Effective July 1, 2025, customers can receive their vehicle titles in either electronic or paper format. Should a customer elect to opt for an electronic title, it will serve as a replacement for the traditional paper title. Electronic titles provide several advantages, including a diminished reliance on physical documentation, reduced storage requirements, and less dependence on mailing services.
When the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues vehicle titles electronically, authorized Indiana dealers collaborating with Partial Service Providers (PSPs) will be able to facilitate the transfer of an electronic title efficiently, eliminating the need for the seller to possess a physical title to complete the transaction.
To facilitate the electronic title transfer process, State Form 57738 – Electronic Title Transfer has been established to enable the transfer of an electronic title from the vehicle owner(s) to an Indiana dealer. It is imperative to recognize that this form may only be utilized if the purchasing dealer is affiliated with a Partial Service Provider. For more information regarding Partial Service Providers, please review our Dealers & Partial Service Providers page.
What are the Benefits of Having an Electronic Title Versus Paper?
Electronic titling streamlines vehicle title management by reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency. It also includes these benefits:
- Increased accuracy
- Decreased risk of title fraud
- Reduced reliance on paper and secure forms
- Lower mailing expenses
- No need for physical document storage
Electronic Title FAQs for Customers
- Can I Choose Between an Electronic or Paper Title?
Staring July 1, 2025, customers will be asked their preferred title format (electronic or paper) during title transactions at the BMV as well as title transactions processed by a dealer using one of BMV's approved Service Providers.
The customer’s title format preference will be honored if there are no liens recorded on the title. If a lien does exist, the title must comply with the lienholder’s preference.
Once the lien has been released by the lienholder, and no other liens exist, the title will be issued based on the customer’s preference at the time of titling. If the customer selected electronic, the title would remain electronic; if the customer selected paper, then the title would be printed and mailed to the customer.
- How Will I be Informed About the Issuance of my Electronic Title?
The primary vehicle owner will receive a notification when an electronic title is issued in their name. If an email address is provided in the BMV account and the customer’s communication preference is email, the notification will be sent by email. In cases where no email address is available or the customer’s communication preference is mail, owners will be notified through a postcard mailed to their registered address. This ensures that the primary vehicle owner is promptly informed about the issuance of their electronic title since they will not receive a paper title in the mail.
- How Can I Convert My Electronic Title to a Paper Title?
As the owner of the vehicle, you may request that your electronic title be converted to paper and printed if there is no lien listed. There is no additional cost for requesting a paper title; however, if the customer requests for it to be a speed title, then the $25.00 speed fee will apply.
- How Do I Add or Remove Owners to an Electronic Title?
- Adding an Owner: All owners must sign the application. Submit the current title if available.
- Removing an Owner: The departing owner completes the title 'Seller Information.' A court order is required if they cannot sign. For electronic titles, printing is necessary for signing.
- Divorce Decrees: A signature is not required from the owner who is being removed. For electronic titles, the title does not need to be printed. The individual entitled to ownership of the vehicle is also entitled to the plate, excise and sales tax credit.
General E-Titling and E-Lien FAQs
- What is E-Titling?
E-Titling refers to the electronic management, transfer, and storage of vehicle titles. It ensures secure and efficient handling of title transactions and records without the need for physical documents.
- What is E-lien?
E-lien involves the electronic recording and management of liens on vehicle titles. A lien is a legal claim or interest placed on a vehicle by a lender until the loan is paid off.
- How are E-Titling and E-lien different?
While E-Titling manages ownership documents electronically, E-lien specifically deals with lienholder records and the process of releasing liens electronically.
- Do both systems eliminate paperwork?
Yes, both E-Titling and E-lien reduce reliance on paper-based processes.
- Which process is relevant when selling a vehicle?
E-Titling is most relevant for transferring ownership during vehicle dealer trade-in sale. E-lien becomes important if the vehicle has an outstanding loan that needs to be paid-off or cleared first.
- Is E-Titling mandatory in all states?
No, E-Titling adoption varies by state. Some states fully embrace electronic titling, while others may still allow traditional paper processes.
Electronic Title FAQs for Dealers
- How do Indiana dealers transfer electronic titles?
Dealers can transfer electronic titles through Partial Services Providers (PSPs), who specialize in handling title processing.
- What are the benefits of electronic titles for dealers?
Electronic titles simplify transactions, save time, and reduce paperwork compared to traditional paper-based processes, allowing dealers to operate more efficiently.
- How do electronic titles help reduce costs for dealerships?
Electronic titles minimize reliance on physical materials like paper and cutting down on storage and mailing needs, electronic titles save dealerships money. They also reduce the time required to transfer ownership of a vehicle to a new purchaser by cutting out the need to wait for a paper title.
- Do electronic titles enhance security?
Yes, electronic titles reduce the risk of fraud by making it harder to alter title information or tamper with odometer readings.
- What role does the Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system play?
ELT systems improve data accuracy and security while reducing the use of paper documents, streamlining lien and title management processes.
- Why should dealerships adopt electronic titles?
Electronic titles make processes smoother, improve workflow, reduce costs, and enhance security, making them a practical choice for dealerships.
Title Format Preferences and Liens
- Will the vehicle owner’s title format preference always be honored?
The customer's stated preference will be honored if there are no liens recorded against the title.
- What happens if there is a lien on the title?
If a lien exists, the title must comply with the lienholder's preference. This can result in the title being issued in electronic format or as a paper document.
- What happens when a lien is electronically released by a lienholder?
If there are no remaining lienholders on the title record, then the title will be issued in accordance with the title format that was provided by the customer at the time of titling.
If there are liens remaining on the title record, then the format of the primary lien will determine the format of the title.
- Why does the lienholder's preference take precedence?
The lienholder's preference ensures compliance with their participation in the Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) program and facilitates lien management.
- What determines the lienholder's preference for title format?
The preference is influenced by whether the lienholder is part of the electronic lien (E-Lien) program.
Notification of Electronic Title Issuance
- How will vehicle owners be notified when an electronic title is issued?
If there are no liens on the vehicle, the primary owner of the vehicle will receive a notification either by email or postcard.
If there is an electronic lien on the vehicle, then the lienholder is notified instead of the primary owner.
- What determines the type of notification sent?
The primary owner’s communications preferences determine the type of notification to be sent. If the preference is set to email communication, the notification will be sent by email. Otherwise, a postcard will be mailed to the primary owner’s address on file.
- Why is this notification process in place?
The process ensures that all vehicle owners are promptly informed about the issuance of their electronic title.
- What should owners do if they haven’t received a notification?
Owners should check their email and mailbox for the notification, or you can see your title record online at myBMV.com.