What you need to register a vehicle in Indiana
Vehicle registration in Indiana is handled by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which is part of the Indiana Department of Revenue. To register a vehicle, you will need to visit a BMV branch in person with specific documents. The BMV will not process registration by mail or online for most situations.
The documents you must bring are: proof of ownership (the vehicle title or a bill of sale if you just bought it), proof of your identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If someone else holds the title with you, both owners may need to be present, though you can call your local BMV branch to confirm their specific rule.
You will also need to pay the registration fee. Indiana charges a base fee that varies by vehicle weight and type — a passenger car typically costs between $20 and $30 for the first registration, though the exact amount depends on the vehicle's gross weight rating. If you are registering a used vehicle you just bought, you may owe sales tax as well, which the BMV collects at the time of registration.
Key Takeaways
- You must register your vehicle in person at a BMV branch within 60 days of buying it or moving to Indiana.
- Bring your title or bill of sale, a photo ID, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number to complete registration.
- Registration fees for passenger vehicles typically range from $20 to $30 and depend on the vehicle's weight.
- Your registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type; you will receive a renewal notice by mail before it expires.
- License plates are issued by the BMV at the time of registration and will be mailed to you or given to you on the spot depending on the branch.
Where to register and how long it takes
Indiana has BMV branches in every county. You can find the branch nearest you and its hours on the Indiana BMV website by entering your county name. Most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online, because wait times vary widely — some branches have short lines while others may require a 30-minute to one-hour wait, especially on Fridays.
The registration process itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, assuming your documents are in order. If your title has a lien on it (meaning a lender still owns part of the vehicle), the process may take longer because the BMV must verify the lien holder's information. Plan to spend one to two hours total from arrival to leaving with your plates.
License plates and registration stickers
When you register your vehicle, the BMV will issue you a set of license plates and a registration sticker. The registration sticker goes on your plate and shows the month and year your registration expires. Indiana plates are white with blue lettering and the state name across the top.
At some BMV branches, you receive your plates when ready. At others, the plates are mailed to your address within one to two weeks. Ask the BMV employee which will happen at your branch before you leave. If you need plates right away and your branch mails them, you can request a temporary plate to use while you wait, though not all branches offer this option.
You are required by law to display both plates — one on the front and one on the back of your vehicle. If a plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any BMV branch for a small fee, usually around $10 to $15.
Renewing your registration
Indiana registration is valid for either one or two years depending on your vehicle type. Passenger cars are typically registered for two years. About 60 days before your registration expires, the BMV will mail you a renewal notice to the address on file. This notice includes the renewal fee and instructions for renewing.
You can renew by mail, online through the Indiana BMV website, or in person at a BMV branch. Renewing by mail or online is faster and does not require you to visit an office. If you renew online, you will pay the fee by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you will send a check or money order along with the renewal form. In-person renewal at a BMV branch follows the same process as initial registration but usually takes less time because the BMV already has your information on file.
If your registration expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. If you are stopped by police, you may receive a ticket. Renew as soon as you receive the notice to avoid this.
Special situations: transfers, out-of-state vehicles, and salvage titles
If you buy a vehicle from someone else in Indiana, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then take that signed title to the BMV to register it in your name. Bring the same documents listed above, plus the signed title. The BMV will issue new plates in your name.
If you move to Indiana from another state and already own a vehicle registered there, you must register it with the Indiana BMV within 60 days. Bring your out-of-state title or registration, your Indiana driver's license or ID, and proof of your Indiana address. Indiana will issue you new plates and a new registration.
If a vehicle has a salvage title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company), registration is more complex. You will need the salvage title, proof of ownership, and often an inspection by the BMV to confirm the vehicle is roadworthy. Some salvage vehicles cannot be registered for road use at all. Contact your local BMV branch before attempting to register a salvage vehicle, because the rules depend on the vehicle's condition and history.
What happens if you do not register
Driving an unregistered vehicle in Indiana is illegal. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed and fined. The fine for driving without a current registration typically ranges from $25 to $500 depending on the circumstances and whether it is a first offense. Your vehicle can also be impounded.
Additionally, if you are in an accident and your vehicle is not registered, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for all damages. Registration is inexpensive compared to the cost of an accident or the legal trouble of driving unregistered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a vehicle online in Indiana?
You can renew an existing registration online through the Indiana BMV website, but you cannot complete an initial registration online. New registrations and transfers require an in-person visit to a BMV branch with your title and documents.
What if I lost my title?
Contact your local BMV branch and request a duplicate title. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or insurance documents, and pay a small fee, usually around $15 to $25. The duplicate title will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Do I have to register my vehicle in the county where I live?
No. You can register at any BMV branch in Indiana, regardless of which county you live in. However, your registration will be associated with the address on your driver's license, so the BMV will mail renewal notices to that address.
What if my vehicle has a lien on it?
You can still register a vehicle with a lien. Bring the title showing the lien holder's name and the BMV will verify the information. The lien holder's name will appear on your registration documents, but you can still drive the vehicle legally.
How much does registration cost for a truck or motorcycle?
Registration fees vary by vehicle type and weight. Motorcycles are typically cheaper than passenger cars, while trucks may cost more depending on their gross weight rating. Call your local BMV branch or check the Indiana BMV website for the exact fee for your specific vehicle type.