Indiana Car Title Transfer Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare the documents commonly needed to transfer a vehicle title in Indiana. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, county, and transaction details, so always confirm with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before submitting.
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Quick answer
An Indiana title transfer is handled by the Indiana BMV. The seller signs the title over to the buyer — no notarization is required for a standard sale — and the buyer has 45 days to apply for a new title, one of the longer windows in the country, after which a $30 penalty applies. Indiana charges a $15 title fee, 7% sales tax on the purchase price, and an annual excise tax. Verify current fees and requirements with the Indiana BMV.
Key facts
- State
- Indiana
- Agency
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Title Transfer
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 45 days
- Last verified
- 2026-07-06
- Official source
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles ↗
Key facts from official sources
The buyer must apply for an Indiana title within 45 days of purchase; a $30 administrative penalty applies after that.
Indiana BMV — Titles: Buying & Selling ↗Indiana charges 7% state sales tax on the purchase price at titling.
Indiana BMV — Buying and Selling ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection required?
◆Conditional⏱ Important Deadlines
- 45-day deadline: The buyer must apply for an Indiana title within 45 days of purchase; a $30 administrative penalty applies after that (Indiana Code § 9-17-3-2).Official source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Buyer Checklist
Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.
Fees
Title fee
Standard Indiana title fee as published; verify the current amount with the Indiana BMV.
Sales tax
Indiana state sales tax on the purchase price; there is no additional local sales tax on vehicles.
Annual excise tax
Assessed at registration based on the vehicle's value and age. Verify the current schedule with the Indiana BMV.
Special requirements
Indiana does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer.
Recommended for all title transfers. May be required in some states.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
Indiana has no statewide safety or emissions inspection for private sales. Residents of Lake and Porter counties must pass an emissions test, and an out-of-state vehicle needs a VIN inspection at a BMV branch.
Step-by-step process
- 1Seller signs the title in the seller's signature section.
- 2Seller completes odometer disclosure on the title.
- 3Buyer collects the signed title, bill of sale, and any other required documents.
- 4Buyer submits all documents and fees to the state motor vehicle agency.
- 5Buyer pays applicable sales tax and title fee.
- 6New title is mailed to the buyer (timeline varies by state).
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Waiting past 45 days to title — a $30 penalty applies even though the window is long.
- ✗Forgetting the 7% sales tax due at titling.
- ✗Assuming an emissions test is needed everywhere — only Lake and Porter counties require one.
- ✗Expecting to keep the seller's plates — Indiana plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about Indiana title transfer:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a title transfer take?
Processing time varies by state and submission method. Check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for current processing times.
Can I transfer a title online?
Some states offer online title transfer. Check the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website for available online services.
What if the seller's name is different from what's on the title?
The seller must first update the title to their current name before selling. Contact the state agency for the process.
Other Indiana vehicle tasks
Title Transfer in other states
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-06 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice