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If you didn't receive a renewal notice, contact the BMV via any one of the following ways:

If you didn't get a BMV renewal notice, you still have to renew your plates and pay your fees before your registration expires , or you could be subject to late fees (see below). You will also be in danger of getting ticketed if you get caught driving or parking with expired plates.

You must renew your vehicle every year, and your renewal date never changes. The IN BMV sets expiration dates based on your last name. The BMV will send a renewal notice several weeks before your registration is set to expire.

If you have recently purchased a different vehicle, or you've just moved to the state, check out our Car Registration page to learn how to register your vehicle for the first time.

Indiana residents must renew their registration every year with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Keeping your registration current means that you can continue to operate your vehicle legally in the state.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed office locations, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing . If possible, residents should use the BMV's online services to complete any relevant transactions. Follow the most recent updates for the latest information.

IN Registration Renewal

The BMV gives you three registration renewal options: online, by mail, or in person. You must renew by mail or in person if your vehicle requires any of the following special paper forms:

Low-digit special group authorization.

Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax form (Form 2290).

Department of Revenue Fuel Tax Permit.

DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance may be REQUIRED when renewing your registration! Compare rates and buy your policy online: Open the Insurance Center >>

Renew Online

To renew online, you will need to create an account at myBMV.com and:

Have proof of passing an emissions test, if required.

Log on to the BMV's Easy Plate Renewal page and create an account username and password.

Review your information and make sure that everything is correct.

Pay registration renewal fee using an E-check, credit card, or debit card.

Print your payment receipt.

If you do not receive your registration renewal materials in the mail within 21 days, you can track your renewal documents online or contact your local BMV office tocheck the status of your renewal.

Renew by Mail

To renew your Indiana license plates by mail:

Successfully pass an emissions test, if applicable.

Make out a check or money order made payable to the BMV for your renewal fee.

Mail your renewal notice and renewal fee to the address listed on your renewal notice in the provided preprinted envelope.

You should receive your renewed registration materials in 21 days.

Renew in Person

Registering in person is a good option if you need to get your registration right away.

Depending on your location, you may have a number of renewal places:

Your local BMV office.

Select AAA branches (Marion and Hamilton County residents only).

Clean Air Checktesting stations (Lake and Porter County residents only).

Have with you:

Your BMV renewal notice or current registration certificate.

Proof of auto insurance, if applicable.

Proof of successfully passing an emissions test, if necessary (Lake and Porter County residents can complete their emissions test and renew their registration at the same time).

Payment for registration renewal fee (cash, check, money order, credit card, debit card).

You'll leave with your new registration and plate stickers.

Indiana Registration Renewal Fees

Indiana registration renewal fees vary based on where you live and the type of vehicle you own. Your renewal notice will indicate the amount you owe. If you don't have your renewal notice, you can get a QuickQuote online through the BMV.

Fees are based on a combination of factors:

A Flat Registration fee:

―Standard passenger car: $21.35

―Trucks (based on weight): $30.35 to $1,692.00

―Motorcycle: $26.35

―RV: $29.35

―Standard passenger car: ―Trucks (based on weight): ―Motorcycle: ―RV: An Excise Tax, which is based on the year and value of your vehicle

A Surtax/Wheel Tax (only for certain counties)

Specialty license plates require an extra fee at renewal based on type of plate.

Late Fees and Penalties

There is no grace period for late renewals. Late renewals are subject to a $15 late fee in addition to the other renewal fees. You cannot park or drive on public roads with expired license plates and registration, or you will be ticketed.

Renewal Fee Refunds

If you leave Indiana for another state, or you sell your vehicle to another person, you can apply for a refund of the excise tax remaining on your registration. You can apply by sending the following to the BMV:

A completed Application for Vehicle Excise Tax and/or Surtax Refund (Form 55296).

A copy of your:

Indiana registration certificate and n ew state registration card (both sides, if applicable), if you've moved out of state . For some states, you must also submit your registration receipt. Visit the BMV's refund guide for details. A copy of your bill of sale and IN registration card , if you've sold the vehicle .



Send the above to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Central Office Title Processing

100 North Senate Ave., Room N417

Indianapolis, IN 46204

IN Liability Insurance Requirements

Liability insurance is required for all vehicles in Indiana. Failing to maintain adequate coverage can result in having your registration and/or driver's license revoked. Learn more on our Car Insurance Center section.

Indiana Smog and Emissions Testing

The BMV requires vehicles registered in certain counties to undergo regular emissions inspections. Check your BMV renewal notice to determine if you need to get your vehicle tested.

Registration Renewal for IN Military Personnel

Indiana residents serving abroad in the military may renew their plates online or by mail.

You will need to either:

Set up a valid forwarding address with the U.S. Post Office.

Have your renewal materials sent to the address of a friend or family member who can then forward you your materials. Make sure the friend or family member's address is on file with the BMV as your address of record.

Military members are not subject to the $15 late renewal fee.

For more detailed information, visit our Drivers in the Military page.

Replacement Certificates, Stickers, or License Plates

If needed, you can get a duplicate registration. You will have to pay a $9.50 replacement fee.

Your IN license plates must also always be present and legible on your vehicle. If your plates are missing or damaged, get replacement plates from the BMV. Expect to pay a $9.50 sticker replacement fee.