How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Indiana
Indiana has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Indiana-Specific Note
Indiana-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Indiana Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Indiana, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs $21.35 - $30.35 for passenger vehicles. Vehicle sales are subject to 7% sales tax on purchase price. Indiana does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Indiana — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- VIN inspection required for out-of-state titles
- Emissions testing required in Lake and Porter counties
- Title transfer must be completed within 31 days
Indiana sales tax on vehicle purchases
Indiana has a 7% state sales tax rate. Flat 7% statewide; no additional local vehicle taxes. Private-party vehicle sales in Indiana are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $15.
Indiana bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,624 bill of sale documents for Indiana transactions, with 44 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Indiana Vehicle Guides
- Mechanic's Lien on Vehicle in Indiana
- New Resident Vehicle Registration in Indiana
- Out-of-State Buyer Vehicle in Indiana
- License Plate Transfer in Indiana
- Rebuilt Title Cars in Indiana
- Rental Vehicle Buyout in Indiana
Each guide is written specifically for Indiana laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Indiana?
Indiana requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Indiana?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Indiana?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Indiana?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Indiana require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Indiana bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.