Losing your car title is more than just frustrating—it can bring the sale, transfer, or scrapping of your vehicle to a complete stop. The good news? The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) makes replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged title a manageable process, whether you prefer to handle it online, in person, or by mail.
This guide walks you through every step of getting a duplicate car title in Indianapolis, including what documents you need, how much it costs, and what to do in more complex situations like liens or deceased owners.
Why Your Car Title Matters
Proof of Ownership
Your car title is the legal document that proves you own the vehicle. Without it, you cannot legally sell, transfer, donate, or scrap the car. Think of it like the deed to a house—it’s the one document you can’t afford to lose.
Essential for Selling or Transferring
Planning to sell your car, trade it in, or hand it down to a family member? The title must be signed over to the new owner for the transfer to be legally recognized. No title means no sale. That’s why replacing a lost one quickly is so important.
Who Is Eligible for a Duplicate Title in Indiana?
The Indiana BMV issues duplicate titles when an original title has been lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or has become illegible. To qualify, you must be the registered owner on record with the BMV. Duplicate title transactions cannot be used to change ownership or remove a lien—those require separate processes.
One important note: duplicate titles cannot be processed on electronic titles.
What Documents Do You Need?
Before you begin the application process, gather the following:
- Unexpired photo ID — Indiana driver’s license, state-issued ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or school ID
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — found on your dashboard or registration documents
- Year, make, and model of your vehicle
- Lien release (if applicable) — required if you previously paid off a loan and need to confirm no active lien exists
- Completed State Form 205 — the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle
Step-by-Step: Applying for a Duplicate Car Title in Indianapolis
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Start by locating your VIN. It’s typically printed on a metal plate on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield. You’ll also find it on your vehicle registration or insurance documents.
If your vehicle had a loan that’s been paid off, track down your lien release. Without it, the BMV may mail the duplicate title directly to the lienholder rather than to you.
Step 2: Complete State Form 205
Download the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle – State Form 205 from the IN.gov website, or pick one up at any BMV branch. Fill it out carefully and completely. You’ll need to provide:
- Your full legal name and current address
- Vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model, and odometer reading)
- The reason for the duplicate request (lost, stolen, or mutilated/destroyed)
If your original title was damaged, be prepared to surrender it when submitting the form.
Step 3: Choose Your Submission Method
Indianapolis residents have four options:
- Online at myBMV.com — Log in, go to the “Titles” section, select your vehicle, verify your details, and pay. This is the fastest method, though it’s unavailable if your address has changed or there’s a lien issue.
- At a BMV branch — Visit any local branch with your photo ID and Form 205. Staff will process your request on the spot.
- At a BMV Connect Kiosk — Scan your driver’s license, select “Duplicate Title,” and follow the prompts—no waiting in line.
- By U.S. Mail — Send your completed Form 205, a copy of your photo ID, a lien release (if applicable), and your payment to:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 N. Senate Ave., Room N411
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Step 4: Pay the Fee
As of 2024, the standard fee for a duplicate title in Indiana is $15.00. If you need it faster, the BMV’s Speed Title service costs an additional $25.00 (total: $40.00) and is mailed via FedEx Ground or USPS Priority Mail.
Accepted payment methods vary by channel:
- In-branch: Cash, check, or major credit/debit cards
- Online: Credit/debit card or e-check
- By mail: Check, cashier’s check, or money order (personal checks not accepted for out-of-state addresses)
Step 5: Receive Your Duplicate Title
Standard processing takes up to 21 calendar days. The title will arrive by mail and will be printed with the word “DUPLICATE” on its face. Once the duplicate is issued, the original title becomes void—if you ever find the original, destroy it immediately to prevent fraudulent use.
Special Situations to Know About
Out-of-State Applicants
If you’re an Indiana vehicle owner living outside the state, you can still apply by mail. Just note that personal checks from out-of-state addresses are not accepted—use a cashier’s check or money order instead.
Deceased Owner
If the registered owner has passed away, a standard duplicate title application is not the right route. The surviving party will typically need to bring a certified copy of the death certificate and, in some cases, Letters of Testamentary from the court to a BMV branch to initiate the appropriate title transfer process.
Correcting Errors on Your Title
If there’s a factual error on your current title—such as a misspelled name or incorrect VIN—you’ll need to file an Affidavit for Certificate of Title Correction (State Form 55582) rather than a duplicate title application. This form is available on the IN.gov website.
What If Your Car Is Totaled or Junk?
Sometimes people realize they’ve lost their title right when they’re trying to get rid of an old, non-running, or damaged vehicle. A junk car without a title can feel like a dead end—but it doesn’t have to be.
Zore’s Recycling buys junk cars across Central Indiana, offering free towing and cash paid on the spot. Whether your vehicle runs or not, Zore’s makes the process simple. Call 317-244-0700 today to get an offer and schedule your free pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a duplicate title in Indiana?
Standard processing takes up to 21 calendar days from the date the BMV receives your application. If you need it sooner, the Speed Title service costs an additional $25.00 and significantly reduces the wait time.
Can I apply for a duplicate title online in Indiana?
Yes. You can apply through your myBMV.com account. Log in, go to the Titles section, and follow the prompts for a duplicate title request. This option is unavailable if your address has changed since your last registration or if there’s an active lien on the vehicle.
What if my car has a lien on it?
If there’s an active lien on the vehicle, the duplicate title will be sent directly to the lienholder—not to you. If you’ve paid off the loan but don’t have a lien release, contact your former lender to obtain one before applying.
What happens to my original title once a duplicate is issued?
The original title becomes legally void the moment the BMV issues a duplicate. If you later find the original, the Indiana BMV recommends destroying it to prevent any potential fraud or unauthorized transfers.
Get Your Title—Then Get Rid of That Old Car
Getting a duplicate car title in Indianapolis is a straightforward process once you know the steps. Gather your documents, complete State Form 205, choose your preferred submission method, and pay the $15.00 fee. For most applicants, the replacement title arrives within three weeks.
And if the reason you’re chasing down that title is to finally get rid of an old clunker—Zore’s Recycling is ready to help. Call 317-244-0700 to get a fast cash offer, free towing, and same-day payment. No hassle, no hidden fees—just cash in hand and one less headache in your driveway.
Related Post: How to Sell a Junk Car with a Title in Indianapolis