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

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:

1. Remove the license plates from the vehicle.
2. 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.
3. Complete the odometer statement.
4. Have the buyer sign and date the title.
5. Fill out a Bill of Sale.
6. 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:

1. Have the person selling the vehicle and date the title.
2. Have the seller complete the odometer statement.
3. Sign and date the title under the buyer section.
4. Complete the Bill of Sale.
5. Visit a state Bureau of Motor Vehicles license agency. You may go to any branch to apply for your title.
6. Provide all of the title transfer paperwork, plus verification of your Social Security number.
7. 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.
8. 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:

1. On the back of the title, under the space marked purchase price, write "Gift."
2. Have the current owner sign and date the title after completing the odometer statement.
3. Sign and date the title under the spot reserved for the buyer.
4. Bring the title to the license agency.
5. 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:

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

Top Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

1. Complete either a Personal Name Change Affidavit or a One-and-the-Same-Person Affidavit, whichever fits your situation.
2. Bring this form and the vehicle title to the nearest license agency.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. Bring the title to the nearest license agency.
3. Pay $15 to receive a new title.

Deleting a Name

1. 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.
2. Bring the title to the nearest license agency.
3. Pay $15 to receive a new title.

Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!