Eligibility for Indiana License Plates
New residents must title their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency in Indiana and register them within the same period. Vehicles already registered in another state may be operated during this period. (IC 9-18.1-2-7; IC 9-18.1-11-5.)
- Residency: The 60-day period applies to all vehicles owned by the new resident. Vehicles purchased from a dealer have a separate 45-day registration period from the date of purchase. (IC 9-18.1-2-8.)
- Vehicle: Every motor vehicle operated on Indiana highways must be registered through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Vehicles with a salvage title cannot receive standard license plates until the Bureau issues a rebuilt vehicle title.
- Applicant must present proof of identity, Social Security number, and Indiana residency at a Bureau branch. Proof of minimum liability insurance is required before license plates are issued.
- License Plate Categories: Indiana offers standard, “In God We Trust,” college and university, organization, and over 30 military license plates, including Disabled Hoosier Veteran, “Purple Heart,” former POW, and Congressional Medal of Honor. Military plates may require submission of a DD 214 form or a letter from the VA.
How to Get a License Plate in Indiana?
The initial registration can be completed at any Bureau branch, BMV Connect kiosk, or online via myBMV if the sale date is less than 60 days ago. The fees listed in the next section apply to each of these channels.
- Submit a completed Application for Title (State Form 1014) with an assigned title from another state or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, Indiana proof of insurance, and valid identification.
- Out-of-state vehicles require a VIN inspection at any Bureau branch, certified Bureau service provider (free), or law enforcement officer (up to $5).
- Vehicles registered in Lake or Porter County must pass a biennial emissions test at a Clean Air Check station before registration or renewal. Vehicles from the four most recent model years are exempt. (Indiana’s Vehicle Emissions Testing Program.)
- The Bureau mails the license plate and registration certificate within 21 calendar days. A temporary registration may be displayed until the permanent plate arrives.
Renewals are conducted annually. The Bureau sends renewal reminders by mail, email, or text message depending on account settings. Renewals can be completed online at myBMV, by calling 888-692-6841, by mail, at a Bureau branch, or at a BMV Connect kiosk.
How Much Does a License Plate Cost in Indiana?
Indiana adds a registration fee, an annual excise tax, a $15 transportation infrastructure improvement fee, and (where adopted) county and municipal vehicle taxes to each registration. The excise tax itself varies based on the vehicle’s value and age, so the total can vary significantly between two otherwise similar cars.
- Passenger cars pay an annual registration fee of $21.35. Motorcycles cost $26.35, trucks weighing up to 11,000 pounds cost $30.35, and recreational vehicles cost $29.35, according to the Bureau’s Fee Chart.
- Electric vehicles add an annual supplemental fee of $242; hybrids add $81. Both apply in addition to the base registration. (IC 9-18.1-14.)
- Counties and municipalities that have adopted a vehicle excise tax or wheel tax by ordinance add a local layer. The Bureau’s Quick Quote tool calculates the total for a specific vehicle and address.
- Issuing a title costs $15. A personalized message on a license plate adds $45, and transfer, amendment, or replacement costs $9.50.
- Late registration incurs a $15 administrative penalty. (IC 9-18.1-11-5.)
Can I Get a License Plate Online in Indiana?
Indiana allows both initial registration and renewal online, which is a broader scope than most states. New registrations qualify on myBMV if the sale date is less than 60 days ago and the vehicle is not leased.
The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The processing fee is $0.40 plus 2.06% for card payments. License plates and registration documents arrive by mail within 21 calendar days.
For transactions the portal cannot process (heavy trucks over 26,000 pounds, special group plates requiring forms, or changes in plate type), visit any Bureau branch or BMV Connect kiosk. Branches accept cash, checks, and cards.
- Mail-in renewals are sent to: Winchester Processing Center, PO Box 100, 309 West South St., Winchester, IN 47394. Include State Form 56163, payment by check or card, and any required emissions documentation. The postmark must be on or before the expiration date.
If myBMV accepts your transaction type, the online option is the fastest; branches handle everything the portal rejects.