The Indiana BMV Application for a duplicate title is State Form 205, the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle, and any vehicle owner whose Indiana title is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or unreadable files it with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get a legal replacement title. The form is the same one used for new titles, but you fill it out to request a duplicate so the state can reprint your ownership document with the word “DUPLICATE” printed on its face. The version in use is State Form 205 (R13 / 7-25), and the legal authority for the form is Indiana Code 9-17, so check the small revision date in the bottom corner to confirm you have the current one.
A title is the single piece of paper that proves you own your car, and without it you cannot legally sell, gift, or transfer the vehicle. When you get one number wrong, leave the lien box blank, or forget your photo ID, the BMV mails the packet back, and you wait weeks longer while your sale or loan payoff stalls. The standard fee is just $15, yet a recent duplicate title fee statute shows the price has held steady at $15 since 2017, making this one of the cheapest fixes in the BMV system when you do it right the first time.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to fill out every box on State Form 205 for a duplicate title, line by line.
- 🆔 Which documents, ID, and lien papers you must gather before you start.
- 🚗 How to file through all five Indiana channels: online, branch, kiosk, PSP, and mail.
- ⚠️ The exact field mistakes that get duplicate title packets rejected and mailed back.
- 💲 What the $15 fee, the $25 speed title add-on, and lien rules really mean for you.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
State Form 205 is the Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle, and the Indiana BMV uses this one form for first-time titles, transfers, and duplicate titles. When you need a replacement, you complete Form 205 and mark the transaction as a duplicate request so the BMV reprints your existing ownership record. The duplicate title page explains that a duplicate is issued when the original title is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or becomes illegible, and the moment the BMV issues it, the original title becomes void.
You must file this form if your name is on the Indiana title and the paper copy is gone or unusable. For example, Janet Carter tore her title in half by accident while cleaning her glovebox, so she files Form 205 to get a clean replacement. The duplicate prints with the word “DUPLICATE” on its face, and if you ever find the original after the duplicate arrives, you must destroy the old one so nobody can use it to sell or transfer the vehicle.
The form exists to protect ownership records, and the agency that receives it is the Indiana BMV in Indianapolis. The statute that governs it is Indiana Code 9-17, the deadline is simply “before you try to sell or transfer the car,” and the penalty for skipping it is a frozen, unsellable vehicle. A common misconception is that a duplicate title changes who owns the car or removes a lien. It does not. The duplicate title rules state that duplicate transactions cannot change owners or liens, and to drop a lien you must process a separate amendment instead.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gathering everything first saves you a second trip and a rejected packet. Fill out Form 205 only after you have the items below in front of you, because one missing piece is the top reason duplicate requests bounce back.
- Your unexpired photo ID. The BMV requires a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport, or similar, and without it the request cannot be processed.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This 17-character number ties the form to your exact car, and a wrong VIN matches no record, so the BMV rejects it.
- The former title number, if you have it. It speeds the match to your old record, and missing it can slow the search but will not stop the filing.
- Vehicle year, make, model, and type. These confirm the vehicle on file, and a mismatch flags the application for manual review.
- Vehicle color and odometer reading. The form asks for both, and blank answers can trigger a follow-up request.
- Lien release, if a lien is on record. If you paid off a loan, the lienholder’s release lets the BMV act, and without it the lien stays attached.
- The $15 fee, plus $25 if you want a speed title. Payment must be a check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to BMV, and a wrong amount stalls the order.
- Your current residence and mailing address. The BMV mails the printed duplicate here, and a bad address sends your title to the wrong door.
- Your Social Security Number or Federal ID Number. Disclosure is mandatory under Indiana Code 4-1-8-1, and the record cannot be processed without it.
For example, Marcus Bell paid off his truck loan last year, so before filing he calls his old lender for a written lien release, then sits down with his ID, VIN, and a $15 money order ready to go.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
You download State Form 205 directly from the BMV, and you should always use the official copy so you get the current R13 / 7-25 version. Grab the Application for Certificate of Title as a PDF, print it single-sided, and fill it in with black ink in clear block letters. The BMV also lists it on the BMV title forms page alongside the watercraft title application, State Form 38529, for boats.
You can complete the form by hand or type into the PDF fields before printing. If you file in person, you do not always need to print Form 205 first, because a branch clerk or a BMV Connect kiosk can pull up the duplicate request on screen after scanning your ID. The form is free to download, and only the $15 state fee applies when you actually submit it.
