Hamilton County Vehicle Title Transfer
Last Updated: August 2026
When you buy, sell or otherwise receive a vehicle in Hamilton County, the vehicle title must be transferred to the new owner. Indiana gives buyers 45 days after acquiring the vehicle to apply for a new certificate of title.
Quick Answer
If you bought a vehicle from a private seller, make sure the seller has properly completed the seller and purchaser sections of the title before you go to the BMV.
The buyer is responsible for applying for the new title, registration and license plate.
Buying a Vehicle From a Private Seller
Before leaving with the vehicle, make sure the seller properly completes the required sections of the title.
The Indiana BMV says both the seller and purchaser sections of the certificate of title should be completed in full before the buyer applies for the new title.
The buyer is responsible for obtaining the new:
- Certificate of title
- Vehicle registration
- License plate, when needed
The seller should remove their license plate from the vehicle at the time of sale.
What You’ll Need
Exact requirements depend on the transaction, but you may need:
- Properly assigned vehicle title
- Application for Certificate of Title
- Proof of identification
- Odometer information when required
- Sales-tax documentation
- Payment for title, tax and registration fees
- Additional documents for certain transactions
The BMV provides the necessary forms through its official Title Forms page.
Title Transfer Fees and Sales Tax
The standard Indiana fee to issue a vehicle title is currently $15. A $30 late-title penalty applies when the title application is submitted after the required 45-day period.
When buying from a private seller, the buyer generally pays Indiana’s 7% sales tax when applying for the new title.
If you purchased from an Indiana dealership, the dealer normally collects the sales tax and provides documentation showing it was paid.
→ View Plate Fees
Do You Need a Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale can be useful for documenting a transaction, but it generally cannot replace a required vehicle title.
Indiana only allows a bill of sale to serve as proof of ownership in limited situations involving vehicles or property that don’t require a standard certificate of title.
If the seller doesn’t have the required title, don’t assume a handwritten bill of sale will be enough to transfer ownership.
Buying From an Indiana Dealer
When you purchase from an Indiana dealership, the dealer generally handles much of the title paperwork.
Keep the paperwork you receive from the dealer, including documentation showing sales tax paid.
If you’re buying from an out-of-state dealer, additional title documents may be required.
Moving to Hamilton County From Another State
New Indiana residents must transfer their out-of-state vehicle titles to Indiana.
Indiana does not charge sales tax simply for transferring a vehicle you already own from your previous state of residence.
→ View New Resident BMV Information
What If There’s a Lien?
If a lienholder holds the title in another state, the process is different.
The Indiana BMV may require State Form 1014 – Request for Title so the BMV can obtain the title from the lienholder before completing the Indiana title application.
Check with the BMV before visiting if you don’t physically have the title because a lender holds it.
Electronic Titles
Indiana now allows vehicle titles to be issued in either electronic or paper form.
Electronic titles became available beginning July 1, 2025 and serve in place of a traditional paper title.
Registering the Vehicle
After the vehicle is titled, you’ll also need to make sure it is properly registered.
Indiana requires newly acquired, unregistered vehicles to be registered within 45 days of purchase or acquisition.
Local Tips
- Make sure the seller completes the title before you leave with the vehicle.
- Check the VIN on the title against the VIN on the vehicle.
- Don’t rely on a bill of sale when Indiana requires a title.
- Apply for the new title within 45 days to avoid a late penalty.
- Remember to budget for sales tax when buying from a private seller.
- If a lender holds an out-of-state title, contact the BMV before visiting a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to transfer a vehicle title in Indiana?
Generally, 45 days after purchasing or otherwise acquiring the vehicle.
How much does an Indiana title cost?
The standard title issuance fee is currently $15. Other fees and taxes may apply depending on the transaction.
Do I pay sales tax on a private vehicle purchase?
Generally, yes. Private-party buyers pay applicable Indiana sales tax when applying for the new title.
Can I transfer ownership with only a bill of sale?
Usually not when the vehicle is required to have a certificate of title.
Can I register the vehicle before transferring the title?
The vehicle must first be titled before a new Indiana registration can be issued.
Related Pages
→ BMV
→ BMV Appointments
→ New Resident BMV
→ Plate Fees
Official Resources
Indiana BMV – Buying & Selling a Vehicle
Title-transfer requirements for buyers and sellers.
Indiana BMV Buying & Selling a Vehicle
Indiana BMV Vehicle Titles
Title information, liens, duplicate titles and other title services.
Indiana BMV Title Forms
Official title applications and supporting forms.
Summary
Hamilton County buyers should apply for an Indiana vehicle title within 45 days of acquiring the vehicle. The current title fee is $15, and a $30 late penalty applies after the deadline.
For a private sale, make sure the seller properly completes the title before you take possession of it.