Renew your Indiana plates online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you renew your license plates three ways: online through the BMV website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at any BMV branch. Online renewal is fastest and available year-round. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a branch takes one visit and works if you need to handle other registration matters at the same time.

You can renew up to six months before your plates expire. Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before expiration and includes your renewal fee, which varies by vehicle type and county. The fee covers one year of registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the BMV website is available 24/7 and takes minutes, but you must have your current registration card and a valid payment method.
  • Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and a check or money order, and takes about two weeks from the time the BMV receives it.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and a valid ID, and is completed the same day.
  • Your renewal notice shows your exact fee and expiration date; if you do not receive one, contact the BMV or renew in person.
  • Plates expire on the date printed on your registration card, and driving with expired plates can result in a citation.

Online renewal through the BMV website

Visit in.gov/bmv and select "Renew a Vehicle Registration" from the online services menu. You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will confirm your vehicle information and calculate your renewal fee based on your vehicle type and county.

Payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. The BMV will mail your new registration card and plates (if required) within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current plates while you wait. Print or save your confirmation number in case you need to track your order.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 30 days before your plates expire. It shows your renewal fee, vehicle information, and a payment stub. Write a check or money order for the exact amount shown, sign the back of the notice, and mail both to the address printed on the notice.

The BMV processes mail renewals in the order received. Once they receive your payment, processing takes about two weeks. Your new registration card and plates (if applicable) will arrive separately. Do not mail cash. If your renewal notice is lost or damaged, you can renew online or in person instead.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID to any BMV branch. You do not need an appointment for renewal. The staff will verify your vehicle information, calculate your fee, and process payment on the spot. You will receive your new registration card when ready and can leave with proof of renewal.

New plates are mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if your vehicle requires them. Some vehicles (such as those with personalized plates or certain commercial registrations) may require a new plate set; the BMV staff will tell you whether yours does. In-person renewal is useful if you also need to update your address, add or remove a vehicle owner, or handle other registration changes.

What happens if your plates expire

Driving with expired plates is a violation in Indiana. Law enforcement can cite you, and you may face a fine. If you are pulled over, show the officer your renewal notice or confirmation number as proof that renewal is in progress. This does not may provide you will avoid a citation, but it documents that you took action before expiration.

If your plates have already expired and you have not yet renewed, do so when ready. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Once your new registration card arrives, you are legal to drive. If you were cited for expired plates, contact the court listed on the citation for information about contesting or paying the fine.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Indiana renewal fees vary by vehicle type (passenger car, truck, motorcycle, RV) and by county. Your renewal notice shows your exact fee. The fee covers one year of registration from your expiration date. Some counties charge slightly more than others, and commercial vehicles have different fee schedules than personal vehicles.

If you renew before your current registration expires, your new registration begins on the expiration date of the old one — you do not lose time. If you renew after expiration, your new registration begins on the date the BMV processes it. Late renewal does not add extra fees, but you should not drive with expired plates in the meantime.

If you do not receive a renewal notice

Renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before expiration. If yours does not arrive, check your mailing address on your current registration card. If the address is wrong, you can update it online, by mail, or in person before renewing. If the address is correct but the notice did not arrive, renew online or in person instead — you do not need the notice to renew.

Contact the BMV directly if you want to confirm your expiration date or have questions about your specific vehicle. You can call the BMV customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration card handy when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plates if my vehicle has a lien or loan on it?

Yes. The lienholder does not need to approve renewal. Renew through any method (online, mail, or in person) using your current registration card. The lienholder's name on your title does not affect your ability to renew registration.

What if my vehicle information changed since my last registration?

If you changed your address, added or removed an owner, or changed your insurance, you can update these details in person at a BMV branch or online before renewing. Bring proof of the change (such as a utility bill for address changes). Some changes require a new title process, which the BMV staff can explain when you visit.

Do I need new plates every time I renew?

Not always. Most passenger vehicles keep the same plates for many years. You receive new plates only if your old ones are damaged, if you request personalized plates, or if your vehicle type changes. The BMV will tell you whether new plates are required when you renew.

How long does online renewal take?

The online transaction takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Your new registration card and plates (if needed) arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your current plates while you wait.

What if I move out of state before my plates expire?

You do not need to renew Indiana plates if you are moving. Contact your new state's motor vehicle agency to register your vehicle there. Indiana will not charge you for the unused portion of your registration, but you must register in your new state before driving there.