Always work from the freshest copy. The revision code in the lower corner, R13 / 7-25, tells you the BMV last updated the form in July 2025, so a printout you saved years ago may use outdated box labels. Aisha Reed learned this when an old printout she found online lacked the electronic title preference box, so she re-downloaded the current PDF and started over.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out State Form 205 Line by Line
This section is the heart of the guide. Work through each box in the order it appears on the form, write in clear block capitals, and use the MM/DD/YYYY format for every date. Remember that for a duplicate title you must keep the owner and lien details exactly as they appear on the current record, because a duplicate cannot change them.
1. Title Format Preference (Electronic or Paper)
This box asks whether you want your title held electronically or printed on paper. For a duplicate, you must choose Paper, because the duplicate title rules state duplicate transactions cannot be processed on an electronic title. To answer, check the single box marked Paper and leave Electronic unmarked. For example, Janet Carter checks Paper so the BMV can mail her a physical replacement.
A common edge case is forgetting to choose at all. The form warns that if no selection is made, an electronic title issues automatically, which blocks a duplicate request. The mistake here is leaving both boxes empty, and the direct consequence is a rejected duplicate because the system defaults to an electronic title it cannot duplicate. A misconception is that “electronic” is faster and therefore better for a replacement; for a duplicate, electronic simply will not work, so paper is the only correct pick.
2. Social Security Number / Federal Identification Number
This box asks for your SSN, or a Federal ID Number if the owner is a business. You write the nine-digit number with no dashes, such as 123456789, in the boxes provided. Disclosure is mandatory under Indiana Code 4-1-8-1, and the BMV cannot process the record without it.
For a business-owned vehicle, you enter the company’s Federal Employer Identification Number instead of a personal SSN. The most common mistake is leaving this blank because it feels too private, and the direct consequence is an automatic rejection, since the form states the record cannot be processed without the number. A misconception is that the BMV shares this number publicly; in reality it is used internally to verify identity against existing records, not posted anywhere.
3. Name of Applicant
This box asks for the legal name of the vehicle owner. Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on the current title and your photo ID, last name first if the form layout calls for it, such as CARTER, JANET MARIE. The BMV cross-checks this name against the existing title record, so it must match.
If the title lists two owners, enter both names exactly as recorded, because a duplicate cannot drop or add an owner. The most common mistake is writing a nickname or a new married name that differs from the record, and the direct consequence is a mismatch hold while the BMV figures out who is really asking. A misconception is that you can quietly “fix” or update your name on this form; you cannot, because a duplicate keeps the record as-is, and a name change needs a separate amendment.
4. Residence Address (Number and Street), City, State, ZIP Code
This box asks where you live. Write your current street address, city, state, and ZIP code in the matching fields, for example 412 OAK STREET, MUNCIE, IN 47302. The BMV uses this to confirm your residency and, when no special mailing address is given, to mail the printed title.
If you use a P.O. Box for mail but live at a street address, put the physical street address here and use the special mailing address line later for the P.O. Box. The most common mistake is listing an old address you have since moved from, and the direct consequence is your $15 duplicate title landing in a stranger’s mailbox. A misconception is that the BMV automatically knows your new address from your driver’s license; the title record is separate, so you must write the correct address here yourself.
5. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This box asks for the 17-character VIN that uniquely identifies your vehicle. Copy it carefully from your registration, insurance card, or the dash plate, writing every letter and number, such as 1HGCM82633A004352. The VIN is how the BMV finds your existing title record, so accuracy matters more here than anywhere else on the form.
A frequent edge case is confusing the number zero with the letter O, or the number one with the letter I; VINs never contain the letters I, O, or Q, so any of those means you misread it. The most common mistake is transposing two characters, and the direct consequence is “no record found,” which bounces your whole application. A misconception is that the license plate number works in place of the VIN; it does not, because the title is tied to the VIN, not the plate.
6. Vehicle Year, Make, Model, and Type
These boxes ask for the basic description of the car. Enter the model year as four digits, the manufacturer in the make box, the model name, and the body type, for example 2015 / TOYOTA / CAMRY / 4D for a four-door sedan. These details must match the record tied to your VIN.
For older or rebuilt vehicles, use the year and make shown on the prior title, not what a sales ad called it. The most common mistake is guessing the model year from memory and writing the wrong one, and the direct consequence is a flagged application that needs manual review. A misconception is that the make and model can be left blank since the VIN already identifies the car; the BMV still wants these fields completed to confirm everything lines up.
7. Odometer
This box asks for the vehicle’s mileage. Enter the current odometer reading in whole miles with no commas needed, such as 87450. The reading helps the record stay consistent with prior filings.
