A vehicle title is one of the most important documents you own. It proves you are the legal owner of your car—and without it, selling, transferring, or even donating your vehicle becomes far more complicated. Titles get lost. They get damaged in floods, fires, or forgotten in a drawer. When that happens, knowing exactly how to replace one can save you time, stress, and money.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting a duplicate car title in Indianapolis, Indiana—from the required documents and fees to how long it takes and what to do if you need to sell a car without a title.

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What Documents Do You Need for a Duplicate Title in Indiana?

You’ll need a completed State Form 205, a valid photo ID, and a $15 payment—plus a lien release if applicable. Here’s a breakdown of exactly what the Indiana BMV requires:

State Form 205 – The Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle is the standard form used for duplicate title requests submitted by mail. You can download it directly from the Indiana state forms portal.
Unexpired photo ID – Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, military ID, work ID, school ID, bank card, membership card, or probation card.
Payment of $15.00 – Pay by check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to BMV. Personal checks with an out-of-state address are not accepted. Add $25 if you want a speed title (more on that below).
Lien release (if applicable) – If a lien has been satisfied, you’ll need documentation to prove it. Note that if an active lien remains on record, the duplicate title will be mailed directly to the lienholder—not to you.

One important limitation: duplicate title transactions cannot change any information, including owner names or lien details. If you need to update that information, you’ll need to process a title amendment separately. Additionally, duplicate title transactions cannot be processed on an electronic title.

How to Apply: Online via myBMV vs. In Person

You can request a duplicate title online through myBMV, in person at a branch, at a BMV Connect kiosk, through a Partial Service Provider, or by mail.

Option 1: Apply Online via myBMV (Fastest and Most Convenient)

The easiest way to request a duplicate title is through your myBMV account. Here’s how:

Log in to your myBMV account at mybmv.com
Select the “Vehicle Titles” tab at the top of the page
Click “Order A Replacement Title Online” from the left-hand menu
Select your vehicle and choose the reason for your request from the dropdown menu
Indicate whether you want a speed title (Yes or No)
Add to cart and proceed to checkout

If your vehicle has an active lien on BMV record, a red message will appear on screen. The duplicate title will be mailed to the primary lienholder. You can review which lienholders are listed by selecting your VIN and clicking the “Lienholders” tab.

Option 2: Apply In Person at an Indianapolis BMV Branch

Visit any BMV branch location and present your photo ID to request a duplicate title. Having your vehicle’s VIN handy will help speed up the process.

Option 3: Apply by U.S. Mail

Mail the following documents to the Indiana BMV:

Completed State Form 205
Copy of your unexpired photo ID
Lien release (if applicable)
Check, cashier’s check, or money order for $15 (add $25 for speed title)

Mail to:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 N. Senate Ave., Room N411
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Option 4: BMV Connect Kiosk or Partial Service Provider

BMV Connect kiosks allow you to scan your ID and select “Duplicate Title” directly from the screen. Partial Service Providers (PSPs) across Indiana can also process duplicate title requests—find locations here.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Replacement Title?

Standard processing takes up to 21 calendar days. A speed title significantly reduces that wait time for an additional $25. The Indiana BMV states that you should allow up to 21 calendar days for your title to be processed and mailed. If 21 days pass and you still haven’t received it, call the BMV Contact Center at 888-692-6841.

If you need your title faster, the speed title option is worth the extra cost. Speed titles are mailed via FedEx Ground for standard addresses, or USPS Priority Mail for P.O. boxes—both considerably faster than the standard processing window.

What to Do If You’re Selling a Car Without a Title

In Indiana, you generally cannot legally transfer ownership of a vehicle without a title. Your first step should be obtaining a duplicate title before completing any sale. Indiana law requires a signed and fully completed certificate of title to transfer ownership from a seller to a buyer. The buyer then has 45 days from the date of purchase to apply for a new certificate of title in their name. Missing that window results in an administrative penalty.

If your car is no longer roadworthy and you want to sell it as scrap or salvage, you may be able to sell it to a licensed junk car buyer or auto salvage yard. These are businesses licensed by the Indiana Secretary of State to purchase, dismantle, and sell vehicles for parts or scrap material. Licensed salvage recyclers are required to complete State Form 56076 (Acquisition or Sale of Salvage Vehicle) for each salvage vehicle manufactured within the last seven years that they acquire or sell.

Even in this case, getting a duplicate title first puts you in the strongest legal position and ensures a smooth transaction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate title if there’s a lien on my vehicle?

Yes, but there’s a catch. If an active lien is on BMV record, the duplicate title will be mailed to the lienholder—not to you. If the lien has already been paid off, you’ll need to provide a lien release at a BMV branch location to have the title sent to you instead. Note that duplicate title transactions cannot remove or change lien information; that requires a separate title amendment.

Can I get a duplicate title if I’ve lost the title and don’t have a myBMV account?

Yes. You can still apply in person at any BMV branch, at a BMV Connect kiosk, through a Partial Service Provider, or by mailing a completed State Form 205 to the BMV in Indianapolis. A myBMV account is convenient but not required.

What happens to my original title once a duplicate is issued?

Once a duplicate title is issued, the original title becomes legally void. If you later find the original, do not use it—destroy it to ensure it can’t be used in a fraudulent sale or transfer.

Can I transfer an out-of-state title to Indiana without visiting a branch?

Applicants who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer may mail their application to the BMV. However, vehicles from another state being titled in Indiana must first pass a VIN inspection, which can be completed at any Indiana BMV branch, by a BMV-certified service provider, or by a law enforcement officer (who may charge up to $5). If there’s a lien held by an out-of-state lienholder, you’ll need to visit a branch to complete a Request for Title (State Form 1014).

Can I use just a bill of sale to transfer vehicle ownership in Indiana?

No. A bill of sale alone is not sufficient to title a vehicle in Indiana. You need a certificate of title, a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, or a court order to establish legal ownership.

Get Your Duplicate Title—Then Get Your Cash

Replacing a lost or damaged vehicle title in Indiana is a straightforward process once you know the steps. Gather your ID and State Form 205, decide whether to apply online via myBMV or in person at an Indianapolis branch, and pay the $15 fee. If time is short, the $25 speed title upgrade is well worth it.

Once your title is in hand, transferring or selling your vehicle is simple. And if you have an old, damaged, or unwanted vehicle you’d like to turn into cash, GC’s Junk Cars in Indianapolis is ready to help. We offer fair cash offers, free towing, and a hassle-free process from start to finish. Contact us today to sell your junk car.

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