Indiana renews license plates every two years, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at your local BMV branch

Your Indiana license plate renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your plate expires. The expiration date is printed on the plate itself—look at the sticker in the bottom right corner. You have three ways to renew: through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, by mailing your renewal notice with payment, or by visiting a BMV branch in person. The online method is fastest and requires only your renewal notice number and driver's license number.

The renewal fee is $28.50 for standard plates. If you have a specialty plate—such as an environmental plate, military plate, or collegiate plate—the fee may be higher. You'll pay the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by route: online accepts credit and debit cards, mail requires a check or money order, and BMV branches accept cash, check, card, and money order.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Indiana plate online at the BMV website using your renewal notice number, which takes about 10 minutes and is the fastest option.
  • Your renewal notice arrives roughly two months before expiration, and you should renew before the expiration date on your plate to avoid driving with an expired plate.
  • The standard renewal fee is $28.50, though specialty plates cost more, and the fee is the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • If you renew by mail, allow at least two weeks for processing and delivery of your new plate sticker before your current plate expires.
  • You do not need to visit a BMV branch unless you are renewing a specialty plate, changing your address, or have a specific issue with your account.

Renewing online through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) has a renewal portal where you can renew without leaving home. You'll need your renewal notice—the document mailed to you by the BMV—and your driver's license number. The notice includes a renewal notice number that you enter into the online form. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

After you pay online, the BMV mails you a new registration card and a plate sticker. The sticker goes on the bottom right corner of your current plate, covering the old expiration date. You should receive the sticker within 7 to 10 business days. Your registration card arrives separately and may take a few additional days. You can drive legally with your old plate and the new sticker once it arrives—you do not need to wait for the registration card.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you prefer to renew by mail, send your renewal notice with a check or money order for $28.50 to the address printed on the notice itself. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your renewal notice number and your current plate number on the check or money order. Mail processing typically takes 10 to 14 business days, and delivery of your sticker adds another 3 to 5 business days.

The risk with mail renewal is timing: if your plate expires before your sticker arrives, you are driving with an expired plate, which is a violation. If your renewal notice arrives fewer than three weeks before expiration, renewing online is safer because it is faster. Keep a copy of your mailed renewal notice or take a photo of it in case the BMV does not receive it and you need proof you sent it.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You can walk into any BMV branch with your renewal notice and renew on the spot. Bring your driver's license and the renewal notice. Payment is $28.50, and you can pay with cash, check, card, or money order. The BMV will issue you a new registration card when ready and mail you the plate sticker, which arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal makes sense if you are already at a BMV branch for another reason, or if you have questions about your renewal. However, BMV branches have wait times that vary by location and time of day. Calling your local branch before you go can help you pick a slower time. If you are renewing a specialty plate or need to update your address at the same time, in-person renewal may be required—check the BMV website or call ahead to confirm.

What happens if you miss the expiration date

Driving with an expired plate is a violation in Indiana. A police officer can stop you, and you may receive a citation. The fine varies but can range from a warning to a monetary penalty. More importantly, if you are in an accident with an expired plate, your insurance may deny a claim or reduce coverage, leaving you responsible for damages.

If your plate has already expired, you can still renew it when ready. The BMV does not charge a late fee for renewing after the expiration date—you pay the same $28.50 renewal fee. However, you should not drive the vehicle on public roads until the new sticker arrives. If you need to move the vehicle, have it towed or driven by someone else with a valid plate, or obtain a temporary permit from the BMV.

Renewing a specialty plate or addressing account issues

Specialty plates—such as environmental plates, military veteran plates, or Indiana university plates—renew the same way as standard plates, but the fee is higher. Environmental plates cost $33.50, and military plates vary. Your renewal notice will show the correct fee for your plate type. You renew specialty plates through the same online portal, by mail, or in person.

If your renewal notice does not arrive, your address has changed, or you have a question about your account, contact the BMV directly. You can call 317-234-6246 (Indianapolis area) or use the BMV website to find your local branch phone number. Some issues—such as a name change or address correction—may require an in-person visit, but the BMV can tell you over the phone whether you need to come in.

Keeping your registration current and avoiding lapses

The BMV mails renewal notices to the address on file with your driver's license. If you have moved and not updated your address, the notice may not reach you. Update your address through the BMV website or at a branch as soon as you move. You can also sign up for email reminders on the BMV website, which alerts you when renewal is approaching.

If you sell your vehicle or no longer need the plate, you do not have to renew it. However, if you plan to keep the vehicle, renewing on time prevents the hassle of dealing with an expired plate and the risk of a citation. Setting a phone reminder for 30 days before expiration gives you a buffer to renew online before the important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate if I have not received my renewal notice?

Yes. Go to the BMV website and use the "Renew Online" option, which asks for your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN) instead of the renewal notice number. You can also visit a BMV branch or call 317-234-6246 to request a replacement notice or to renew over the phone with an agent.

How long does the new plate sticker take to arrive?

Online and in-person renewals typically result in a sticker arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 10 to 14 business days for processing plus 3 to 5 business days for delivery. If you are close to your expiration date, renewing online is the safest choice.

Do I need to replace my actual plate, or just the sticker?

You only need the sticker. The BMV mails you a new registration card and a sticker that covers the old expiration date on your current plate. You do not replace the metal plate itself unless it is damaged or you are switching to a specialty plate.

What if I renew online but my credit card is declined?

The transaction will not complete, and you will not be charged. Try again with a different card, or renew by mail or in person instead. If the problem persists, contact your bank to confirm the card is active, then try the BMV website again.

Can I renew early, before my notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew up to 90 days before your plate expires. Use the BMV website with your driver's license number and VIN, or visit a branch in person. Early renewal is useful if you know you will be away when your notice arrives or if you want to avoid the rush near the expiration date.