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. You will register your vehicle at your local BMV branch, not online or by mail for initial registration. The process requires proof of ownership, proof of identity, and proof of residency — all submitted in person.

Indiana requires registration within 60 days of moving to the state or purchasing a vehicle. The registration is valid for one year from the month you receive it, and you will need to renew it annually. The cost varies based on vehicle weight and type, but you can find the exact fee by contacting your local BMV branch or visiting their office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register in person at a BMV branch within 60 days of purchasing a vehicle or moving to Indiana.
  • Bring your title or proof of ownership, a government-issued ID, and a document showing your Indiana address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type, so ask your BMV branch for the exact amount before you go.
  • Your registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually; you will receive a renewal notice by mail before expiration.
  • If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer may handle the paperwork, but you are responsible for completing registration within the 60-day window.

Documents to bring to the BMV

Gather these documents before you visit your local BMV branch. You will need the vehicle's title or a manufacturer's certificate of origin if the vehicle is new. If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name will appear on the title; bring the title as-is.

Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof that you live in Indiana — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If your name does not match the title exactly, bring documents showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If someone else is signing the title on your behalf, that person must appear in person with a notarized power of attorney. The BMV does not notarize documents, so you will need to have this done elsewhere before you arrive.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Indiana calculates registration fees based on your vehicle's gross weight rating (GWR) — the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers and cargo. Heavier vehicles cost more to register. The fee schedule changes annually and varies between passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and other types.

Contact your local BMV branch directly for the exact fee, as it depends on your specific vehicle's weight class. You can also ask the dealer or check your vehicle's documentation to find the GWR. Some vehicles may also require an additional inspection fee if they are out-of-state vehicles or have been modified.

Indiana does not charge separate fees for vanity plates, but custom plates may have different costs. Ask at the BMV if you want to request a specific plate design.

How to find your local BMV branch and make an appointment

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the branch nearest you by visiting the Indiana Department of Revenue website or calling 317-232-2050. Some branches accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments to manage wait times.

If your branch requires an appointment, you can usually schedule one online through the BMV website or by calling the branch directly. Appointments typically fill up during lunch hours and late afternoon, so try to schedule early in the morning or mid-week if possible. If you cannot get an appointment soon, check whether a neighboring county's branch has earlier availability.

Bring all your documents in one folder so you do not have to search for them at the counter. The BMV staff will review everything before you pay, so if something is missing, they will tell you what to get before you can complete registration.

What happens after you register

Once you pay the registration fee, the BMV will issue you a registration card and license plates (or a registration sticker if you are keeping existing plates). You must display the plate or sticker on your vehicle before you drive it on public roads. Keep the registration card in your vehicle at all times — you are required to show it to law enforcement if stopped.

The BMV will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a BMV branch. Renewing by mail or online is faster and does not require a visit unless your vehicle information has changed or you need new plates.

If you move to a different address within Indiana, you must notify the BMV within 60 days. You can do this by mail or in person. If you sell your vehicle, notify the BMV in writing so you are not held responsible for violations or tickets issued after the sale.

Special situations: out-of-state vehicles and salvage titles

If you are moving to Indiana from another state with a vehicle registered elsewhere, you have 60 days to register it in Indiana. Bring your out-of-state title, your driver's license, and proof of Indiana residency. The BMV may require an inspection to verify the vehicle's condition and that the VIN matches the title.

If your vehicle has a salvage title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company), Indiana requires an inspection before registration. The inspection verifies that the vehicle is safe to drive and that repairs were done properly. Contact your local BMV branch for the inspection location and fee.

If you are registering a vehicle that was previously registered to someone else in Indiana, make sure the previous owner signed the title and released their interest. If the title is not signed, the BMV cannot process it, and you will need to contact the previous owner or their lender.

Renewing your registration and keeping it current

Indiana registration is valid for one year from the month you receive it. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before expiration. The notice will show your current registration information and the renewal fee.

You can renew online through the BMV website if your vehicle information has not changed and you do not need new plates. Online renewal takes a few minutes and you will receive your new registration card by mail within one to two weeks. You can also renew by mail by returning the renewal notice with payment, or in person at a BMV branch.

If you do not renew by the expiration date, your registration lapses and you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. If you are stopped while driving with expired registration, you may receive a citation. If your registration has been expired for more than 60 days, you may need to re-register as if it were a new vehicle, which requires a visit to the BMV in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle online?

Initial registration must be done in person at a BMV branch. However, you can renew your registration online if your vehicle information has not changed and you do not need new plates. The BMV website has a renewal portal where you can pay and receive your new registration card by mail.

What if I buy a vehicle from a private seller instead of a dealer?

You are responsible for completing registration within 60 days. The seller should sign the title and give it to you. Bring the signed title, your ID, and proof of residency to the BMV. If the title is not signed or the seller cannot be reached, contact the BMV for guidance on how to proceed.

Do I need to register my vehicle if I only drive it on private property?

If you drive only on private property that you own, registration is not required. However, if the vehicle will ever be driven on public roads, it must be registered. If you are unsure whether your situation requires registration, contact your local BMV branch.

What if I lose my registration card?

You can request a replacement registration card at any BMV branch or by mail. Bring your ID and proof of residency. There is a small fee for a replacement card. You can continue to drive the vehicle while waiting for the replacement as long as your registration has not expired.

How long does registration take once I submit everything?

If everything is in order, you will receive your registration card and plates the same day you visit the BMV. If the BMV needs to verify information or if documents are missing, it may take a few days. The BMV will contact you if there are any issues.