If your odometer is broken or has rolled past its limit, note that honestly and be ready to explain, because false mileage statements carry legal weight. The most common mistake is entering a wildly different number than the last recorded reading, and the direct consequence is a hold while the BMV checks for odometer fraud. A misconception is that mileage does not matter on a duplicate since you are not selling; the BMV still records it to keep the title history clean.
8. Former Title Number
This box asks for the number of the title you are replacing. If you remember or have a copy of the old title number, write it here; if the title is truly lost, you may leave it blank and the BMV will search by VIN and name. Including it speeds the match.
For a title that was stolen along with other paperwork, you likely will not have this number, and that is acceptable. The most common mistake is inventing or guessing a number to fill the space, and the direct consequence is a record mismatch that delays processing. A misconception is that this field is required; it is helpful but not mandatory for a duplicate, since the VIN and your name can locate the record.
9. Purchase Date
This box asks when you bought the vehicle. Enter the original purchase date in MM/DD/YYYY format, such as 06/14/2019, matching what is on the existing record. For a duplicate, this should reflect your original purchase, not today’s date.
If you inherited the vehicle or received it as a gift, use the date ownership transferred to you. The most common mistake is entering the current date as the purchase date, and the direct consequence is a record conflict, since the BMV already has your real purchase date on file. A misconception is that the purchase date is irrelevant for a reprint; the BMV keeps fields consistent, so an off date can trigger a question.
10. Lien (Y/N)
This box asks whether a lien exists on the vehicle. Mark Y if a loan or lien is still on record and N if you own the car free and clear, matching the existing title exactly. A duplicate cannot remove a lien, so your answer must mirror what the BMV already has.
If you recently paid off your loan but the lien still shows on record, you mark Y and attach a lien release, or you process a separate amendment to remove it first. The most common mistake is marking N when a lien is still recorded, and the direct consequence is a rejected packet because the form contradicts the record. A misconception is that answering N erases the lien; it does not, and the duplicate rules confirm a duplicate cannot change lien information.
11. Speed (Y/N)
This box asks whether you want a speed title, which is expedited processing. Mark Y to pay an extra $25 for faster turnaround, or N for standard service. For example, Marcus Bell needs to sell his truck this week, so he marks Y and adds $25 to his payment.
If you are not in a rush, marking N saves you the extra fee. The most common mistake is marking Y for the speed title but forgetting to add the $25 to your payment, and the direct consequence is the BMV processing it at standard speed or returning the packet for the shortfall. A misconception is that a speed title skips all wait time; it shortens processing but does not remove mailing time.
12. Holder of First Lien / Special Mailing Address and ELT Number
This section asks for the lienholder’s name and mailing address, or a special mailing address for the title. If a lien exists, enter the lienholder’s full name, mailing address, and Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) identification number if known, such as FIRST INDIANA BANK, 200 MAIN ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204. If you have no lien but want the title mailed somewhere other than your residence, use this line for that special mailing address.
If you have a second lien, the form provides a separate “Holder of Second Lien” section to complete the same way. The most common mistake is leaving the lienholder blank when the record shows a lien, and the direct consequence is a mismatch that stops the reprint. A misconception is that you can change the lienholder here to a new lender; a duplicate keeps the lienholder as recorded, and changing it requires an amendment.
13. Vehicle Color
This box asks for the vehicle’s color. Enter the main exterior color in plain words, such as SILVER or RED. This small detail helps the record stay complete and matches the physical car.
For two-tone vehicles, list the dominant color or both colors if space allows. The most common mistake is leaving it blank because it seems unimportant, and the direct consequence is a possible follow-up request that delays the title. A misconception is that color must match the factory paint name; everyday color words are fine.
14. Applicant Signature, Printed Name, and Date
This is the certification block where you swear the information is correct. Sign on the Applicant Signature line, print your name on the Printed Name line, and enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format, such as 06/05/2026. If the title has two owners, both must sign and print their names.
You sign under penalty of perjury, since the form states that making a false statement may constitute the crime of perjury. The most common mistake is forgetting to sign, or printing instead of signing, and the direct consequence is an immediate rejection because an unsigned form is invalid. A misconception is that a typed name counts as a signature; the BMV needs an actual handwritten signature in the signature box.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three walkthroughs show how different owners complete State Form 205 for a duplicate title from start to finish. Each follows one named person through the key boxes.
