What the BMV plate renewal process looks like
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles plate renewal in Indiana. You renew your plates every two years on the date shown on your current registration card, not on your birthday. The BMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your plates expire, which tells you the fee, your renewal date, and how to complete the process.
You have three ways to renew: by mail using the notice they send you, online through the Indiana BMV website, or in person at a BMV branch. Mail and online are fastest if your vehicle information hasn't changed and you have no violations or unpaid tickets. In-person renewal takes longer but works if you need to update your address, change your vehicle, or handle a problem with your registration.
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car costs less than a truck or SUV. If you want a specialty plate (like an Indiana University alumni plate or environmental plate), the fee is higher. The BMV website shows the exact fee for your vehicle before you pay.
Key Takeaways
- The BMV mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your plates expire, and you have until the expiration date to renew.
- You can renew by mail, online, or in person, and online is usually the fastest if nothing about your vehicle or address has changed.
- The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type, and specialty plates cost more than standard plates.
- You must have a valid driver's license and proof of current insurance to renew, and some vehicles require an emissions test first.
- If your plates are already expired, you cannot drive legally and must renew in person at a BMV branch with proof of insurance.
Renewing by mail or online
Mail renewal is the simplest route if you have the renewal notice the BMV sent you. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown. The BMV processes mail renewals in about two weeks, and your new plates arrive by mail within another week or two. Do not mail cash.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is faster. You enter your vehicle information, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You pay the fee by debit or credit card, and your new plates ship within a few business days. You can renew online only if your address and vehicle information are current in the BMV system.
Both mail and online renewal require that your vehicle has no outstanding violations, unpaid parking tickets, or safety inspection failures. If the BMV finds a problem when processing your renewal, they will send you a notice explaining what you must fix before your plates can be renewed.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
Go to a BMV branch if your address has changed, you are renewing for a vehicle you recently bought, you want a specialty plate, or your online renewal was rejected. Bring your current registration card, a valid driver's license, and proof of current auto insurance. If your vehicle is older than a certain year (varies by state), you may also need to show proof of an emissions test passed within the last year.
Wait times at BMV branches vary widely by location and time of day. Branches are usually less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Saturdays and after 3 p.m. on weekdays. Some BMV branches now offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check the Indiana BMV website to see if your local branch offers appointments.
The BMV staff will verify your information, check that your vehicle has no violations, and process your payment. You leave with a temporary registration document and your new plates arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need plates when ready for a new vehicle, ask the BMV about temporary plates you can use while you wait.
What to do if your plates have already expired
Driving with expired plates is illegal in Indiana, even if you have already mailed in your renewal or started the online process. If your plates expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring your registration card, driver's license, proof of insurance, and a check or card to pay the renewal fee plus any late fees.
The BMV charges a late fee if your plates are expired. The amount depends on how long they have been expired. If your plates expired within the last 60 days, you can still renew by mail or online, but do so when ready because you are driving illegally. If you are pulled over with expired plates, you can receive a ticket and a fine.
If you cannot locate your renewal notice and do not remember your renewal date, check your registration card—the expiration date is printed on the front. You can also call the Indiana BMV or log into your account on their website to see your renewal date and fee.
Emissions testing before renewal
Some Indiana counties require an emissions test before you can renew your plates. The BMV website lists which counties have this requirement. If your county requires it, you must pass the test at an approved emissions testing station before you renew, whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. The test costs about $15 to $20 and takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You do not need to bring the emissions test results to the BMV. The testing station reports the results directly to the BMV system, and the BMV checks whether you passed when you renew. If you fail the test, you have a set number of days to fix the problem and retest. You cannot renew your plates until you pass.
If you are unsure whether your county requires emissions testing, call the BMV or check their website before you attempt to renew. Trying to renew without a passing test will delay your renewal and may result in a rejection notice.
Specialty plates and vanity plates
Indiana offers specialty plates for military service, college alumni, environmental causes, and other groups. Specialty plates cost more than standard plates—usually $10 to $25 extra per year. You can order a specialty plate when you renew by selecting it during online renewal or by requesting it at a BMV branch. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but your new plates will reflect your chosen design.
Vanity plates (custom letter and number combinations) are also available. You choose your own combination, subject to BMV approval. Vanity plates cost extra and take longer to produce, so order them in person at a BMV branch or through the online system at least two weeks before your renewal date. The BMV rejects combinations that are offensive, already in use, or too similar to existing plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plates before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes, you can renew online or in person anytime within 60 days before your expiration date. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice. If you renew early, your new plates will arrive before your current ones expire, and your registration will be extended for another two years from the new expiration date.
What happens if I move to a different state before my plates expire?
You must renew your Indiana plates before you move or surrender them to the BMV and register your vehicle in your new state. If you have already moved, contact the Indiana BMV to request a refund or credit for the unused portion of your registration. You will need to register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe that state requires.
Can someone else renew my plates for me?
Yes, a family member or authorized person can renew by mail or online on your behalf if they have your registration card and the renewal fee. For in-person renewal, they will need your registration card, driver's license, and proof of insurance. Some BMV branches may ask for a signed letter authorizing them to act on your behalf.
What if my vehicle's information changed since I last registered it?
You must renew in person at a BMV branch if you changed the vehicle's color, engine, or other major features, or if you changed your address. Bring your registration card, driver's license, proof of insurance, and documentation of the change (like a bill showing your new address). The BMV will update your record and issue new plates.
How long do I have to renew after my plates expire?
You cannot legally drive with expired plates, so renew when ready. Indiana does not give a grace period. If your plates expired more than 60 days ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.