Indiana § 9-17-3-9 - Transfer on death conveyance; requirements

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 9-17-3-9 — Transfer on death conveyance; requirements, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9-17-3-9. Transfer on death conveyance; requirements

Sec. 9. (a) The owner or owners of a vehicle may create an interest in the vehicle that is transferrable on the death of the owner or owners by obtaining a certificate of title conveying the interest in the vehicle to one (1) or more persons as transfer on death beneficiaries.

(b) Subject to subsection (e), an interest in a vehicle transferred under this section vests upon the death of the owner or owners.

(c) A certificate of title that is:

(1) worded in substance as "A.B. transfers on death to C.D." or "A.B. and C.D. transfer on death to E.F."; and

(2) signed by the owner or owners;

is a good and sufficient conveyance on the death of the owner or owners to the transferee or transferees.

(d) A certificate of title obtained under this section is not required to be:

(1) supported by consideration; or

(2) delivered or transmitted to the named transfer on death beneficiary or beneficiaries;

to be effective.

(e) Upon the death of the owner or owners conveying an interest in a vehicle in a certificate of title obtained under this section, the interest in the vehicle is transferred to each beneficiary who is described by either of the following:

(1) The beneficiary:

(A) is named in the certificate; and

(B) survives the transferor.

(2) The beneficiary:

(A) survives the transferor; and

(B) is entitled to an interest in the vehicle under IC 32-17-14-22 following the death of a beneficiary who:

(i) is named in the certificate; and

(ii) did not survive the transferor.

(f) A certificate of title designating a transfer on death beneficiary is not testamentary.

(g) In general, IC 32-17-14 applies to a certificate of title designating a transfer on death beneficiary. However, a particular provision of IC 32-17-14 does not apply if it is inconsistent with the requirements of this section or IC 9-17-2-2(b).

As added by P.L.83-2008, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.143-2009, SEC.3; P.L.6-2010, SEC.4; P.L.36-2011, SEC.1; P.L.81-2015, SEC.2; P.L.79-2017, SEC.60; P.L.27-2018, SEC.10.

IC 9-17-4Chapter 4. Private Assembly of Vehicles; Engine Identification Numbers

9-17-4-0.3"Assembled vehicle" 9-17-4-0.4"Motor vehicle part" 9-17-4-0.5Special identification number 9-17-4-1Assembly of vehicle by owner; procedure 9-17-4-2Special identification number; placement on vehicle 9-17-4-3Repealed 9-17-4-4Contents of certificate of title 9-17-4-4.5Certificate of title; requirements; violation 9-17-4-5Repealed 9-17-4-6Repealed 9-17-4-7Application for special or hull identification number; fees 9-17-4-8Permission for special identification number; violation 9-17-4-10Designation of special identification number; authority of manufacturer to perform numbering on vehicles or parts 9-17-4-11Bureau prohibited from issuing a certificate of title for vehicle without identification number 9-17-4-12Statement by applicant and law enforcement officer concerning special identification number 9-17-4-13Repealed 9-17-4-14Repealed 9-17-4-15Repealed 9-17-4-16Repealed 9-17-4-17Repealed 9-17-4-18Repealed 9-17-4-19Operation of motor vehicle with concealed, removed, defaced, destroyed, or obliterated special identification number; confiscation and return of motor vehicle upon proof of owner's title

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 9-17-3-9

What does Indiana Code § 9-17-3-9 cover?

Section 9-17-3-9 ("Transfer on death conveyance; requirements") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 9-17-3-9?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 9-17-3-9" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 9-17-3-9 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.