What you need to do to get an Indiana vehicle title
To get a title in Indiana, you submit an process to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) along with proof of ownership, proof of identity, and payment. The BMV is the only office that issues titles in Indiana — you cannot get one from a county clerk or a third-party service. You can explore in person at any BMV branch, by mail to the Indianapolis headquarters, or online through the BMV's website if you meet certain conditions.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on how you explore. In-person applications are usually processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail applications typically take two to three weeks. Online applications, available only for certain transactions like title transfers between private parties, process faster but have stricter requirements about what documents you can submit.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana titles are issued only by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, not by county offices or private services.
- You will need a completed process form (BMV 130 or 130A depending on your situation), proof of ownership, proof of identity, and a check or money order for the title fee.
- In-person applications at any BMV branch are processed fastest, often the same day, while mail applications take two to three weeks.
- Online title applications are available for some transactions but require that all documents already be on file with the BMV.
Which form to use and where to get it
The form you need depends on why you are explore for a title. The most common form is the process for Duplicate or Corrected Title (BMV 130), used when you are replacing a lost or damaged title, correcting information on an existing title, or getting your first title for a vehicle you own. The process for Certificate of Title (BMV 130A) is used when you are transferring a title from another state or registering a vehicle that has never been titled in Indiana.
You can read both forms from the official Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. The site also has a form finder tool that asks you questions about your situation and tells you which form applies. You can print the form at home and bring it completed to a BMV branch, or you can pick up a blank form at any branch and fill it out there. The BMV does not charge for the form itself.
If you are explore by mail, print the form, complete it by hand or typewriter (not handwritten in cursive if possible, as the BMV scans these), and mail it with your supporting documents and payment to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Documents and fees required for each type of process
| process Type | Main Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplicate or Corrected Title (BMV 130) | Completed form, proof of identity, current title or proof of ownership, vehicle identification number (VIN) | $15 | Same day (in person) or 2–3 weeks (mail) |
| Certificate of Title for New Registration (BMV 130A) | Completed form, proof of identity, proof of ownership (bill of sale, previous title, or manufacturer's certificate), VIN verification form if required | $15 | Same day (in person) or 2–3 weeks (mail) |
| Title Transfer Between Private Parties (online) | Both parties' proof of identity, current title on file with BMV, bill of sale or assignment of title | $15 | 3–5 business days |
Payment must be made by check or money order made out to the "Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles." If you explore in person, some BMV branches accept cash or card, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. Do not send cash by mail.
Proof of ownership documents the BMV accepts
Proof of ownership is the document that shows you have the legal right to the vehicle. If you already have an Indiana title, that is your proof of ownership. If you do not, the BMV accepts a bill of sale (a written agreement between buyer and seller that includes the vehicle's VIN, the sale price, and both parties' signatures), a title from another state, a manufacturer's certificate of origin for a new vehicle, or a court order awarding you the vehicle.
A bill of sale does not have to be on an official form — you can write one yourself on plain paper as long as it includes the VIN, the date of sale, the names and signatures of both the buyer and seller, and the sale price. The BMV will not accept a receipt from a repair shop, a registration card, or a loan document as proof of ownership by itself, though these can support your process if paired with a bill of sale.
If the vehicle was inherited, you will need a copy of the will or a court document showing you are the legal heir, plus the deceased owner's title if available. If you are explore for a title on a vehicle you built yourself, the BMV requires a VIN verification form completed by an authorized inspector.
Proof of identity requirements
You must provide a government-issued photo ID. The BMV accepts a driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. The ID must be current or expired no more than one year. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, but this is less common and you should call your local BMV branch first to confirm they will accept it.
If you are explore by mail and cannot provide an original ID, you can send a photocopy of your ID along with a notarized statement confirming your identity. Some BMV branches will notarize documents for free, though this varies by location.
In-person, mail, and online process paths
In-person applications are the fastest route. You go to any BMV branch with your completed form, proof of ownership, proof of identity, and payment. The staff will review your documents on the spot, answer questions, and process your process. You will receive your title the same day in most cases, or within a few business days if additional verification is needed. BMV branches are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Mail applications take longer but work if you cannot visit a branch. Mail your completed form, documents, and payment to the Indianapolis headquarters. The BMV will contact you by phone or mail if they need more information. Once approved, they mail your title to the address you provided. The entire process usually takes two to three weeks, but can take longer if documents are unclear or if the BMV needs to verify information with another state or lender.
Online applications are available only for title transfers between private parties when both the buyer and seller have Indiana driver's licenses or state IDs. You must create an account on the BMV website, upload digital copies of your documents, and pay the fee by card. The BMV will review your submission and contact you if anything is missing. This route is faster than mail but slower than in-person, typically taking three to five business days.
What happens if information on your title is wrong
If your title shows the wrong name, wrong VIN, wrong vehicle description, or any other error, you can correct it by submitting a BMV 130 form with a letter explaining the error and supporting documents. If the error was made by the BMV, there is no fee. If the error was in the information you provided, you may be charged the $15 title fee again.
Common errors include misspelled names, transposed VIN numbers, and incorrect vehicle color or body type. Bring your current title, proof of identity, and any documents that show what the correct information should be (such as the vehicle's registration or insurance card). If the error involves the VIN, the BMV may require a VIN verification form from an authorized inspector to confirm the correct number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a title if the vehicle has a lien on it?
Yes, but the lienholder's name will appear on the title. You cannot remove the lien until the loan is paid off. Once you pay off the loan, the lienholder must sign a release form and send it to the BMV, or you can bring it in person. The BMV will then issue a new title without the lien.
What if I lost my title and do not remember the VIN?
You can find the VIN on your vehicle registration card, insurance documents, or by looking at the driver's side of the windshield or the door jamb of the driver's door. If you still cannot find it, bring your vehicle to a BMV branch and staff can help you locate it. You will need proof of identity and proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale).
How long does an Indiana title last once I get it?
An Indiana title does not expire. It remains valid for as long as you own the vehicle. You only need to renew or replace it if you lose it, if information changes, or if you transfer ownership to someone else.
Can someone else pick up my title for me if I explore in person?
Yes, but they will need a signed letter from you giving them permission, plus a copy of your ID and their own ID. Some BMV branches have specific rules about this, so call ahead to confirm what they require.
What if the BMV says my documents are not acceptable?
The BMV will contact you by phone or mail and explain what is missing or unclear. You then have a set amount of time to provide the correct documents. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing with the BMV's administrative office, though this is uncommon for title applications.