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Car-buying guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Title and Register a Car in Indiana
Indiana residents must have a certificate of title for every vehicle they own unless state law exempts it, and a vehicle must be titled before it can be registered. Here is what the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says about deadlines, sales tax, plates and out-of-state vehicles, for drivers around Michigan City.
45 daysto apply for the title after buying (BMV)
45 daysto register a newly acquired vehicle (BMV)
60 daysfor new residents to register their vehicles (BMV)
$15administrative penalty for a late renewal (BMV)
The short answer
Apply for the Indiana title within 45 days of buying the vehicle, then register it, also within 45 days. In a private sale, the seller completes both the seller and purchaser sections of the title and removes the plate, and you pay sales tax at the branch when you title. A dealer collects the sales tax for you. Vehicles from other states also need a VIN inspection, free at a branch or BMV-certified service provider.
Step 1: get the title
The certificate of title must be applied for within 45 days after the vehicle is purchased or otherwise acquired, the Indiana BMV says; after that, an administrative penalty is charged. If you are buying, make sure the seller has completed both the seller and purchaser sections of the certificate of title in their entirety before you visit a branch.
The purchaser is responsible for getting a new certificate of title, registration and license plate. Before a vehicle is sold, all lienholders must have released their interest in it. Since July 1, 2025, you can choose to have your title issued electronically or on paper.
From the Indiana BMV, "Buying & Selling a Vehicle" and "Titles," read November 2, 2026.
Step 2: register the vehicle
An Indiana resident who buys a vehicle from another Indiana resident needs a new registration, issued from the title. The BMV says residents must register newly acquired, unregistered vehicles within 45 days after the date of purchase, and all vehicles they own within 60 days after becoming a new resident.
- Online at myBMV.com: if the date of sale is less than 60 days old and the vehicle is not a lease vehicle.
- BMV Connect kiosk: at any BMV Connect kiosk.
- Branch or service provider: at any BMV branch or full or partial service provider (FSP/PSP). Residents of Lake and Porter counties need to pass an emissions test.
The BMV says it can take up to 21 calendar days to receive your registration or license plate in the mail. If you change your legal address during the transaction, the BMV asks for two proofs of address.
From the Indiana BMV, "Vehicle Registrations," read November 2, 2026.
Sales tax on a vehicle purchase
The BMV says you must pay Indiana sales tax on the purchase price of a vehicle bought in Indiana. How it is collected depends on where you buy:
| Where you buy | How sales tax is handled |
|---|---|
| Indiana dealership | The dealer collects the sales tax and gives you proof on Form ST-108, Certificate of Gross Retail or Use Tax Paid. |
| Private seller | You pay the sales tax at a branch when you apply for the Indiana certificate of title. |
| Out-of-state seller | You receive credit for sales tax paid in that state. If it was less than Indiana would have charged, you pay the difference when you apply for the Indiana title. |
| New Indiana resident | No sales tax is charged when you transfer your vehicle's title from your prior state to Indiana. |
From the Indiana BMV, "Buying & Selling a Vehicle," read November 2, 2026. This page is a summary, not tax advice.
Bringing a vehicle from another state
VIN inspection
Any vehicle from another state being titled in Indiana, including vehicles of new residents, needs an inspection that confirms the VIN. A branch or BMV-certified service provider does it at no charge; a law enforcement officer may charge up to $5 and must complete State Form 39530.
Out-of-state liens
If a lienholder in another state holds the title, visit a branch to complete a Request for Title, State Form 1014. The branch mails it to the lienholder and contacts you when the title arrives.
Bought from an out-of-state dealer
You may mail your title application to the BMV. Its out-of-state title transfer packet lists the documents to include.
From the Indiana BMV, "Buying & Selling a Vehicle," read November 2, 2026.
Renewals and license plates
Registrations must be renewed on or before the scheduled expiration date to avoid a $15 administrative penalty, the BMV says. You can renew online at myBMV.com, at a BMV Connect kiosk, at a branch, at a service provider or by mail, and you can check the renewal amount at myBMV.com without creating an account.
When you sell a vehicle, the seller should remove the plate. The BMV does not require plates from sold vehicles to be returned, and the plate may be transferred to a different vehicle owned by the same person. Passenger, In God We Trust, motorcycle and truck plates for trucks of 11,000 pounds or less can be transferred online at myBMV.com, though some situations require a branch visit.
From the Indiana BMV, "Vehicle Registrations" and "Buying & Selling a Vehicle," read November 2, 2026.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Just bought a used vehicle? A checkup is a good first stop.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 2, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana title and registration FAQ
How long do I have to title a car in Indiana?
The Indiana BMV says the certificate of title must be applied for within 45 days after the vehicle is purchased or otherwise acquired. After 45 days, an administrative penalty is charged.
How long do I have to register a car in Indiana?
Indiana residents must register newly acquired, unregistered vehicles within 45 days after the date of purchase, and all vehicles they own within 60 days after becoming a new resident, the BMV says. The vehicle must be titled first.
Do I pay sales tax on a private-party car purchase in Indiana?
Yes. The BMV says that when you buy a vehicle in Indiana you pay sales tax on the purchase price. If you buy privately, you pay it at a branch when you apply for the Indiana title. An Indiana dealership collects it and gives you proof on Form ST-108.
What happens to the license plate when I buy a used car in Indiana?
The BMV says the seller should remove the plate at the time of sale, does not have to return it, and may transfer it to a different vehicle the same person owns. The buyer gets a new title, registration and plate.
Can I register my car online in Indiana?
The BMV says you can complete a new registration at myBMV.com if the date of sale is less than 60 days old and the vehicle is not a lease vehicle. Kiosks, branches and BMV service providers are other options.
What happens if I renew my registration late?
Registrations must be renewed on or before the expiration date to avoid a $15 administrative penalty, the BMV says.
Does a car from another state need an inspection?
Yes. Any vehicle from another state being titled in Indiana needs a VIN inspection. The BMV says a branch or certified service provider does it at no charge, or a law enforcement officer may do it for up to $5.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule a checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, battery test and Multi-Point Inspection, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Title, registration and tax rules are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, read November 2, 2026. Rules and fees can change; check the BMV before you go. This page is a summary, not legal or tax advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Titles, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, read November 2, 2026
- Buying & Selling a Vehicle (title deadline, plates, out-of-state vehicles, sales and use tax), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, read November 2, 2026
- Vehicle Registrations (new registration, renewals, plate transfers), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, read November 2, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 2, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 2, 2026