Does Indiana allow a transfer-on-death designation on a vehicle title?

Yes. Indiana allows a transfer on death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title under IC 9-17-3-9 (Transfer on death conveyance; requirements — vehicle-specific); IC 32-17-14 (Transfer on Death Property Act), applied to vehicles by IC 32-17-14-2(e) "Subject to IC 9-17-3-9(g)". It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Indiana?

Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.

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Select your state to see whether you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title and what vehicles qualify.

This tool provides general information about vehicle transfer-on-death designations and is not legal advice. Availability and requirements vary by state. Consult your state titling agency or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Indiana allows a transfer on death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Indiana allows a transfer on death beneficiary designation on motor vehicle and watercraft.

Add the designation through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) using the standard title application. Notarization is not required.

You file the completed designation with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) by mail to Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Central Office Title Processing, 100 North Senate Avenue, Room N411, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or in person. Adding a vehicle TOD beneficiary is a new-title transaction: apply in person at a BMV license branch (locator above) or mail the title application/packet to the BMV Central Office Title Processing unit in Indianapolis. There is no myBMV online path to add a TOD beneficiary to an existing title.

Yes. Indiana allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer on death beneficiary designation. Surviving beneficiaries take the vehicle as tenants in common.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Indiana: Apply for a new certificate of title that changes or removes the TOD beneficiary designation (a subsequent beneficiary designation revokes a prior one under IC 32-17-14-16(e))., Transfer the owner's interest in the vehicle during the owner's lifetime, which terminates the designation as to the property transferred (IC 32-17-14-16(h))..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) by submitting: Surrender the Indiana certificate of title designating the person as a transfer on death beneficiary (IC 9-17-2-2(b)(1)), Submit proof of the transferor (owner) death — e.g. a copy of the death certificate (IC 9-17-2-2(b)(2); "proof of death" per IC 32-17-14-3(10)), Submit an application for a certificate of title in the form and manner prescribed by the BMV (IC 9-17-2-2(b)(3)) — taken to a BMV license branch to apply for a new Indiana title in the beneficiary's name, Payment of the certificate-of-title fee. A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Vehicle TOD in Indiana

Indiana allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title: Yes. It names someone to receive the vehicle directly at your death, without probate. You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime — you can sell the vehicle, or change or cancel the designation, at any time.

In Indiana, the designation is made through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) using the standard title application. Notarization is not required. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

Indiana extends the designation beyond cars: it covers motor vehicle and watercraft.

A vehicle TOD designation covers only the vehicle on the title — not your home, accounts, or other property. A revocable living trust covers all of your assets in a single document and avoids probate for everything it holds. Compare the approaches with the trust vs. will tool.

SimplyTrust Editorial

Legal Sources

IC 9-17-3-9 (Transfer on death conveyance; requirements — vehicle-specific); IC 32-17-14 (Transfer on Death Property Act), applied to vehicles by IC 32-17-14-2(e) "Subject to IC 9-17-3-9(g)"

Data sourced from Indiana statutes and official state code. How we research.

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