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

Indiana lets you renew your license plate through three routes: the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or at a local BMV branch. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your vehicle registration is current and your address hasn't changed. Mail and in-person renewal take longer but work if you prefer not to use the website or need to update vehicle information at the same time.

You'll need your current registration card, proof of a valid Indiana driver's license or ID, and proof of financial responsibility (your auto insurance card or policy). If your vehicle's title or ownership has changed, you'll need to handle that separately before renewing the plate itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website takes minutes and costs less than in-person or mail renewal because you avoid a service fee.
  • You must have a current vehicle registration, valid Indiana ID, and proof of insurance before you can renew your plate.
  • Plates expire on the date printed on your registration card, and you can renew up to 30 days before that date.
  • Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is same-day if you go to a BMV branch during business hours.
  • If your vehicle information has changed — engine size, color, or ownership — you'll need to update the registration before renewing the plate.

Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website

Go to myBMV.IN.gov and log in with your Indiana driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Renew a Vehicle Registration" and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. The system will pull up your current registration and show you the renewal fee, which varies by vehicle weight and type.

Pay the fee with a debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number and can print your new registration card when ready. Your new plate will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally on your old plate until the new one arrives, as long as you have the printed confirmation.

Online renewal is not available if your registration has lapsed more than 30 days, if you have unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations on file, or if your vehicle information needs to be corrected. In those cases, you'll need to visit a BMV branch in person.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form by calling the Indiana BMV at 317-232-2050 or visiting a local branch. Fill out the form with your current registration card in front of you. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (made payable to "Indiana BMV"), a copy of your insurance card, and a copy of your driver's license or ID.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your new registration card and plate will arrive separately by mail. Keep your old plate on your vehicle until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal costs more than online renewal because the BMV charges an additional service fee for processing by hand. If your registration has lapsed or your vehicle information has changed, the BMV may reject your mail process and send it back with instructions to visit a branch instead.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Bring your current registration card, a valid Indiana driver's license or ID, and proof of insurance to any BMV branch. You can find branch locations and hours on the Indiana BMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some branches offer online appointment scheduling through myBMV.IN.gov.

The BMV staff will verify your information, collect the renewal fee in cash or card, and issue your new registration card on the spot. Your new plate will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can drive on your old plate until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal is required if your registration has lapsed more than 30 days, if you have outstanding violations or unpaid tickets, or if your vehicle's information (color, engine size, body type) has changed since your last registration. It's also the only option if you need to update your address or add or remove a vehicle owner at the same time.

When your registration has lapsed

If your plate expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person with your current registration card, ID, and insurance proof. The BMV will assess a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount of the late fee depends on how long your registration has been expired.

You should not drive your vehicle with an expired plate. If you are stopped by police, you can face a citation and a fine. If your registration has lapsed, contact your local BMV branch to find out the exact fees and required documents before you visit.

Plate renewal fees and what they cover

Indiana plate renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross weight rating (the maximum weight it can safely carry, including cargo). Fees range from roughly $20 to $50 per year for most passenger vehicles, though commercial vehicles and specialty plates cost more. The exact fee appears on your registration card and on the BMV website before you pay.

The renewal fee covers the registration itself, not a new physical plate. In most cases, you keep your current plate and only receive a new registration card. If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you'll need to order a replacement plate separately, which costs an additional fee.

Online renewal costs less than mail or in-person renewal because you avoid a service fee. Mail and in-person renewals include a processing fee on top of the registration fee. If you renew online, you pay only the registration fee.

What to do if your vehicle information has changed

If your vehicle's color, body type, or engine size has changed since your last registration, you cannot renew your plate without updating the registration first. You must visit a BMV branch in person with your current registration card, ID, insurance proof, and documentation of the change (such as a repair receipt or photos).

If you've sold your vehicle or transferred ownership to someone else, the new owner must register it in their name before renewing the plate. If you've added a co-owner or removed one, you'll need to update the registration before renewal. These changes require a visit to a BMV branch and may require additional documents such as a bill of sale or title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate if my driver's license is expired?

No. You must have a valid Indiana driver's license or ID to renew your vehicle registration. If your license has expired, renew it first through the BMV website or at a branch, then renew your plate.

What happens if I drive with an expired plate?

You can be stopped and cited by police. The fine varies but typically ranges from $50 to $500 depending on how long your registration has been expired. Renew your plate as soon as possible to avoid additional fines.

How long does it take to get my new plate in the mail?

Your new registration card and plate arrive within two to three weeks of the BMV processing your renewal. You can drive on your old plate during this time as long as you have proof of renewal (your confirmation number or receipt).

Can I renew my plate if I have unpaid parking tickets?

No. The BMV will not process your renewal if you have outstanding parking violations or traffic citations on file. Contact the court or municipality that issued the ticket to pay it, then renew your plate.

Do I need to renew my plate every year?

Yes. Indiana requires annual plate renewal. The expiration date is printed on your registration card. You can renew up to 30 days before that date to avoid a lapsed registration.