Scenario 1: Janet Carter, lost title, no lien
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Title Format Preference | Checks Paper |
| SSN / Federal ID | 123456789 |
| Name of Applicant | CARTER, JANET MARIE |
| Residence Address | 412 OAK STREET, MUNCIE, IN 47302 |
| VIN | 1HGCM82633A004352 |
| Year / Make / Model / Type | 2015 / TOYOTA / CAMRY / 4D |
| Lien (Y/N) | N |
| Speed (Y/N) | N |
| Signature / Date | Signs, prints name, 06/05/2026 |
Scenario 2: Marcus Bell, paid-off truck, speed title needed
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Title Format Preference | Checks Paper |
| Name of Applicant | BELL, MARCUS T |
| VIN | 1FTFW1ET5DFC10312 |
| Year / Make / Model / Type | 2013 / FORD / F-150 / PK |
| Odometer | 112300 |
| Lien (Y/N) | Y, attaches lien release |
| Holder of First Lien | FIRST INDIANA BANK, 200 MAIN ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204 |
| Speed (Y/N) | Y, adds $25 |
| Signature / Date | Signs, prints name, 06/05/2026 |
Scenario 3: Aisha Reed, mutilated title, active lien stays
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Title Format Preference | Checks Paper |
| Name of Applicant | REED, AISHA N |
| Residence Address | 88 ELM AVENUE, GARY, IN 46402 |
| VIN | 2C4RDGBG5ER201145 |
| Year / Make / Model / Type | 2014 / DODGE / GRAND CARAVAN / VAN |
| Former Title Number | IN reads it off the torn title |
| Lien (Y/N) | Y |
| Holder of First Lien | CREDIT UNION ONE, 500 STATE ST, GARY, IN 46402 |
| Signature / Date | Signs, prints name, 06/05/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
Indiana gives you five ways to get a duplicate title, and the right one depends on how fast you need it and whether you want help. The duplicate title page lists every channel, and all of them require an unexpired photo ID.
- Online at myBMV.com. Log into your myBMV.com account, open the Titles section, and order the duplicate. The fee is $15 paid by card, processing is quick, and your confirmation screen and email are your proof of filing; note that online cannot process a title that currently sits in electronic form for duplication.
- At any BMV branch. Bring your photo ID and your VIN to a local branch, and a clerk pulls up your record. Pay the $15 by card, cash, or check, expect same-visit processing of the request, and keep your printed receipt as proof.
- At any BMV Connect kiosk. Scan your ID at a kiosk, choose Duplicate Title from the screen, and pay $15 by card. Processing is automated and fast, and the printed kiosk receipt is your proof.
- At a Partial Service Provider (PSP). Visit a PSP, present your photo ID, and request the duplicate. Pay the posted $15 fee, and keep the PSP receipt as proof of filing.
- By U.S. Mail. Mail a completed State Form 205, a copy of your unexpired photo ID, a lien release if applicable, and a check, cashier’s check, or money order for $15 payable to BMV, or a completed Collection of Payment Form, State Form 56163. Add $25 for a speed title, allow mailing plus processing time, and keep a copy of everything as proof.
Mail your packet to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 N. Senate Ave., Room N411, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Note that personal checks are not accepted with an out-of-state address, so use a cashier’s check or money order if you live outside Indiana.
What Happens After You File
After you submit, the BMV verifies your identity and matches your VIN and name to the existing record. Once approved, the agency prints your new title with the word “DUPLICATE” on its face and mails it to the address on file, and at that moment the original title becomes void. Standard processing plus mailing usually takes a few weeks, while a $25 speed title shortens the processing step.
When the duplicate arrives, check that your name, VIN, and lien information are correct before you rely on it for a sale or transfer. If you later find the original title, destroy it right away so nobody can use it to sell or transfer the vehicle behind your back. For example, Janet Carter shreds her old title the day she finds it wedged under a car seat, because two valid-looking titles could let a thief or buyer cause real trouble.
If the BMV finds a problem, such as a missing signature or a name that does not match, it returns your packet with a note explaining what to fix. You then correct the issue and resubmit, which restarts the clock, so getting it right the first time saves the most time.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each of these errors is specific to the duplicate title process, and every one can cost you weeks of delay.
- Leaving the SSN or Federal ID box blank means the record cannot be processed and the form bounces back.
- Choosing Electronic instead of Paper blocks the duplicate, since duplicates cannot be issued electronically.
- Transposing characters in the VIN returns a “no record found” error and stops everything.
- Writing a new married name that differs from the record triggers a mismatch hold.
- Listing an old address sends your printed title to the wrong mailbox.
- Marking the Lien box “N” when a lien is still recorded gets the packet rejected for contradicting the record.
- Marking “Y” for a speed title but not adding the $25 leaves the order short and delayed.
