Where to renew your plates and what you need
You can renew your Indiana license plates at any BMV branch (Bureau of Motor Vehicles), online through the Indiana BMV website, or by mail. The online route is fastest if your vehicle has no liens, your address is current, and you have no violations or safety issues flagged on your record. If any of those conditions don't fit, you'll need to visit a branch in person.
Before you start, gather your current registration card, proof of a valid Indiana vehicle inspection (if required for your vehicle type), and your driver's license or state ID. If you're renewing by mail, you'll also need to include a check or money order—the BMV does not accept cash through the mail.
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $20 and $40 for a two-year renewal, but commercial vehicles, trucks, and trailers have different rates. The BMV website lists the exact fee for your vehicle class before you pay.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website takes 5 to 10 minutes if your vehicle has no liens and your record is clean.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your packet, so send it at least a month before your plates expire.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wait times at your location.
- You must have a current vehicle inspection on file before you renew, or the BMV will reject your request.
- Renewal fees vary by vehicle weight and type; check the BMV fee schedule for your specific vehicle before paying.
Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website
Log into the Indiana BMV's online portal using your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee. You can pay by debit card or credit card. Once payment clears, your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 5 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if the BMV system shows no holds, liens, or inspection violations on your vehicle. If the system flags any issue, it will tell you to visit a branch instead. This is common if your inspection expired, if there's a lien holder on the title, or if you have unpaid traffic violations.
Your current plates remain valid until your registration expires. You do not need to return old plates or visit a branch to pick up new ones—your new registration card arrives by mail, and you keep using the same plates.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal form from the BMV by calling 1-888-692-6841 or by visiting a branch. Fill out the form completely, including your vehicle identification number (VIN), current plate number, and mileage. Enclose your current registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and your driver's license or state ID copy.
Mail the packet to the BMV address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives it. Your new registration card will be mailed back to you. Do not mail cash, and do not use a personal check if you are unsure the BMV will receive it in time—a money order is safer.
Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person, so plan ahead if your plates expire soon. If your renewal is urgent, visit a branch instead.
Renewing in person at a BMV branch
Bring your current registration card, driver's license or state ID, proof of vehicle inspection, and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card—policies vary by branch). Walk up to the counter or take a number if the branch uses a queue system. A clerk will verify your information, confirm your inspection is current, and process the renewal.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Branches in larger cities often have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. Some branches allow you to schedule an appointment online through the BMV website, which can save you time.
Your new registration card is printed on the spot or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the branch. You keep your current plates and do not need to return anything.
Vehicle inspection requirements before renewal
Indiana requires all passenger vehicles to pass a safety inspection before you renew your plates. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, steering, and emissions (if your vehicle is subject to emissions testing). An inspection is valid for one year from the date it is performed.
You can get an inspection at any licensed inspection station in Indiana—this includes many repair shops, tire shops, and dedicated inspection centers. The inspection costs between $15 and $25 depending on the station. Once you pass, the station reports the inspection to the BMV electronically, and it shows up in the system within 24 hours.
If your inspection has expired or is not on file, the BMV will not renew your registration online or by mail. You must get a current inspection first, then renew. If you renew in person at a branch, bring your inspection certificate or the station's receipt showing the inspection date.
What happens if your plates expire before you renew
Driving with expired plates is illegal in Indiana. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation and a fine. The amount varies, but fines for expired registration typically start at $25 and can go higher depending on how long the plates have been expired.
If your renewal is delayed in the mail or you missed the expiration date, renew when ready. If you are pulled over before you renew, bring proof that you have submitted your renewal (a receipt from online renewal, a tracking number from a mailed packet, or a BMV branch receipt). This may help reduce the penalty, though it does not eliminate it.
To avoid this, renew at least two weeks before your plates expire. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes only a few minutes.
Renewing plates for vehicles with liens or loans
If your vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds the title), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a BMV branch or by mail. The BMV needs to verify that the lien holder's information matches their records before processing the renewal.
Bring your current registration card and proof of the lien (usually a document from your lender showing the loan is active). The BMV will contact the lien holder to confirm, which can add a few days to processing time. Once confirmed, your renewal is processed the same way as any other vehicle.
If you have paid off the lien, contact your lender and ask them to file a lien release with the BMV. Once the release is processed, you can renew online. This typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plates if my inspection expired?
No. You must have a current inspection on file before the BMV will renew your registration. Get an inspection at any licensed station first, then renew online, by mail, or in person. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs $15 to $25.
How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew online?
The new card is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Your current plates remain valid during this time, so you can keep driving. If you need the card faster, renew in person at a branch instead.
Do I need to return my old plates when I renew?
No. Indiana does not require you to return old plates when you renew. You keep the same plates and straightforward update your registration. If you want to return them, you can drop them off at any BMV branch, but it is not required.
What if I move to a new address before my plates expire?
Update your address with the BMV before you renew. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a branch. Once your address is updated, renew your plates normally. Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address.
Can I renew my plates if I have unpaid traffic violations?
It depends on the violation. Some violations do not block renewal, but others do. If you try to renew online and the system flags a hold, visit a branch to find out what needs to be resolved. You may need to pay a fine or appear in court before the BMV will process your renewal.