Buying a Car in Indiana From Out of State
Out-of-state vehicles being transferred to Indiana will need to undergo a vehicle inspection to verify the VIN.
Written by Liz Jenson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
When buying a car out of state as an
Indiana
resident, you’ll need to submit most of the same documents required to buy a car in the state. However, you will also need to get a vehicle inspection by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), a BMV-certified service provider, or a law enforcement officer.Buying a new car can be stressful. The added steps of purchasing a vehicle from another state won’t help matters. That’s because there are different requirements to consider, and the paperwork may get a little more complicated.
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When buying a car from another state in Indiana, you’ll need to submit an application for title to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Central Office.
You can mail in this application or visit the BMV in person to complete your application for title. When you submit this paperwork, you’ll need to include these documents:
- Application for the certificate of title for a vehicle, orState Form 205, completed and signed by both you and the seller.
- Proof of ownership, which includes a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO) or a certificate of title and a bill of sale, purchase order, or sales contract.
- Proof of address, which can be your driver’s license.
- Proof of physical inspection of a vehicle, orState Form 39530, completed and signed by a law enforcement officer. If your vehicle will be inspected at the BMV, this form will be completed by the inspector on site.
- A check or money order for the required fees. You must pay a $15 fee for your title application, plus remit 7% sales tax or proof of sales tax paid.
- A statement detailing your vehicle’s color and fuel type.
Once you’ve gathered all of these documents, you’ll need to mail them to the BMV within 45 days of your purchase date. If the BMV receives your title application more than 45 days after you purchased the car, you’ll have to pay a late fee of $30.
It’s also important to note that, if there is a lien on your new car, you’ll need a request for title form (
State Form 1014
) as well. This form allows your BMV branch to mail a request to the lienholder.After you get the title for your new car, you’ll also need to complete your
vehicle registration
and get new license plates. You can do this on the Indiana BMV online portal
, or you can visit any BMV branch in person. When you do, you’ll need:
- An emissions test if you live in Porter or Lake County.
- Your car title.
Bring these documents with you to your BMV branch of choice to register your vehicle in Indiana and complete the transfer process.
Do I need a physical title for my new car?
Some states will require a physical copy of your car title to complete your vehicle registration. In the state of Indiana, you may use an electronic title if you choose to register your car online.
However, it can be a lot easier to use a physical copy of your title instead. To get your car title in paper form, you can request a copy from the BMV.
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Maybe you’re hoping to buy an Indiana car, but you live somewhere else. Fortunately, the purchase process is pretty much the same although the exact requirements will vary based on your location.
In most cases, you’ll need to:
- Get a valid bill of sale for the vehicle purchase. In some states, you’ll also need a notary stamp on the bill of sale.
- Bring your bill of sale to a motor vehicle department branch along with any other documents that are required. These required documents will typically include a photo ID, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and an odometer disclosure statement, but you can check your state DMV website for more details.
- Complete your vehicle registration in your state of residency.
You’ll also need to pay sales tax for your new car or pay the difference between Indiana sales tax and the tax in your home state.
Tips for buying a vehicle out of state
While buying a car from another state can be a smart move financially, there are also some hurdles to watch out for. Here are some tips to help you find a good deal without stressing over these added complications:
- Get a vehicle history report. Services likeCARFAX will provide a reportwith details about your new car’s past so you can learn about any potential problems before you sign the papers.
- Have your vehicle inspected in your home state. This is a really common mistake! Remember, your new car will need to be inspected in your state of residence, not in the state of purchase.
- Understand sales tax. Buying a vehicle in another state doesn’t exempt you from sales tax in your home state.
- Get adequate car insurance. No matter where your vehicle is from, you’ll need to fulfill your home state’sminimum car insurance requirementsbefore you drive off in your new car. Otherwise, you could run into legal trouble!
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