Vehicle Title Transfer in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

When you buy, sell, inherit or receive a vehicle in Allen County, the vehicle’s Indiana title generally needs to be transferred to the new owner. Title transactions are handled through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Quick Answer

After buying a vehicle, apply for an Indiana title within 45 days to avoid a late fee.

Certificate of title fee: $15
Late title fee: $30

View Indiana Title Transfer Requirements

BMV Customer Service: 888-692-6841

Buying a Vehicle From a Private Seller

When buying from a private seller, make sure the seller properly completes the title before you take possession of the vehicle.

The title should include required information such as:

Buyer’s name
Seller’s signature
Date of sale
Purchase price
Odometer information when required

Don’t accept a title with missing information or improper alterations. Problems with the title can delay transferring ownership.

View Indiana Buying & Selling Requirements

How Much Does a Title Transfer Cost?

Common Indiana title fees include:

Certificate of title: $15
Late title fee: $30
Expedited title (“speed title”): $25 additional

Registration, license plate and applicable sales tax charges are separate from the title fee.

View Current Indiana BMV Fees

45-Day Title Deadline

Indiana generally requires a new owner to apply for a title within 45 days after purchasing or otherwise acquiring a vehicle.

If you wait longer than 45 days, a $30 administrative penalty may apply.

It’s best to handle the title transfer promptly rather than waiting until you’re ready to renew or register the vehicle.

Sales Tax

When purchasing a vehicle, Indiana sales or use tax may be due as part of the transaction.

If you purchase from an Indiana dealership, the dealer typically handles the sales tax and title paperwork.

For a private-party purchase, the BMV may collect applicable sales tax when you title the vehicle.

Certain transactions, including some family transfers or gifts, may qualify for an exemption when the appropriate requirements are met.

View Indiana BMV Taxes Information

What to Bring

Requirements depend on the transaction, but you may need:

Properly assigned vehicle title
Valid identification
Purchase information
Odometer disclosure when required
Proof of vehicle identification
Applicable tax documentation
Payment for title and registration fees

Additional paperwork may be required for inherited vehicles, gifts, lien releases or other special situations.

Out-of-State Vehicle Titles

If you’re bringing a vehicle into Allen County that was previously titled in another state, additional requirements may apply.

An out-of-state vehicle generally requires a VIN inspection before Indiana will issue a title.

View Indiana Title Information

A VIN inspection is not the same as an emissions test. Allen County does not have Indiana’s mandatory vehicle emissions testing requirement.

Vehicles With a Lien

If a lender has a lien on the vehicle, make sure the lien information is handled correctly during the title transfer.

If a previous lien has been paid off but still appears on the title, you may need proof that the lien was released before the BMV can issue a clear title.

Buying From a Dealer

Indiana dealerships typically submit title paperwork on behalf of the buyer.

Ask the dealership:

Whether it is processing the Indiana title
Whether registration is included
Whether sales tax has been collected
When you should expect your title or registration documents

Keep your purchase paperwork until the transaction is complete.

Selling a Vehicle

If you’re selling a vehicle privately:

Complete the seller section of the title correctly.
Provide required odometer information.
Don’t sign a blank title.
Keep a record of the sale.
Remove your license plate before the buyer takes the vehicle.

Never give a buyer an unsigned or incomplete title.

Gifted & Inherited Vehicles

Title transfers involving gifts, family members, estates or inherited vehicles can require different documentation.

For inherited vehicles, the paperwork depends on factors such as how the vehicle was titled and whether an estate is being administered.

Contact the BMV before visiting if the transfer isn’t a standard purchase.

Where to Transfer a Title

Allen County residents can complete eligible title transactions through an Indiana BMV branch.

Find an Indiana BMV Branch

Allen County has branch options in Fort Wayne and New Haven, but residents may use any Indiana BMV branch.

Indiana BMV Customer Service: 888-692-6841

Before You Go

Before transferring a vehicle title:

Make sure the title is properly completed.
Check for existing liens.
Gather purchase or transfer documents.
Complete a VIN inspection if required.
Check applicable taxes and fees.
Apply within 45 days.
Bring valid identification.
Don’t make alterations to the title.

Local Tip

Look over the title carefully before handing over money in a private vehicle sale. Make sure the seller’s name matches the title and that required sections are properly completed.

Fixing a title problem before the seller leaves is much easier than trying to track them down after you’ve already bought the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a title transfer in Allen County?

Indiana’s standard certificate of title fee is $15. Registration, taxes and other fees may also apply.

How long do I have to transfer a vehicle title?

Indiana generally gives you 45 days after acquiring the vehicle.

What happens if I wait longer than 45 days?

A $30 late title administrative penalty may apply.

Do I need a VIN inspection?

A VIN inspection is generally required for vehicles previously titled in another state and in certain other circumstances.

Do I pay sales tax on a private vehicle purchase?

Applicable Indiana sales or use tax is generally collected when the vehicle is titled unless the transaction qualifies for an exemption.

Official Resources

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Customer Service: 888-692-6841

Summary

Allen County vehicle owners generally have 45 days to transfer a vehicle title after acquiring it. Indiana’s standard title fee is $15, and waiting beyond the deadline can result in a $30 late fee. Make sure the title is completed correctly, resolve any liens and obtain a VIN inspection when required before completing the transfer.