Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Indiana
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Indiana, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If the title was issued in transfer-on-death form, the interest vests in the named beneficiary at the owner's death, and the beneficiary applies for a new title with proof of death. IC 9-17-3-9, 29-1-8-1(b)-(c)
| Transferring a car after death | Through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If the title was issued in transfer-on-death form, the interest vests in the named beneficiary at the owner's death, and the beneficiary applies for a new title with proof of death. Without a TOD title, if the estate qualifies as a small estate ($100,000 or less after liens, encumbrances and reasonable funeral expenses, for deaths after June 30, 2022), the BMV transfers the title on an affidavit signed by all distributees once 5 days have passed since the death, as long as no appointment of a personal representative is contemplated. Otherwise, the personal representative transfers the vehicle using letters from the probate court. Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. Source: IC 9-17-3-9, 29-1-8-1(b)-(c) |
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FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Indiana?
Through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If the title was issued in transfer-on-death form, the interest vests in the named beneficiary at the owner's death, and the beneficiary applies for a new title with proof of death. Without a TOD title, if the estate qualifies as a small estate ($100,000 or less after liens, encumbrances and reasonable funeral expenses, for deaths after June 30, 2022), the BMV transfers the title on an affidavit signed by all distributees once 5 days have passed since the death, as long as no appointment of a personal representative is contemplated. Otherwise, the personal representative transfers the vehicle using letters from the probate court.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.