How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Indiana

What you need to do to renew in Indiana

Indiana lets you renew your vehicle registration by mail, online, or in person at a BMV branch. You do not have to renew in person unless your registration has been expired for more than a year, or unless you need to change vehicle information like the title or add a lienholder. Most people can complete the renewal in minutes without leaving home.

The state sends renewal notices 30 days before your registration expires. That notice includes a form you can mail back with payment, or you can use the information on it to renew online through the Indiana BMV website. If you have moved since your last registration, update your address before you renew — the BMV will mail your new registration to whatever address is on file.

Key Takeaways

Indiana sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration; use that notice to renew by mail or online.
Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes from any device.
Mail renewal requires you to send the renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the form.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is only necessary if your registration has been expired for over a year or you need to change vehicle information.
Your new registration sticker arrives by mail within two weeks of approval; you can drive legally while waiting if you carry proof of renewal.

Renewing online through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV website has an online renewal system that works 24 hours a day. Go to the BMV's main website, find the vehicle registration section, and select "renew registration." You will need your current registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — the BMV takes credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

The online system asks you to confirm your vehicle information and address. If anything has changed, correct it before you submit. Once you pay, you receive a confirmation number when ready. The BMV processes online renewals within a few business days, and your new registration sticker is mailed to the address on file.

Renewing by mail with the renewal notice

The renewal notice the BMV sends you includes a form and an envelope with a prepaid address. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it back. Do not send cash through the mail. The address is printed on the envelope, so you cannot miss it.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically 10 to 14 business days from the time the BMV receives your envelope. If you are cutting it close to your expiration date, online renewal is safer because you get a confirmation number the same day. If your renewal notice gets lost, you can request a duplicate from the BMV or renew online without it.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You can walk into any Indiana BMV branch with your current registration and payment to renew. Bring a valid photo ID and your vehicle's title if you have it. In-person renewal is useful if you need to change information on your registration at the same time, such as adding a lienholder or updating your name.

Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. Many branches are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. You receive your new registration sticker on the spot when you renew in person, so you do not have to wait for mail delivery. If your registration has been expired for more than a year, the BMV requires you to renew in person rather than by mail or online.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Indiana and can result in a traffic ticket. If you miss your renewal date, you can still renew — there is no grace period, but the BMV will process late renewals. However, if your registration has been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person at a BMV branch rather than by mail or online.

If you get pulled over with an expired registration, the officer can issue a citation. The fine varies, but it is usually between $25 and $100 depending on how long it has been expired. Renewing as soon as you notice the expiration prevents this penalty. If you are unsure whether your registration is current, you can check the expiration date on your registration card or call your local BMV branch.

Payment methods and fees

Indiana registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type. The BMV website shows the exact fee for your vehicle when you start an online renewal — you do not have to guess. For mail renewal, the fee is printed on your renewal notice. The BMV takes credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks online. By mail, you can send a check or money order.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. Vehicles over 10 years old may have lower registration costs in some cases, and electric vehicles have different fee structures. The BMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle information and see the exact amount due before you renew.

What to do if you moved or changed your name

Update your address with the BMV before you renew so your new registration sticker is mailed to the correct location. You can update your address online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a branch. If you changed your name due to marriage or legal change, you will need to update that as well — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) if you go in person.

If you renew without updating your address first, the BMV will mail your new sticker to your old address. You can request a duplicate sticker be sent to your current address, but this adds time. It is faster to update your information before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew at any time after expiration. However, if it has been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person at a BMV branch rather than online or by mail. Driving with an expired registration is illegal, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.

How long does it take to get my new registration sticker after I renew online?

The BMV typically mails your new sticker within two weeks of processing your online renewal. You can drive legally during this time if you carry your renewal confirmation number or receipt. If you do not receive your sticker within three weeks, contact the BMV to check the status.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online — you can go directly to the BMV website and renew using your registration number and VIN. If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a duplicate renewal notice from the BMV by phone or in person, or you can renew online instead.

Do I need to renew my registration in person if I added a lienholder?

If you financed your vehicle after your last registration, yes — you will need to renew in person or by mail with your title and lienholder information. The BMV cannot add a lienholder through online renewal. Bring your title and the lienholder's information to a branch, or mail your title with a completed form to the address on the renewal notice.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

For online renewal, only you can renew using your registration number and payment method. For mail renewal, anyone can mail in your renewal form and payment on your behalf. For in-person renewal, someone else can renew for you if they bring your current registration, their photo ID, and payment, though some branches may require a signed authorization form.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.