Vehicle owners wondering how to replace a vehicle title in Indiana must note that the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers several application methods for obtaining a copy of a lost car title. Completing the procedure to request a replacement car title in the event of a lost, stolen or damaged title is an important step due to the official need for this document for several BMV transactions.

For example, you will be unable to complete the title transfer and vehicle registration procedures after purchasing a vehicle in a private sale if the seller has lost the title and has not yet obtained a replacement. Get information on how to get a replacement car title in IN and how much it costs by reading the following sections.

When do you need to get a duplicate car title in Indiana?

The procedure to replace a lost car title at the DMV in Indiana is generally initiated when the vehicle owner loses or damages his or her title certificate to the point of illegibility. Applying for a copy of a lost vehicle title in the event that the applicant is still in possession of the original is not allowed.

Therefore, drivers who retrieve the original title after submitting a request for a replacement car title must destroy the original document in order to prevent potential cases of fraud. Car owners who would like to know how to replace a stolen car title in IN must note that they will be required to follow the same steps that apply to the standard title replacement process.

Documents Required When Applying for an Indiana Car Title Copy

One of the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title in Indiana is submitting several documents, which may vary depending on the chosen application method. For instance, when requesting a replacement car title by mail and in person, applicants will have to present an official form of identification, such as a driving license, in addition to the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the state BMV may also require the submission of a lien release form obtained from the lienholder. Prior to applying for a copy of a lost auto title in IN, contact a nearby BMV title office to inquire about the required paperwork that applies to your specific case.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Indiana

If you would like to know how to replace a car title in Indiana in the event of a misplaced, stolen or destroyed title certificate, then note that the state BMV offers the ability to replace a car title online, by mail and in person. Depending on the method chosen to request a car title replacement, you may be required to complete different steps. Replacing a car title online, for instance, is a service that can be utilized without making an office visit, since it is accessible from any computer connected to the internet.

Online

The most convenient method to replace a lost vehicle title with the DMV in Indiana is submitting your request via the state’s BMV services portal. However, in order to request a replacement car title online, you will first be required to create a user account by entering your driver’s license number, Social Security Number and your ZIP code.

Then, you can proceed to the application for a copy of a lost car title in IN by entering your chosen username and password. In the final steps of the online procedure, the system will typically prompt you to provide certain identifying information for purposes of locating your records through a car title search, such as your name and details about your vehicle.

To finalize the internet process to request a vehicle title replacement, you will be asked to submit the applicable fee payment. After manufacturing your duplicate title, the state BMV will send it to your address on record.

By Mail

The process to replace a car title by mail in Indiana is another convenient method to obtain a lost auto title copy, as applicants will not be required to visit a nearby BMV site. To successfully submit an IN replacement car title request by mail, vehicle owners will be required to mail the application form along with a valid identification document and the fee payment to the bureau’s Indianapolis office.

One of the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title by mail is to remit the applicable cost payment in the form of a check or money order. Note that the procedure to replace a vehicle title by mail in IN includes longer processing times than the online option.

In Person

If you are unable to replace your lost vehicle title in Indiana via one of the methods outlined above, then you can always utilize the option to replace a lost car title in person through a nearby BMV title office. Requesting a replacement car title in person is a transaction that can be finalized by meeting requirements that are very similar to those that apply for the mail-in process. Therefore, applicants will be required to fill out the replacement title application form during their office visit, present a photo ID and any supporting documentation and pay the applicable fee.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Indiana

When completing the application form for an Indiana lost car title copy, vehicle owners will be required to enter several types of personal information and data about the vehicle in question. Note that, when completing the replacement title application form, you will not be required to fill it out in its entirety, since it is also used for other titling purposes. The information that is typically required to successfully replace a lost car title with the DMV in IN is outlined in the following list:

  • The vehicle identification number, year, make, type and model
  • The applicant’s name, signature and date of signature
  • The applicant’s Social Security Number and address
  • Information regarding the recorded lien if applicable

Note: When replacing a car title via the internet, applicants may be required to input a slightly different set of data due to the differences between the online and the paper replacement title application forms.

Indiana Car Title Replacement Fees

Motorist wondering how to get a new title if lost or stolen will need to be prepared to pay a $15 fee for a duplicate copy. However, this fee varies depending on whether you utilize the bureau’s speed title service in order to receive your replacement document quickly.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.