How do I transfer ownership of a car in Indiana?

[VanFinley]

To transfer car ownership in Indiana, you must visit a BMV branch with the signed and properly assigned title, a completed Bill of Sale (Form 44020), and pay the $15.25 title fee. The seller must complete their section, and the buyer must apply for a new title within 45 days. Missing or incorrect information on the title is the most common reason for rejection.

The process is straightforward but requires precise documentation. The cornerstone is the vehicle's certificate of title. The seller must accurately complete the assignment section on the back, including the sale price, odometer reading (for vehicles under 16 years old), date, and their printed name and signature. A notarized signature is required if there is a lien release listed on the title. Using blue ink is often recommended to distinguish the original from photocopies.

The buyer must then take this assigned title to a BMV branch to apply for a new title in their name. Required items for the buyer include:

• The assigned title from the seller.
• A completed Bill of Sale (State Form 44020), which serves as a record of the transaction details.
• A completed Vehicle Application for Title (State Form 44020), which is the formal application.
• Proof of Indiana auto insurance meeting state minimums.
• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
• Payment for fees. The standard title fee is $15.25. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, an additional $4 automated title fee applies. Sales tax, currently 7% for most counties, is also collected at this time based on the purchase price or presumptive value.

Document/Fee	Responsible Party	Key Details & Purpose
Assigned Certificate of Title	Seller provides, Buyer submits	Must be signed, dated, and notarized if a lien is released. Odometer disclosure mandatory for vehicles < 16 yrs.
Bill of Sale (Form 44020)	Both parties complete & sign	Official record of sale price, VIN, and parties' information. Required by BMV.
Title Application Fee	Buyer pays	$15.25 standard fee. An extra $4 automated fee for vehicles < 10 yrs old.
Sales Tax	Buyer pays	7% (in most counties) of the purchase price or BMV's presumptive value, whichever is higher.
Proof of Insurance	Buyer provides	Must show active Indiana policy meeting minimum liability coverage before titling.

Special situations have specific rules. For a vehicle gifted to a family member, the "sale price" section is marked "$0" or "Gift," but sales tax may still apply based on vehicle value. Transferring a title after the owner's death requires additional documents like a death certificate and court documents establishing the new owner's right to the asset. If the title is lost, the seller must obtain a duplicate from the BMV before the sale can proceed.

The most frequent pitfalls involve title errors: missing signatures, incorrect odometer readings, or white-out/erasures on the title, which will cause the BMV to reject the application. Both parties should make copies of all signed documents for their records. The buyer has 45 days from the date of sale to title the vehicle to avoid potential late fees.

[McKing]

Just sold my old truck here in Indy. My advice? Double-check that title before you hand it over. As the seller, your main job is filling out the back perfectly. Sign it, print your name exactly as it appears on the front, get the odometer reading right, and put the sale date. If there’s a loan listed, you’ll need a notary to witness your signature after the bank releases it. I used blue ink, which the BMV person said makes it easier for them. Once you hand that signed title to the buyer, your responsibility is done. Make sure you keep a copy of the bill of sale for your taxes.

[McCatherine]

I recently bought a used car from a private seller near Fort Wayne, and navigating the BMV process was my responsibility. The seller gave me the signed title and a bill of sale. At the branch, I needed my driver’s license, Indiana insurance card, and the completed title application form. The fees were clear: a $15.25 title fee plus the 7% sales tax on the purchase price. The BMV representative checked the title assignment meticulously for any smudges or missing information. The entire in-office process took about 20 minutes. My new title arrived in the mail two weeks later. The key is having every document lined up before you go—it saves a lot of time and hassle.

[SawyerMarie]

Moving from Ohio to Indiana meant I had to transfer my car title and get new plates. The process is similar to a new title application but requires an additional VIN inspection. I scheduled an appointment at my local BMV branch. I brought my out-of-state title, my new Indiana driver’s license, proof of Indiana residence (like a utility bill), and my insurance. A BMV employee came out to the parking lot to verify the VIN on my car matched the title—it took two minutes. After that, I paid the title fee and sales tax. I received Indiana plates right away and my new title by mail. It was a smooth process as long as you have proof of your new residency.

[SophieRose]

Understanding the buyer’s timeline and obligations is crucial. From the moment you hand over the money, you have 45 days to get the title in your name at the BMV. Driving an untitled vehicle is risky and can complicate insurance claims. Your first step should be securing Indiana insurance before the BMV visit. At the office, you’re not just applying for a title; you’re also paying the state sales tax. Be prepared for the tax to be calculated on the higher amount between your purchase price and the BMV’s own book value for the car. Keep the signed bill of sale and a copy of the assigned title with you in the vehicle until your new title arrives. This paperwork is your proof of ownership during that interim period. If the seller’s title has any errors, do not proceed—ask them to correct it or get a duplicate. It’s your problem once you accept it.