Quick answer: complete BMV State Form 18733, attach a copy of the death certificate, and submit it to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles — available when the estate's gross value is $100,000 or less, net of liens.
The same cap, a dedicated form
What the form covers
- Claimant/distributee identification and legal address
- Decedent information and date of death
- Vehicle or watercraft identification number, year, make, model, and title number
- A sworn affirmation of the facts qualifying the estate for this route
Watercraft too, not just vehicles
Form 18733 explicitly covers both vehicles and watercraft under the same statutory authority, processed by the Indiana BMV rather than a separate marine title office.
A required attachment
A copy of the death certificate must accompany the affidavit — the form itself isn't sufficient without it, since BMV needs independent proof of death alongside the sworn statement.
If the estate is too large for this route
When the estate's gross value exceeds $100,000, or otherwise requires administration, a personal representative transfers the vehicle using letters testamentary or letters of administration instead of Form 18733.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Form 18733 is processed at BMV branches statewide — Marion, Allen, Lake, and Hamilton County residents all use the identical statewide form and threshold.