How to transfer a car title in Indiana
For private sellers and buyers in Indiana. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Indiana, the seller clears any lien, fills in the seller and buyer sections of the title and keeps the license plate. The buyer applies for a new title at a BMV branch within forty-five days and pays the $15 title fee and the sales tax there.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Indiana?
Seller
- Make sure every lienholder has released the lien before you sell.
- Fill in the seller and the buyer sections on the title completely.
- Take the license plate off when you hand over the car.
- Keep the plate. You can move it to another car you own, and BMV does not need it back.
Buyer
- Check that the seller filled in both the seller and buyer sections of the title.
- Apply for your new title at a BMV branch within 45 days.
- Pay the 7% sales tax at the branch when you apply.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you go: in.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Indiana?
Step 1 · Seller
Clear any lien first.
Every lienholder must release its interest before you sell.
in.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Fill in the seller section of the title.
Complete every part, so the buyer can apply at a branch.
in.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Take off the plate.
Do it at the time of the sale. You can use it on another car you own.
in.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Indiana requires a bill of sale. Check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
Indiana bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Indiana?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the title.
The seller and buyer sections must be complete before you go to a branch.
Step 2 · Buyer
Apply at a BMV branch within 45 days.
After 45 days, BMV charges an administrative penalty.
Step 3 · Buyer
Pay the title fee and the sales tax.
A private buyer pays the sales tax at the branch.
After BMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Indiana guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Indiana · Steps to buy a car in Indiana
- Indiana bill of saleOfficial form State Form 44237
- Replace a lost title in IndianaDuplicate title (State Form 205)
- Car title after a death in IndianaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Indiana?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $15 | Buyer | in.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | 7% of the price | Buyer | in.gov Checked |
| Late title penalty (after 45 days) (if it applies) | $30 | Buyer | in.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $15 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Indiana Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Indiana are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (State Form 205).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
How long does the buyer have to title the car in Indiana?
Forty-five days from the sale. After that, BMV adds an administrative penalty of $30.
Does the seller keep the license plate?
Yes. Take it off at the sale. You can move it to another car you own, and BMV does not need it back.
in.gov checked
How much sales tax does a private buyer pay?
7% of the price, paid at the BMV branch when you apply for the title.
in.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Indiana sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.