BMV Requests to Issue Title
Instructions for Requesting an Order Requiring the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to Issue a Title
Step One
Schedule an appointment to have the vehicle inspected and certified as not reported as stolen. The certification will need to be completed on State Form 39530.
Step Two
Complete the two (2) page Verified Request for an Order Requiring the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to Issue a Title (“Petition”) and file the documents listed below with the Vanderburgh County Clerk’s Office. You must also pay the filing fee at this time. The following documents should be filed with the Clerk at this Step:
□ Petition
□ Affidavit of Police Officer Physical Inspection (State Form 39530)
□ Valid bill of sale, if available
□ Any other documents or correspondence demonstrating the transfer of ownership if no bill of sale is available
□ Documentation regarding the estimated value of the vehicle such as a printout from Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or similar documentation. If the bill of sale includes the sale price, you do not need to provide additional documentation regarding value.
If the vehicle is valued at $10,000.00 or less, the case will be filed in small claims court. The Clerk’s office will set a hearing date in small claims court.
If the vehicle is valued at more than $10,000.00, the case will be assigned a MI cause number and assigned to Vanderburgh Superior Court Judge Leslie C. Shively. The judge’s office will provide a hearing date.
Step Three
If you purchased the vehicle in Indiana or from an Indiana resident, fill out Indiana State Form 53789 as completely as possible. On the form, you will select “Certified Vehicle/Watercraft Title Inquiry” for the current owner and “Pending litigation” on the checkboxes in steps 2 and 3. You will need to provide the cause number for the case you filed in Step One. You may do this by including a copy of the Petition with the form. Mail the completed form, Petition, and required fee to:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Records Request
100 N. Senate Avenue, Room N412
Indianapolis, IN 46204
You should receive your report back from the BMV in approximately two to four weeks. This report will provide you with the identity and contact information for the current title owner of the vehicle. You must bring a copy of this report to the scheduled hearing.
NOTE: If you purchased the vehicle in another state, you should file your request in that state or request information from that state’s bureau or department of motor vehicles to determine the current title owner and provide that information to the Court.
Step Four
If you have a valid bill of sale showing the current title owner sold you the vehicle, you may skip this step. Otherwise, you must serve a copy of the Petition and a Summons and Notice of Hearing to the current title owner as identified on the BMV report via Certified Mail or Sheriff’s Service. Service should be attempted at least six weeks prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Step Five
Bring all relevant documents to your Court hearing. Failure to follow all steps and provide all documentation by the date of your hearing and/or failure to appear for your hearing may result in your case being dismissed.
Step Six:
If the Court grants your petition, you will receive an order at either the physical address or email address you provided at the time of filing. If you do not receive an order within two weeks, you may obtain a copy of the Court order from the Clerk’s Office or online at mycase.in.gov. Complete the BMV’s title application checklist, and include the order with the packet of documentation you provide to the BMV. Contact the BMV at (888) 692-6841 with any questions.
