Transferring a car title after the owner dies in Indiana
For a spouse, child, heir or executor dealing with a car that was owned by someone who died in Indiana.
To transfer a car title after the owner dies in Indiana, start with the title. A transfer on death beneficiary takes the title and a copy of the death certificate to a BMV branch. For a small estate with no personal representative, heirs can use State Form 18733, the affidavit for transfer without administration.
If the estate is going through probate, or family members disagree, talk to the probate court or a lawyer before you sign anything.
Last checked against official Indiana sources.
Which route applies when a car owner dies in Indiana?
A transfer on death beneficiary
Take the title with the TOD designation and a copy of the death certificate to a BMV branch to apply for a new title.
in.gov checkedHeirs of a small estate with no personal representative
If the estate is worth $100,000 or less, at least five days have passed and no personal representative is planned, the heirs sign State Form 18733 and add a copy of the death certificate.
State Form 18733 · Affidavit for Transfer of Certificate of Title for a Vehicle/Watercraft Without Administrationforms.in.gov checkedCommon questions
What is Indiana State Form 18733?
The Affidavit for Transfer of Certificate of Title for a Vehicle/Watercraft Without Administration. Heirs of a small estate use it when no personal representative is planned.
forms.in.gov checked in.gov checked
What does a transfer on death beneficiary bring?
The title with the transfer on death designation and a copy of the death certificate.
in.gov checked
Sources for this page
- forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=15187 Checked
- in.gov/bmv/
titles/ Checkedtitle-forms - in.gov/bmv/
titles/ Checkedtransfer-on-death
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.