Vehicle owners must complete an out of state car title transfer in Indiana on each occasion they transfer a nonresident vehicle titled by the motor vehicle department of another state. The procedure to transfer an out of state car title can be completed by submitting the necessary paperwork and fee payments to the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

To get more information on how to perform an out of state car title transfer in IN and to learn when to initiate the out of state car title transfer process, read the following sections.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Indiana?

To successfully complete a cross state car title transfer in Indiana, vehicle owners must learn more about the process to transfer a vehicle title and what it entails. If you are wondering what a cross state title transfer is, note that it is a titling transaction that results in the issuance of a new title certificate that replaces the one that was issued by the motorist’s former state.

You must complete the process to re-title a car in another state whether or not the previous title is in your name or where you purchased it from. Failure to complete an out of state vehicle title transfer will obstruct the process of applying for a new car registration, and keep you from legally driving on the roads of Indiana.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Indiana?

If you would like to know when an out of state title transfer is necessary, it is important to note that transferring an out of state car title is mandatory if you plan to operate your vehicle within the state of Indiana. Therefore, the procedure to transfer an out of state vehicle title must be completed by new state residents transferring an out-of-state title and by current residents purchasing a motor vehicle from an out-of-state seller.

Note that new residents who do not finalize the out of state car title transfer within 60 days of establishing residency will be charged a late titling fee. Also, keep in mind that the title transfer process will only transpire if the vehicle in question has already been titled. If you are transferring an out-of-state vehicle on a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, for instance, you will have to apply for your first title with the state BMV.

Note: You have to perform a title transfer even if you have received the out-of-state vehicle as a gift or by means of inheritance.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Indiana

Submitting the documents needed for an out of state title transfer in Indiana is one of the more important steps when transferring an out of state vehicle title. Remember that, while the out of state title transfer paperwork is very similar to the one that is necessary to complete a standard title transfer, applicants may still be required to provide additional paperwork. The standard documentation needed to finalize the process of transferring an out of state car title in IN is outlined in the following list:

  • The out-of-state certificate of title
  • A filled out application for a new title certificate
  • The BMV Physical Inspection of a Vehicle form
  • Proof of a state address, such as a BMV-issued driving license or ID card
  • Proof of a Social Security Number

The out of state car title transfer information and documents outlined above apply when transferring a nonresident vehicle after establishing state residency. However, if you are completing the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title after purchasing a nonresident vehicle, additional paperwork will be needed.

For example, to transfer the out of state car title of a purchased vehicle, you will need a properly endorsed title and an odometer disclosure statement provided either on the title certificate or as a separate document. You will also be required to present a bill of sale, to prove ownership of the vehicle.

If the title is in the possession of an out-of-state lienholder, applicants will be required to submit a Request for Title through a BMV office before proceeding with an out of state title transfer in Indiana.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Indiana as a New Resident

To finalize the Indiana new state resident car title transfer process, vehicle owners will need to submit the required tiling documentation and fee payments in person through a nearby BMV branch office. Note that the option to complete an out of state title transfer online is not currently available since the bureau must immediately verify the submitted paperwork.

The state BMV will process your request to transfer an out of state auto title as soon as the submitted documentation is verified. After completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident, you will receive your vehicle title as soon as it is has been created.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Indiana After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car in Indiana can be finalized by following the steps of the titling procedure for new residents, outlined above. However, instead of completing the in person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, car owners can mail their applications to the BMV Title Processing Central Office in Indianapolis, IN.

If you choose to complete the out of state title transfer after buying a car by mail, check the completeness of your application packet before mailing it in order to avoid a returned application. If the bureau determines that you have legal claim of ownership over the vehicle, your request will be processed.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Indiana

Arranging payment for the Indiana cross state car title transfer fees is an important step in the process of transferring an out of state auto title. New state residents are not required to pay the sales tax since they are not transferring ownership of the vehicle.

However, those who purchase a pre-owned car out of the state will need to pay the title taxes for transferring ownership of a title and will need to pay the standard titling fees as well. In addition to the standard price of a cross state car title transfer, you may also be required to pay extra fees, depending on your circumstances and the type of car you own.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.