Title to a car is the official record and proof of ownership of the car. Transferring the title to a car is necessary when a seller sells the car to a buyer—or when divorcing spouses are transferring the title from both spouses to one spouse. Your state’s department of motor vehicles will usually make the forms necessary to transfer the title/change vehicle ownership available on its website—with some additional information to guide you through the process.
In Indiana, the title to a car is a legal document that establishes a person or entity as the legal owner of the vehicle. When a car is sold, the title must be transferred from the seller to the buyer to reflect the change in ownership. This process is overseen by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To transfer a title, the seller must complete the seller's section on the back of the title, including the date of sale, odometer reading, and their signature. The buyer must then take the signed title to a BMV branch to complete the transfer and apply for a new title in their name. If the vehicle is being transferred due to a divorce, the process may vary slightly, and additional documentation, such as a divorce decree, may be required to prove that the transfer is part of the divorce settlement. The Indiana BMV provides forms and detailed instructions for title transfers on its website, which can guide individuals through the necessary steps to ensure the transfer is completed legally and properly.