Renew your Indiana plate online, by mail, or in person at the BMV

Indiana lets you renew your license plate three ways: through the BMV's online portal, by mail using a renewal notice, or by visiting a BMV branch in person. Most people renew online because it takes about five minutes and you can do it from home. You'll need your current plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method. The renewal is valid for one or two years depending on what you choose at checkout.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your plate expires. The notice shows your renewal fee, which varies by vehicle type and weight. If you've lost the notice or it hasn't arrived, you can still renew online using your plate number and VIN instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option and takes about five minutes from any device with internet access.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 30 days before expiration and includes the exact fee you owe based on your vehicle type.
  • If you renew by mail, send your notice and payment to the address printed on it; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch is when ready if you bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment.
  • Indiana plates expire on your birthday month, so your renewal window opens 30 days before and closes on the last day of that month.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Go to in.gov/bmv and select "Renew a License Plate" from the main menu. Enter your plate number and VIN, then confirm your vehicle information. The system will show your renewal fee and let you choose a one-year or two-year renewal. Pay by debit card or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.

After you pay online, your new plate arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your old plate until the new one arrives. If you need the plate sooner, you can pick up a temporary registration at a BMV branch while you wait.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

When your renewal notice arrives, it includes a return envelope and payment instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the back of the notice itself, and mail both to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your new plate will arrive separately after processing is complete. If your renewal notice is damaged or you never received one, call the BMV at 317-232-2050 to request a replacement before mailing payment.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Bring your current vehicle registration card, proof of insurance, and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card) to any BMV branch. You can renew when ready without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new plate is issued on the spot, and you can drive away with it the same day.

Find your nearest BMV branch and current hours at in.gov/bmv under "Locations." Some branches are busier than others; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. If you're renewing a commercial or farm plate, bring your business registration or farm license as well.

Understanding Indiana plate expiration and renewal windows

Your Indiana plate expires on the last day of your birthday month. If your birthday is in March, your plate expires March 31. The BMV sends your renewal notice about 30 days before that date, so you have a full month to renew without penalty.

You can renew up to 30 days early if you want to get ahead. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you'll owe a late fee on top of your regular renewal cost. Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Indiana renewal fees depend on your vehicle's type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). A standard passenger car typically costs less to renew than a truck or SUV. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee you owe. One-year renewals cost less than two-year renewals, but spreading the cost over two years usually saves money per year.

If you've made changes to your vehicle—such as adding a trailer or changing from personal to commercial use—your fee may change. The BMV calculates the new fee based on the updated vehicle information. If you're unsure whether your fee has changed, call 317-232-2050 or check your renewal notice when it arrives.

What to do if your renewal notice doesn't arrive

If you're within 30 days of expiration and haven't received your notice, renew online using your plate number and VIN instead of waiting for the notice to arrive. The online system will calculate your fee and let you pay when ready. You don't need the physical notice to renew.

If you've moved recently, the notice may have gone to your old address. Update your address with the BMV before renewing so future notices reach you. You can update your address online at in.gov/bmv, by phone at 317-232-2050, or in person at any BMV branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired plate at any time, but you'll owe a late fee in addition to your regular renewal cost. Avoid driving with an expired plate because it's a traffic violation. Renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.

What if I lose my renewal notice?

You don't need the physical notice to renew. Go to in.gov/bmv and use the online renewal tool with your plate number and VIN. The system will calculate your fee and process your payment without the notice.

How long does it take to get my new plate after I renew online?

Your new plate arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your old plate until the new one arrives. If you need it faster, visit a BMV branch to pick up a temporary registration while you wait.

Do I need proof of insurance to renew online?

No. Online renewal doesn't require proof of insurance. You only need your plate number, VIN, and payment method. However, you must have valid insurance on your vehicle to legally drive it, regardless of when you renew your plate.

What happens if I renew but my vehicle fails inspection?

Indiana doesn't require vehicle inspections for plate renewal. However, if your vehicle is unsafe or doesn't meet emissions standards in your county, you may not be able to register it. Contact your local BMV branch if you have questions about your vehicle's registration status.