What you need to renew your registration at the BMV
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is Indiana's state agency that handles vehicle registration renewal. To renew your registration, you will need your current registration card, proof of a valid vehicle inspection (if required), and proof of insurance. Some renewals also require a title or lien holder information if there have been changes since your last registration.
Indiana allows you to renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. The method you choose depends on whether your vehicle has any outstanding issues — unpaid tickets, inspection failures, or title problems — that require in-person handling. Most straightforward renewals can be completed without visiting a branch.
The BMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your registration expires. This notice includes your renewal fee amount, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. Keep this notice handy; you will need the information on it to renew online or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana vehicle registrations renew online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch, depending on your vehicle's status and whether it has any outstanding violations or inspection issues.
- You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid vehicle inspection certificate to renew, though inspection requirements depend on your vehicle's age and type.
- The BMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration and includes the exact fee you owe based on your vehicle's weight.
- Renewing online or by mail takes a few days to a week; in-person renewal at a BMV branch is usually completed the same day.
- Driving with an expired registration can result in a traffic citation and fine, so renew before your expiration date passes.
Renewing online through the BMV website
The fastest way to renew is through the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. You will need your renewal notice, driver's license number, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The online system will ask you to verify your vehicle information and confirm your insurance is current.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Once you complete the transaction and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, the BMV will mail your new registration card and sticker to the address on file. This process typically takes 5 to 7 business days. You can print a temporary registration receipt when ready after paying, which you should keep in your vehicle until the physical sticker arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has an outstanding inspection failure, unpaid violations, or a title issue. The system will tell you when ready if your vehicle cannot renew online and will direct you to the next step.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, complete the renewal notice the BMV sent you, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Include a copy of your current proof of insurance with your payment.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. The BMV recommends mailing your renewal at least 30 days before your registration expires to avoid driving with an expired registration. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your vehicle has inspection failures or other outstanding issues.
Renewing in person at a BMV branch
Visit a BMV branch if your vehicle cannot renew online or by mail, or if you prefer to handle the renewal face-to-face. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your driver's license. If your vehicle requires an inspection, bring the inspection certificate or be prepared to have the vehicle inspected at a nearby inspection station before returning to complete the renewal.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day. You will receive your new registration sticker when ready and can leave with it in hand. Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter lines.
You can find your nearest BMV branch and check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website. Some branches accept appointments, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Vehicle inspection requirements for renewal
Indiana requires a vehicle safety inspection every two years for most passenger vehicles. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering. If your registration is expiring and your last inspection was more than two years ago, you must have a new inspection before you can renew your registration.
You can have your vehicle inspected at any licensed inspection station in Indiana — not just at the BMV. The inspection costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes. Once you pass, you will receive an inspection certificate that you need to show when you renew your registration online, by mail, or in person.
Some vehicles are exempt from the inspection requirement, including vehicles less than 2 years old and certain commercial vehicles. Your renewal notice will indicate whether an inspection is required for your vehicle.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Indiana. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $100 for a first offense. You may also face additional penalties if you are stopped for another reason while your registration is expired.
If you realize your registration has expired, renew it when ready. You can renew online or visit a BMV branch the same day. If you are stopped by police before you renew, bring proof that you have submitted your renewal process — a receipt from online renewal or a mailed process with a postmark — to show the officer you are in the process of renewing.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Indiana registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. The BMV calculates this when you first register the vehicle, and it stays the same for each renewal unless you change your vehicle's classification.
Your renewal notice shows the exact fee you owe. Fees for passenger vehicles typically range from $20 to $40 per year, but heavier vehicles and commercial vehicles pay more. If you have a vanity plate or specialty plate, there may be an additional fee.
If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the renewal fee. If you renew in person at a BMV branch, the fee is the same, though some branches may charge a small processing fee if you pay by credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has an outstanding ticket or violation?
No. The BMV will not renew your registration if you have unpaid traffic violations or parking tickets. You must pay the violation first, then renew. Contact the court or municipality that issued the ticket to find out how to pay.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
You can still renew without the notice. Visit the BMV website, call your local BMV branch, or visit in person. You will need your vehicle's VIN, driver's license number, and current registration information. The BMV can look up your renewal fee and send you a new notice if needed.
How long does my temporary registration receipt last?
Your temporary receipt from online renewal is valid for 30 days. Keep it in your vehicle until your physical registration sticker arrives. If your sticker does not arrive within 7 business days, contact the BMV to check the status.
Can I renew my registration if I just moved to Indiana?
If you recently moved to Indiana from another state, you must register your vehicle in Indiana rather than renew an out-of-state registration. Visit a BMV branch with your out-of-state registration, proof of insurance, vehicle title, and proof of residency. This is a new registration, not a renewal.
What if my vehicle fails inspection?
If your vehicle fails inspection, you have 30 days to fix the problem and have it re-inspected. Once it passes, take the new inspection certificate to renew your registration. You cannot renew online or by mail with a failed inspection on record.