- Common DMV Issues

Title Transfers

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Page Overview

What is a Title Transfer?
Selling a Vehicle
Buying a Vehicle
Removing a Lien
Transferring to Family or Gifting a Vehicle
Donating a Vehicle
Inheriting a Vehicle
Making Name Corrections

Top What is a Title Transfer?

A certificate of title acts as evidence that you own a vehicle. If you are the proud owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, semi trailer, mobile home, recreational vehicle, or recreational trailer, you must have it titled. You'll need to title your vehicle within 31 days of purchasing it. Failure to do so will result in a $21 fine.

Reasons why you might need to transfer a vehicle title include the following:

Selling or buying a vehicle

Obtaining a new title after a loan is repaid and the lienholder's name can be removed

Giving a vehicle as a gift

Supporting a charity by donating your vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle

Deleting, changing, or adding names on the title

Buying a Used Car? Order a Vehicle History Report First

Ordering a vehicle history report is a critical step in the used car buying process. Failing to do so could result in the purchase of a vehicle with frame, flood, or fire damage, odometer rollback and more. Stay on the safe side, and order a vehicle history report before you buy a used vehicle.

Top Selling a Vehicle

Many drivers decide to sell their vehicles privately instead of working with a licensed dealership to complete the transaction. However, this can be tricky because both the buyer and the seller are in search of a bargain. To show potential buyers that your asking price is fair, consider ordering a vehicle history report. For additional information, please see our section on VHRs.

Once your vehicle has sold, the following steps are necessary to complete the title transfer process:

Remove the license plates from the vehicle.
Sign and date the title as the seller. If you have misplaced or damaged your title, see our section on Replacing a Lost Title to learn how to request a duplicate.
Complete the odometer statement.
Have the buyer sign and date the title.
Fill out a Bill of Sale.
The buyer will need to bring the above documents and verification of his/her Social Security number.

Top Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

One of the more convenient aspects of a new car purchase is that the dealership will have a representative available to help you with all of the paperwork needed to complete the title transfer process.

To save time searching for a new car that fits your needs, consider shopping online.

Used Cars

After considering your transportation budget, you may find that used cars are a better match for your needs. However, it takes some time to determine if the vehicles in your price range and car loan options you have available are sufficient. You will also need to obtain a valid car insurance policy for your purchase. To make this task easier, visit our Insurance Center to obtain quotes from a variety of carriers.

To avoid the stress and headaches associated with purchasing a lemon, remember to request a vehicle history report online to make sure you know as much as possible about the history of the car you want to buy.

Once you've found the perfect vehicle, follow these steps to transfer the title:

Have the person selling the vehicle and date the title.
Have the seller complete the odometer statement.
Sign and date the title under the buyer section.
Complete the Bill of Sale.
Visit a state Bureau of Motor Vehicles license agency. You may go to any branch to apply for your title.
Provide all of the title transfer paperwork, plus verification of your Social Security number.
If there is a lien on your vehicle, such as when you borrow money to buy it, the license branch will request your title from the lienholder. You must provide lienholder (usually the lender) information.
Provide payment for all necessary fees. In most cases, titles cost $15. Sales tax is 7% and is only paid at the license branch if the vehicle was purchased from a private individual.

Generally, you will receive your Indiana title in the mail anywhere from one to four weeks from the application date. Speed service titles, available for pickup on the next business day, can be purchased for an additional $25 fee.

NOTE: The signed Certificate of Title provides proof of legal ownership. If the seller can't provide this document, he/she may not be authorized to complete the transaction. Never provide payment for a vehicle until you have a properly assigned title.

Top Removing a Lien

Today, many drivers apply for a loan to purchase their vehicles. When a lien is outstanding, the lienholder's name must be on the title. After the loan is repaid, however, the title needs to be reissued in the driver's name alone. In most cases, the lienholder will take care of all the paperwork needed to complete this process.

Top Transferring to Family or Gifting a Vehicle

If you are receiving a vehicle as a gift from a family member or friend:

On the back of the title, under the space marked purchase price, write "Gift."
Have the current owner sign and date the title after completing the odometer statement.
Sign and date the title under the spot reserved for the buyer.
Bring the title to the license agency.
Provide payment for the $15 titling fee to receive a new title in your name. Speed service titles, available for pickup on the following business day, are provided for an additional $25 fee.

Top Donating a Vehicle

If you enjoy volunteering your time to support your favorite charity, you may want to consider donating your vehicle as well. This is a simple way to benefit a worthy cause while earning yourself a significant tax deduction. See our section on car donation for more information. If you have questions about how to correctly claim a vehicle donation deduction on your return, consult a tax attorney for advice.

