Indiana
Title Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
7.0%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Indiana?
All motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, ORVs, and watercraft must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Vehicles/watercraft exempt from registration, motor-driven cycles, ORVs purchased before 2010, snowmobiles, and special machinery (titled at owner’s option).
Manufactured homes must be titled unless attached to real estate (then may be titled or transferred to real estate).
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), any BMV Branch Location.
Application for Certificate of Title (Form 205 for vehicles, 38529 for watercraft).
Fee: $15.00. Speed title (qualifying transactions): +$25.00.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration receipt.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, CBP 7501, NHTSA HS-7, EPA 3520-1, and certified English translation if needed.
Bill of sale/dealer invoice/purchase order required for all.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Insufficient proof: Affidavit of Ownership (23037) for vehicles/watercraft/homes ≤$5,000; otherwise, court order.
Brands: Assembled, Clear, Correction, Duplicate, Flood Damaged, Manufacturer Buyback, Rebuilt Flood Damaged, Rebuilt, Reconstructed, Replica, Salvage, Specially Constructed. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required for vehicles <7 years old with damage >70% of value or insurer declares total loss; $4.00 salvage title fee.
Rebuilt: Requires salvage restoration, inspection by Indiana State Police, Affidavit of Restoration (44606), proof of parts, and $15.00 title fee.
Junk: Certificate of Authority (55018) and $4.00 fee; vehicle cannot be retitled.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Application for Certificate of Title (205/38529); $15.00 fee.
Speed title: +$25.00.
Affidavit for Certificate of Title Correction (55582) for errors/alterations.
Other notes:
Odometer Disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for untitled vehicles or those not previously titled in Indiana.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, except for MCOs/MSOs and titles. Special rules for odometer and POA.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 7.0% on purchase price.Certificate ST-108 required to show tax paid; credit allowed for trade-in and taxes paid to another state.
New residents with prior out-of-state title/registration are exempt.
Exemptions: Family transfers, gifts, government/nonprofit, interstate commerce, and more.
Excise Tax: Paid annually at registration, based on vehicle/watercraft value and age or flat rate.Commercial Vehicle Excise Tax (CVET) for heavy vehicles.
Watercraft excise tax based on length and class.
Auto Rental Excise Tax: 4.0% on short-term rentals (<30 days); Marion County adds 6.0%.
Heavy Equipment Rental Excise Tax: 2.25% on heavy equipment rentals.
Vehicle Sharing Excise Tax: 2.0% on short-term vehicle sharing.
Other taxes/fees:
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
Annual $15.00 Transportation Infrastructure Improvement fee (except some vehicles).
Supplemental fee: $77.00 for hybrids, $230.00 for EVs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Lienholder info must be on title application.
Lien is perfected as of delivery date.
Second lien requires written permission from primary lienholder.
Assignment: Assignment document or executed title; owner’s signature required.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release lien within 10 business days of satisfaction (electronically for e-liens).
Clear title issued to owner when last lien is satisfied.
How does repossession work in Indiana?
Lienholder may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
Primary lienholder may repossess without release from other lienholders; others require release from first.
Must obtain title in lienholder’s name before resale.
Submit title, Certificate of Repossession (39738), and required docs.
Out-of-state: Provide proof of lien, UCC filing, or court order if title unavailable.
Other notes:
Mechanic’s liens require public notice and sale; surplus goes to owner/lienholder.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) program:
Mandatory for lenders with ≥12 transactions/year; paper titles available on request.
100 N. Senate Avenue, Room 402, Indianapolis, IN 46204
888.692.6841 or 317.233.6000
Enforcement Agency:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles100 N. Senate Ave., Room 402, Indianapolis, IN 46204
888.692.6841 or 317.233.6000
MyBMV
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Indiana State Police, Capitol Police, 100 N. Senate Ave., Suite N340, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317.232.8248
Key Regulations:
BMV manages titling, registration, tax collection, liens, and repossession.
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 minimum.
No safety inspection required; emissions required in Lake and Porter counties for 1976+ vehicles ≤9,000 lbs.
One plate issued; transferable to replacement vehicle.
Title/registration records kept 10 years.