What you need to know about Indiana plates

Indiana issues standard passenger plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). When you register a vehicle in Indiana, you receive a plate with the state name, a county identifier code, and a combination of letters and numbers. Plates are valid for five years from the date of issue, and renewal happens through your local BMV branch or online if you meet certain conditions.

The format and appearance of your plate depends on the vehicle type and any specialty or personalized options you choose. Standard plates are white with blue lettering. Indiana also offers over 100 specialty plates that support specific causes, professions, or interests — each with its own design and often a higher fee that goes to the supporting organization.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana plates are issued for five years and must be renewed through your local BMV branch, online, or by mail depending on your situation.
  • You need proof of vehicle ownership, proof of Indiana residency, and a valid driver's license or ID to register and receive a plate.
  • Specialty plates cost more than standard plates but allow you to support causes like veterans' organizations, environmental groups, or professional associations.
  • Personalized plates let you choose your own letter and number combination, subject to BMV approval, and cost extra on top of registration fees.
  • If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at your BMV branch or online for a small fee.

Getting your first Indiana plate

When you buy a vehicle and move to Indiana or register a car for the first time, you must visit a BMV branch in person to register the vehicle and receive your plate. Bring your proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of Indiana residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), a valid driver's license or state ID, and proof of insurance. The BMV will verify your information, process your registration, and issue your plate on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days depending on the branch.

Registration fees vary based on vehicle weight and type. You will also pay a one-time plate fee. If you choose a specialty plate, the cost is higher than a standard plate, and part of that fee goes to the organization the plate supports. Personalized plates cost extra and require a separate request form.

Renewing your Indiana plate

Indiana plates expire five years from the date they were issued. The BMV will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration. You can renew online through the BMV website if your vehicle has not changed, your address is current, and you have no outstanding violations or registration holds. Online renewal takes a few minutes and you can pay by credit or debit card.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by returning the renewal notice with payment, or visit a BMV branch in person. Renewing by mail takes about two weeks. If your plate is expiring soon and you have not received a renewal notice, contact your local BMV branch to confirm your address on file.

Specialty and personalized plates in Indiana

Indiana offers specialty plates that support causes ranging from veterans' organizations to environmental conservation to professional groups. Each specialty plate has a unique design and a higher registration fee — typically $25 to $50 more per year than a standard plate. The extra cost is donated to the organization the plate represents. You can request a specialty plate when you first register your vehicle or switch to one during renewal.

Personalized plates let you choose your own combination of letters and numbers instead of receiving a random assignment. You can request a personalized plate at registration or renewal. The BMV reviews your request to make sure it does not contain offensive language or duplicate an existing plate. Personalized plates cost extra — usually $25 to $50 on top of your registration fee — and the cost applies every time you renew.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any BMV branch or through the BMV website. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration information, and proof of the loss or damage if applicable. A replacement plate costs a small fee, usually around $15 to $20, and you will receive it within a few business days.

If your plate was stolen, you may want to file a police report for your records, though it is not required to get a replacement. If your plate is damaged but still readable, the BMV may allow you to keep it until your next renewal, but you can request a replacement sooner if you prefer.

Indiana plate design and county codes

All Indiana standard plates display the state name at the top, a county identifier code (a two-digit number representing your county), and a random combination of letters and numbers. The county code helps law enforcement and the BMV track where a vehicle is registered. The plate background is white with blue lettering, matching the design used by most U.S. states.

Specialty plates follow the same basic format but with a unique design specific to the cause or organization they support. Some specialty plates have different background colors or graphics. Personalized plates use the same white background and blue lettering as standard plates but display your chosen letter and number combination instead of a random one.

What to do if your plate information changes

If you move to a different Indiana county, change your vehicle's registration, or need to update your address on file, contact your local BMV branch or update your information online if the change is minor. If you move out of Indiana, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state and return your Indiana plate to the BMV or dispose of it according to Indiana law.

If you sell your vehicle, the new owner will need to register it and receive a new plate. You do not transfer your plate to a new vehicle — each registration receives its own plate. If you want to keep a personalized plate design, you can request the same personalization on your new vehicle's plate, subject to BMV approval and payment of the personalization fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an Indiana plate after I register my vehicle?

If you register in person at a BMV branch, you may receive your plate the same day or within a few business days. If you register by mail, allow two to three weeks. The BMV will notify you by mail when your plate is ready for pickup or will mail it directly to your address.

Can I renew my Indiana plate online?

Yes, if your vehicle information has not changed, your address is current, and you have no registration holds or violations. Visit the BMV website, enter your vehicle and driver's license information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The process takes a few minutes and your renewed plate will arrive by mail within two weeks.

What happens if my Indiana plate expires?

Driving with an expired plate is a violation in Indiana. You must renew before the expiration date shown on your plate. The BMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee or be required to renew in person at a BMV branch.

Can I transfer my personalized plate to a new vehicle?

You cannot transfer the physical plate itself, but you can request the same personalized letter and number combination for your new vehicle's plate, subject to BMV approval. You will need to pay the personalization fee again and register the new vehicle. Contact your local BMV branch to request the transfer.

How much does an Indiana specialty plate cost?

Specialty plates cost $25 to $50 more per year than a standard plate, depending on which specialty plate you choose. The extra cost is donated to the organization the plate supports. You pay the specialty plate fee every time you renew your registration.