Top Inheriting a Vehicle

If you are the recipient of an inherited vehicle, it's recommended that you seek legal advice from a probate attorney.

To transfer a title following the death of the vehicle owner:

Complete an Affidavit for Transfer of Certificate of Title for a Vehicle/Watercraft.
Bring it, the title, and a copy of the death certificate with you to a license agency.
Pay $15 to receive a new title. Speed service titles are available for an additional $25 fee.

Top Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

Complete either a Personal Name Change Affidavit or a One-and-the-Same-Person Affidavit, whichever fits your situation.
Bring this form and the vehicle title to the nearest license agency.
Pay $15 to receive a new title.

If you need documentation to complete the title transfer process, you may wish to order a vital record. To learn more about how to update your driver's license, see our section on Changing Your Name.

Adding a Name

Both the current title holder and the person whose name is to be added must sign the title application. (An attorney representing one of the parties may sign the application, after an affidavit or power of attorney form has been filed.) Another option is to have the new party sign a notarized affidavit allowing the name to be added. The title owner will also need to sign the form.
Bring the title to the nearest license agency.
Pay $15 to receive a new title.

Deleting a Name

Both the current title holder and the person whose name is being removed must sign off on the transaction. The party whose name is being removed may file an affidavit or power of attorney form allowing their attorney to sign the title for them.
Bring the title to the nearest license agency.
Pay $15 to receive a new title.

Related Questions from DMV Answers

How do I handle a title transfer with a gift of car?
Categories:
- Buying and Selling > Car Donation and Gifts
Requirements for gift of car vary with each state. The process is very similar to a regular title transfer, but with slight variations. Some states require writing the word "GIFT" as the price on the title or on a bill of sale. Others mandate submitting specific forms. Texas, for example, requires, in addition to all other requirements, completing an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer.Besides the obvious reasons for transferring the car's title, following the gift of car requirements financially benefits the new owner. Confirming that the vehicle was a gift and no money was exchanged shields the new owner from sales tax fees. You can find gift title transfer information on your state's DMV Web site, detailing required signatures, forms and fees.
Read more >>
How much does transferring a title for a car cost?
Categories:
- Title > Title Transfer
The amount a title transfer costs varies by state. You must visit your state motor vehicle agency to conduct an official title transfer. Here are current fees by range for each state. Keep in mind that these fees may change.
Read more >>
Do I need to transfer the vehicle title as the surviving spouse?
Categories:
- Title > Title Transfer
Surviving Spouse Title Transfer It's in your best interest to transfer the title into your name. This will eliminate any future snags or complications should you try to sell the vehicle. Before taking action, learn your state's rights and regulations regarding this surviving spouses and transferring titles. Each state is different. For example, in New York the title automatically transfers into the spouse's name, provided the vehicle has a value of $15,000 or less. All that's required is paying a $50 car title fee, and there's no urgency to submit this because the surviving spouse can drive the vehicle until the registration or insurance expires. But in Wisconsin, for a title transfer to occur the surviving spouse must submit two specific forms, pay a $62 transfer fee, and provide a death certificate if the death occurred outside of Wisconsin or if the deceased was not a Wisconsin resident.So to learn the specific requirements for your state, contact your local D...
Read more >>
Can I take care of title transfers online?
Categories:
- Title > Title Transfer
While the Internet has made many tasks more convenient, title transfers must still be completed the old fashioned way. Although a few states have Web sites that allow you to download the forms necessary to complete a title transfer, you can not actually complete the car title transfer without making a trip to your local DMV office. A title transfer is needed: When you are buying or selling a car When you have paid off a loan When you inherit a vehicle When you transfer a vehicle to a member of your family When you donate a vehicle to a charitable organization When you need to make name corrections after marriage or a divorce Title transfer processes vary slightly by state, but you’ll generally need to provide: A title transfer application The completed car title A Bill of Sale showing the purchase price An odometer reading Proof of insurance Photo identification An emissions inspection certificate Payment for pay any sales or luxury taxes applicable to your purchase No app...
Read more >>
Is a title transfer required when giving a vehicle as a gift?
Categories:
- Title > Title Transfer
Gift, Gifts and Gifting Yes, a title transfer is required when giving used cars as gifts. All states have different title transfer requirements, but you'll find gifting is similar to any other car title exchange. Depending on your state, the seller (or giver in this case) will be required to write the word "GIFT" as the sales amount on either the title or a bill of sale. The word "GIFT" exempts the buyer (or the receiver) from sales tax. Some states, like Maryland for example, have strict gift title regulations. Gifting can only take place between family members. And if last names do not match, proof of family ties must be provided. For the exact gifting requirements in your state, contact your local DMV.
Read more >>