Indiana Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Indiana DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 45 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | State Form 1014 |
Indiana title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (State Form 1014) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Indiana requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Indiana requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Indiana DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Indiana DMV — within 45 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Indiana DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 7% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Indiana DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Indiana DMV the same day as the sale.
Indiana lien release procedure
- Obtain State Form 1014 from the Indiana BMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs State Form 1014 releasing the lien.
- Submit State Form 1014 with the existing title and title application at an Indiana BMV branch.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Indiana title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Indiana estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Indiana DMV.
Need a Indiana bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Indiana DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Indiana Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Indiana
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Indiana?▾
Indiana requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 45 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Indiana title transfer cost?▾
Indiana charges 7% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Indiana?▾
Yes — Indiana requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Indiana DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Indiana?▾
In Indiana, the lender must complete State Form 1014 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Indiana DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Indiana?▾
Indiana inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Indiana DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Indiana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07