- Forgetting to sign the certification block makes the entire form invalid.
- Mailing a personal check from an out-of-state address gets rejected, since those are not accepted.
- Sending the wrong fee amount stalls the order until you pay the correct $15.
- Trying to change the owner or lienholder on a duplicate fails, because that needs a separate amendment.
- Using an outdated copy of Form 205 with old box labels can confuse processing and cause a mismatch.
Do’s and Don’ts
These quick rules keep your duplicate title moving.
Do: – Do download the current R13 / 7-25 version of Form 205, so your box labels match what the BMV expects. – Do write in clear block capitals with black ink, because clerks must read every character. – Do copy your VIN directly from your registration, since memory often introduces errors. – Do choose Paper format, because a duplicate cannot be issued electronically. – Do include your photo ID with every channel, since the BMV requires it to verify you. – Do keep a copy of your packet and receipt, so you have proof of filing if anything goes missing.
Don’t: – Don’t leave the SSN, signature, or lien boxes blank, because each blank can trigger a rejection. – Don’t try to change owners or liens on this form, since duplicates cannot alter that information. – Don’t guess at the VIN or title number, because a wrong entry means no record match. – Don’t mail a personal check from out of state, since the BMV will not accept it. – Don’t use an old saved printout, because outdated forms may lack current boxes. – Don’t forget the extra $25 if you marked the speed title box, or processing reverts to standard.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most owners file the duplicate themselves, but a service or dealer can handle it for you. Weigh the trade-offs below.
Pros of filing on your own: – You save money, because you pay only the $15 state fee with no service markup. – You control accuracy, since you enter your own VIN and details directly. – Online and kiosk options are fast, so you can finish in minutes. – You keep your documents private, since fewer hands touch your ID and SSN. – You learn the process, which helps the next time you handle a title task.
Cons of filing on your own: – You carry the full risk of errors, and a single wrong box delays everything. – You must gather every document yourself, which takes time and phone calls for lien releases. – Mail filing is slow, so an out-of-state or busy filer may wait weeks. – You handle lien complications alone, which can be confusing if a payoff is recent. – You get no expert review, so a mistake may surface only when the packet returns.
FAQs
Can I get a duplicate title if I lost the original?
Yes. A duplicate is issued when the original is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or illegible, and the new title prints with the word “DUPLICATE” on its face.
Do I use the same form for a duplicate as for a new title?
Yes. Indiana uses State Form 205, the Application for Certificate of Title, for new titles, transfers, and duplicate requests alike.
How much does an Indiana duplicate title cost?
Yes, there is a fee. The standard duplicate title fee is $15, with an extra $25 if you want an expedited speed title.
Should I check Electronic or Paper in the Title Format box?
No, not Electronic. You must check Paper, because duplicate title transactions cannot be processed on an electronic title.
Do I write my new married name or my name as it appears on the title?
No, not your new name. Enter your name exactly as it appears on the current record, since a duplicate cannot change owner information.
Do I mark the Lien box “N” if I just paid off my loan?
No. Mark “Y” if the lien is still on record and attach a lien release, or process a separate amendment to remove the lien.
Is the Former Title Number box required?
No. It is helpful but not mandatory, since the BMV can locate your record using the VIN and your name.
Can I leave the SSN box blank for privacy?
No. Disclosure is mandatory under Indiana Code 4-1-8-1, and the record cannot be processed without it.
Can I change my address or remove an owner on a duplicate?
No. A duplicate transaction cannot change owners, liens, or other record details, and those changes require a separate amendment.
Can I file for a duplicate title online?
Yes. Log into your myBMV.com account and use the Titles section, though online cannot duplicate a title currently held in electronic form.
Can I pay by personal check if I live out of state?
No. Personal checks are not accepted with an out-of-state address, so use a cashier’s check or money order.
What do I do if I find the original title after the duplicate arrives?
Yes, take action. Destroy the original immediately, because it becomes void and could otherwise be misused in a sale or transfer.
Does a speed title arrive the same day?
No. The $25 speed title shortens processing but does not remove mailing time, so allow for delivery.
Can two owners both file on one form?
Yes. If the title lists two owners, both must sign and print their names in the certification block for the duplicate to be valid.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out the Court-Ordered Vehicle Title Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Indiana BMV Bill of Sale (State Form 44237) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Indiana BMV Certificate of Title (State Form 205) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Indiana BMV Vehicle Registration Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Kentucky Application for Duplicate Title (Form TC 96-182) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out North Dakota DOT Application for Duplicate Title + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs