How long does it take to get a title in Indiana

Most Indiana vehicle titles arrive by mail in about two weeks, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) advises allowing up to 21 days after your application is finalized. If there’s a lien, Indiana generally issues an electronic title to the lienholder, and you’ll receive a paper title only after the lien is released. Dealers typically must submit title paperwork within roughly a month, and you are required to apply for title soon after purchase.

What the timeline includes

How quickly you receive a title depends on where you applied, whether a lien is involved, and whether the vehicle falls into a special category (such as out-of-state, rebuilt, or court-ordered titles). The following scenarios outline typical timeframes Indiana BMV customers experience.

• Branch application (standard title, no complications): Processing begins immediately at the branch; the paper title is printed centrally and mailed. Most titles arrive in about 10–14 business days; allow up to 21 days.
• Mail-in or central office processing: Add mailing and handling time. Expect roughly 2–3 weeks once your complete application is accepted.
• Dealer purchase: Dealers generally must submit your title work within about 30 days of sale. After the BMV finalizes the application, mailing time is typically up to 21 days. Many buyers receive plates first and the title later by mail.
• Vehicles with a lien: Indiana typically issues an electronic title (e-title) to the lienholder. You will receive a paper title only after the lienholder records a lien release; mailing after release is commonly 10–21 days.
• Special cases (out-of-state vehicles, salvage/rebuilt, court orders, VIN corrections): These can require additional verification and review. Processing may extend to 3–6 weeks depending on complexity and documentation.

In short, standard title applications without liens or special conditions are usually fulfilled within two to three weeks by mail; complex cases and dealer-submitted transactions can take longer.

Factors that can speed up or slow down your title

The BMV timeline doesn’t start until your application is complete and accepted. Missing documents, incorrect information, or address problems are the most common causes for delays. The points below explain what typically affects timing in Indiana.

• Completeness of your application: Missing signatures, odometer disclosures, or sales tax details can pause processing.
• Out-of-state vehicles: VIN verification and any prior lien payoff documentation add steps.
• Active lien/electronic title: The title stays electronic with the lienholder until they submit a lien release to Indiana.
• Unpaid taxes/fees: Any outstanding amounts must be settled before the title is issued.
• Address accuracy: Titles are mailed and are generally not forwarded; wrong or outdated addresses cause returns and delays.
• Name changes or power of attorney: Additional proof or forms may be required.
• High-volume periods: Month-end and early-month peaks, plus holidays, can extend mailing times.
• Postal delays: Delivery times can vary by location and season.
• Corrections or legal constraints: Title corrections, court orders, or security freezes require manual review.

Ensuring your paperwork is accurate and complete, and confirming your address, are the fastest ways to keep your title on track.

How to get your Indiana title as quickly as possible

While you can’t control every part of the process, you can take several practical steps to avoid delays and receive your title as soon as it’s available to be mailed.

1. Apply promptly: Indiana requires buyers to title a newly purchased vehicle soon after purchase; don’t wait until your temporary plate is about to expire.
2. Use a BMV branch when possible: Submitting in person starts processing immediately and helps catch errors on the spot.
3. Bring complete documents: Certificate of title (properly assigned), bill of sale (if applicable), odometer disclosure, valid ID, proof of address, and any lien release or loan paperwork.
4. Verify your mailing address: Titles are mailed and typically not forwarded; confirm the address on your application.
5. Pay all taxes and fees at submission: Unpaid items will hold up issuance.
6. Track dealer submissions: If you bought from a dealer and haven’t seen progress after a few weeks, ask for the Indiana title application confirmation or submission date.
7. For liens, ask about electronic release: After payoff, request your lender submit the lien release promptly to Indiana so the paper title can be mailed.
8. Follow up if it’s late: If it’s been more than about 21 days since BMV finalized your application (or since lien release), contact the Indiana BMV for status.
9. Request a duplicate only if necessary: If a mailed title was lost, you can apply for a duplicate, which restarts the mailing timeline.

These steps minimize rework and help ensure your title is issued and delivered in the earliest possible window.

Do Indiana branches issue titles on the spot?

No. Indiana titles are printed and mailed from centralized systems. Branches process your application but do not hand you a paper title the same day. If there’s a lien, the title is typically electronic until the lien is released.

How long for a replacement or corrected title?

Duplicate and corrected titles generally follow the same mailing window as a standard title: commonly about two weeks, with up to 21 days advised. Complex corrections can take longer if additional review is required.

Dealer deadlines and temporary plates

Dealers are expected to submit title paperwork within roughly a month of sale, and buyers typically receive a temporary plate to drive legally while the title and permanent registration are processed. If you approach the end of your temporary period without progress, follow up with the dealer and then the BMV.

Contacting the Indiana BMV

If your title has not arrived within the expected timeframe after your application was finalized or your lien was released, contact the Indiana BMV Customer Contact Center for status and next steps. Be prepared with your vehicle information, application date, and any dealer or lienholder details.

Summary

In Indiana, most titles are mailed within about 10–14 business days after the BMV finalizes your application; allow up to 21 days. Titles with active liens are maintained electronically until the lien is released, after which a paper title is typically mailed within the same timeframe. Submitting complete paperwork promptly, confirming your address, and following up with dealers or lienholders when needed are the best ways to avoid delays.

How can I get a copy of my car title fast in Indiana?

You can also choose to use Indiana’s Speed Title service to get your documents faster. The service costs an extra $25 per application. This expedites delivery via UPS or USPS priority services.

How long does it take to get a car title in the mail in Indiana?

Please allow up to 21 calendar days to process and mail a title.

Can I drive my car while waiting for title transfer in Indiana?

In most cases you can indeed drive your car while waiting for the title. Transfer. However the specifics can vary based on your location. And the specific circumstances surrounding the sale.

Can I get a new title the same day?

If there’s no lien on it, you can get an expedited title. If you do it by mail, they’ll send it UPS and you’ll receive it the day after it was processed.