicle?
You need a title to register a vehicle in Indiana. The title proves you own it. If you do not have a title yet, you must file for one before you can get license plates. Some dealers include title filing as part of the purchase, so ask before you assume you need to do it yourself.
What if there is a mistake on my title after I receive it?
Contact your local BMV branch right away with proof of the error. You may need to file for a corrected title, which usually costs less than a new title. Bring the incorrect title, documents showing what the correct information should be, and your ID. The BMV will issue a corrected title with the right information.