Indiana license plates renew every two years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at your local BMV branch

Your Indiana license plates expire on the date printed on your registration card — usually two years from when you last renewed. You do not have to visit a branch in person unless your vehicle needs inspection or your registration has special circumstances. Most people renew online through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee plus any applicable taxes.

The BMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your plates expire. That notice includes your renewal fee amount, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. If you lose the notice, you can still renew online or by mail without it — you just need your license plate number and driver's license number.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana license plates renew every two years, and you can renew online at in.gov/bmv, by mail, or at a BMV branch.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is the fastest option if your vehicle does not need a safety inspection.
  • Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type, and the BMV mails a notice with the exact amount about 60 days before expiration.
  • If your registration has a safety inspection requirement, you must renew in person at a BMV branch or through an authorized dealer.
  • New plates are mailed to you after renewal; you can continue driving with your current plates until the new ones arrive.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Go to in.gov/bmv and select "Renew License Plate" from the homepage. You will need your current license plate number, your driver's license number, and a payment method — the BMV accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. The system will show you the renewal fee for your vehicle before you pay.

After you complete the transaction, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new plates are mailed to the address on file with the BMV, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your current plates until the new ones arrive — Indiana law allows this grace period.

Online renewal works only if your vehicle does not require a safety inspection. If your registration shows an inspection requirement, you must renew in person or by mail (see below).

Renewing by mail

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with your payment. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include a check or money order for the amount shown, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. If your vehicle needs a safety inspection, you must include proof of inspection with your mailed renewal. The inspection must be completed by an authorized Indiana inspection station before you mail the renewal.

Keep a copy of the notice and your payment confirmation for your records. If your renewal is lost in the mail, you can file a claim with the postal service, but it is faster to renew online or in person instead.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Visit your local BMV branch with your driver's license, current registration card, and proof of vehicle inspection (if required). Bring a payment method — the BMV accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to payment. You receive a temporary registration document on the spot, and your new plates are mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary document until your new plates arrive.

In-person renewal is required if your vehicle needs a safety inspection and you have not had one completed yet. An authorized dealer can also perform the inspection at the same visit if your branch offers that service — call ahead to confirm.

When your vehicle needs a safety inspection

Some Indiana vehicles must pass a safety inspection before renewal. This includes vehicles over a certain age, vehicles with out-of-state titles, and vehicles registered as commercial or for-hire. Your renewal notice will state whether an inspection is required.

Safety inspections are performed by authorized Indiana inspection stations — these include many auto repair shops, tire shops, and some BMV branches. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield, wipers, and steering. It costs between $15 and $25 depending on the station.

You must complete the inspection before you renew. If you renew online or by mail, include the inspection certificate with your renewal. If you renew in person, bring the certificate to the BMV branch.

What to do if your plates expire before you renew

If your plates expire and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Do not delay — renew online when ready if possible, or visit a BMV branch the same day. Driving with expired plates can result in a citation and fine.

If you miss the renewal important date, you still renew the same way, but you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee varies, so contact your local BMV branch or check in.gov/bmv for the current amount. The sooner you renew after expiration, the lower your total cost.

Renewing plates for a vehicle you recently purchased

If you bought a vehicle in Indiana, the dealer usually handles the first registration and plates. You receive your registration card and plates by mail. Your first renewal is due two years from that registration date.

If you bought a vehicle from out of state, you must title and register it in Indiana before you can renew plates. This is a separate process from renewal — contact your local BMV branch or visit in.gov/bmv for instructions on titling an out-of-state vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plates before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time. The BMV typically allows renewal up to 60 days before expiration. Your new registration will be dated from your current expiration date, so you do not lose any time.

What if I move to a different address after I renew?

Update your address with the BMV before your new plates are mailed. You can update your address online at in.gov/bmv, by mail, or at a BMV branch. If your plates are already mailed to your old address, contact the BMV to request they be sent to your new address instead.

Do I need to remove my old plates when the new ones arrive?

Yes. Once your new plates arrive, remove the old plates and install the new ones. You can dispose of the old plates at any BMV branch, or keep them if you want. Indiana does not require you to turn in old plates, but the BMV accepts them for recycling.

What if I lose my registration card before renewal?

You can still renew online or by mail without the card — you just need your license plate number and driver's license number. If you need a replacement registration card, you can request one when you renew, or contact your local BMV branch to order one separately.

How much does it cost to renew Indiana plates?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. The BMV mails the exact amount in your renewal notice. You can also find the fee schedule on in.gov/bmv. Most standard passenger vehicles cost between $30 and $50 to renew, but commercial vehicles and heavier vehicles cost more.