How To Get a Car Title in Indiana 2026
Indiana law requires every owner of a vehicle domiciled in the state to obtain a certificate of title issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Applications must be submitted within 45 days after purchase or acquisition, with complete documentation and applicable fees, to establish legal ownership and enable vehicle registration.
Where to Apply for an Indiana Certificate of Title
Indiana processes title applications through multiple authorized channels statewide:
- Bureau of Motor Vehicles Branch Locations – Approximately 140 full-service facilities throughout Indiana
- BMV Connect Locations – Partner facilities offering limited services
- Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers – Dealerships authorized to process title transactions
- BMV Central Office – Mail-in processing for specific circumstances
Required Documents for Title Application in Indiana
Submission of a complete title application requires specific documentation as outlined in Indiana administrative regulations.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Certificate of Title (State Form 205) | Completed and signed by all owners | Available at BMV branches or online |
| Proof of Ownership | Valid Indiana title assigned to applicant, out-of-state title with proper endorsement, or manufacturer's certificate of origin | Document must be surrendered at time of application |
| Proof of Indiana Residency | Indiana driver's license or state identification card | Current address required for all listed owners |
| Certificate of Gross Retail or Use Tax Paid (State Form ST-108) | Verification of sales tax payment or exemption | Issued by Indiana Department of Revenue or authorized dealer |
Additional Documentation Requirements
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Identification Number Inspection | Verify VIN for out-of-state or specially constructed vehicles | Performed by law enforcement or authorized inspector |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Federal requirement for vehicles less than 20 model years old | Must be completed on title or separate form |
| Lien Release | Clear outstanding security interest | Original lienholder signature and notarization required |
| Bill of Sale (State Form 44237) | Document private-party transaction | Required when title is unavailable in specific circumstances |
| Power of Attorney | Authorize representative to act | Must be properly executed and notarized |
| Salvage Title Documentation | For rebuilt or salvage vehicles | Additional inspection and documentation required |
Indiana Title Fees and Costs
Indiana establishes title fees through statutory authority administered by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Certificate of Title | $15.00 | Initial Indiana title issuance |
| Duplicate Title | $15.00 | Replacement for lost or damaged certificate |
| Speed Title Processing | $25.00 | Expedited processing in addition to standard title fee |
| Salvage Title | $4.00 | Reduced fee for salvage vehicle certification |
| Administrative Penalty for Late Title | $25.00 | Applied when title application exceeds 45-day deadline |
| Administrative Penalty for Late Salvage Title | $10.00 | Applied when salvage title application is late |
| Special Identification Number (MVIN or HIN) | $10.00 | For vehicles requiring assigned identification numbers |
Additional Processing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Passenger Vehicle) | $21.35 | Annual vehicle registration |
| Registration Transfer Fee | $9.50 | Transfer registration to different vehicle |
| Excise Tax | Variable | Based on vehicle age, type, and declared value |
| Electric Vehicle Supplemental Fee | $242.00 | Annual fee for battery electric vehicles |
| Hybrid Vehicle Supplemental Fee | $81.00 | Annual fee for plug-in hybrid vehicles |
| Administrative Penalty for Late Registration | $30.00 | Applied when registration renewal is overdue |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Required Documentation
Collect the properly assigned certificate of title, proof of tax payment (Form ST-108), Indiana driver's license or identification card for all owners, and any supporting transfer documents. For out-of-state vehicles, schedule a VIN inspection with law enforcement or an authorized inspector.
Step 2: Complete Application for Certificate of Title
Fill out State Form 205 with accurate vehicle information, including the complete 17-character VIN, year, make, model, body style, and declared gross weight. List all owners exactly as they should appear on the certificate. Include lienholder information if the vehicle is financed. All owners must sign the application with original signatures.
Step 3: Calculate Total Fees and Taxes
Determine the combined total of title fee ($15), registration fee ($21.35 for passenger vehicles), excise tax based on vehicle age and value, and any applicable supplemental fees. Additional charges apply for late applications or specialty services.
Step 4: Submit Application Package
Present all original documents, completed application, and payment to a BMV branch location or authorized dealer. Staff will review documents for completeness, verify the VIN, and process the transaction. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Standard title applications typically require up to 21 calendar days for processing and mailing. Speed title service reduces processing time to approximately 3 business days for an additional fee. Effective July 1, 2025, Indiana offers both electronic and paper title options. When no lien exists, the certificate is issued in the owner's chosen format. If a security interest is recorded, the title is maintained electronically or delivered to the lienholder until the loan is satisfied.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Certain vehicles are exempt from Indiana title requirements under Indiana Code 9-17:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government
- Vehicles owned by the State of Indiana
- Vehicles owned by manufacturers or dealers and held exclusively for sale
- Camping trailers with declared gross weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds manufactured before January 1, 1986 (until first transfer)
- Vehicles registered under apportioned registration programs
- Special mobile equipment designed primarily for non-highway use
- Implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations
Contact Information
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N405, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Indiana BMV
