Indiana plate renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your local BMV branch

Indiana lets you renew your plates through three channels: the BMV website (most common), the mail, or by visiting a branch office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if you have your current registration card and a payment method. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you bring the right documents, but you'll need to wait for your appointment or walk-in slot.

You can renew up to six months before your plates expire. The expiration date is printed on your registration card and on the plate itself (the month and year appear in the upper right corner). Indiana sends no reminder notices, so you're responsible for tracking when your renewal is due.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option and requires only your registration card number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a debit or credit card.
  • You can renew starting six months before expiration, and the BMV does not send reminder notices, so check your registration card for the due date.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed form and payment mailed to the BMV; processing takes two to three weeks plus mail time.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch is when ready but requires an appointment or walk-in availability, and you must bring your registration card and proof of insurance.
  • Driving with expired plates is illegal in Indiana and can result in a ticket, so renew before the expiration date on your card.

Online renewal through the BMV website

Visit myBMV.com and select "Renew Registration" from the home page. You'll need your registration card (the physical card mailed to you when you registered), your VIN, and a valid debit or credit card. The system will verify your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type.

After you pay, the BMV mails your new registration card and plates (if you ordered new plates) to the address on file. New plates typically arrive within two to three weeks. If you only need a new registration card and are keeping your current plates, you can print a temporary registration from the website when ready after payment.

Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you run into trouble during the process, you can call the BMV customer service line at 317-615-7293 for help.

Mail renewal with form and payment

read or request the process for Vehicle Registration Renewal (Form 130) from the BMV website or pick one up at any BMV branch. Fill in your vehicle information, current registration card number, and the new owner information if applicable. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks after the BMV receives your packet, plus mail time in both directions. You won't receive a confirmation that your renewal was processed, so plan ahead — mail renewal is best if you're renewing well before your expiration date. If you need your plates sooner, use online or in-person renewal instead.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Visit any BMV branch office with your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. Bring your vehicle keys if you need a new VIN inspection (required only if your VIN is damaged or illegible on your current registration). You can schedule an appointment through myBMV.com or show up during walk-in hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The BMV will process your renewal on the spot and issue a temporary registration valid for 30 days while your permanent plates are mailed to you. New plates arrive within two to three weeks. If you're renewing a commercial vehicle or have a special plate type, call ahead to confirm your branch handles that category.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Indiana renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its current value or age. A standard passenger car typically costs between $25 and $50 to renew, but trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles cost more. The exact amount appears on the BMV website when you start an online renewal, or the form will list the fee schedule.

If you're renewing a vehicle with a specialty plate (personalized, veteran, environmental), the fee may be higher. Hybrid and electric vehicles may have different rates. The BMV website shows the fee before you pay, so you'll know the exact cost before committing.

What happens if your plates expire

Driving with expired plates is illegal in Indiana. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. If you're pulled over, you must show proof that you've renewed — either your new registration card or a temporary registration from the BMV. Expired plates also make your vehicle uninsurable, so your insurance company may cancel your policy if you let your registration lapse.

If you realize your plates have already expired, renew when ready through any of the three methods above. You can renew online or in person the same day. If you're stopped before you renew, explain that you've just renewed and show the officer your temporary registration or online confirmation.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If your vehicle has a lien (the lender holds the title), you can still renew your plates. The lender's name appears on your registration card, but you renew the same way as any other vehicle — online, by mail, or in person. The lender does not need to sign off on plate renewal; they only need approval if you're selling or transferring the vehicle.

If you've paid off the loan and the lender has released the lien, request a new title from the BMV before renewing. You can do this online through myBMV.com or at a branch office. Once you have the updated title, renew your plates normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plates if my address has changed?

Yes. Update your address through myBMV.com before renewing, or bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to a BMV branch when you renew in person. If you renew by mail, write your new address clearly on the form. Your new registration card will be mailed to the updated address.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online if you have your VIN and can look up your registration number through myBMV.com. If you can't access your registration number, visit a BMV branch with your vehicle keys and photo ID; staff can look up your account and process the renewal. You'll receive a replacement registration card in the mail.

Do I need to renew my plates if I'm selling my vehicle?

No. When you sell a vehicle, the new owner registers it in their name and receives new plates. You do not renew plates for a vehicle you no longer own. Notify the BMV of the sale through myBMV.com or at a branch to avoid liability for the vehicle after the sale.

How long are Indiana plates good for?

Indiana plates are valid for one year from the expiration date on your registration card. Some specialty plates (veteran, environmental) may have different renewal cycles. Check your registration card for your specific expiration date.

Can I renew online if my insurance has lapsed?

The online system does not verify insurance before processing renewal, so you can renew even if your coverage has lapsed. However, you must have active insurance to legally drive the vehicle. If your insurance is not current, contact your insurance company before renewing your plates.