Indiana renews your registration every two years, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person at your local BMV branch

Indiana sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You can renew online through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, by mail using the notice they sent you, or by visiting a BMV branch in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if you have your current registration and a valid payment method.

Your registration sticker goes on your license plate. When you renew, Indiana mails you a new sticker to place over the old one, or in some cases a new plate entirely. You do not need to visit a branch unless you want to, have questions about your renewal, or are renewing a vehicle type that requires in-person inspection.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, and you have until your expiration date to renew without penalty.
  • Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest method and requires only your current registration number and a payment method.
  • Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type; the amount is printed on your renewal notice.
  • A new registration sticker arrives by mail after you renew; you explore it to your current plate or receive a new plate depending on the situation.
  • Renewing late results in a late fee added to your next renewal, so renewing before the expiration date saves money.

Renewing online through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV website lets you renew most passenger vehicles without leaving home. Go to in.gov/bmv, find the vehicle registration section, and select "Renew Registration." You will need your current registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method—credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

The online system shows you the renewal fee before you pay, so you know the exact amount. Processing takes a few minutes, and you receive a confirmation number when ready. Indiana then mails your new registration sticker or plate to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally while you wait for the sticker to arrive.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice Indiana mails you includes a form and payment instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the amount shown, and mail it back in the envelope provided. Do not send cash. Include your current registration card if the form asks for it.

Mail renewal takes longer than online—typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. To be safe, mail your renewal at least 3 weeks before your expiration date. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew online or visit a BMV branch with your registration card and proof of vehicle ownership.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You can walk into any Indiana BMV branch with your registration card, proof of vehicle ownership (title or previous registration), and payment. Bring a photo ID as well. The branch staff will process your renewal on the spot, and you leave with a temporary registration document. Your new sticker or plate arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is useful if you have questions about your fee, need to update your address, or are renewing a vehicle that requires a physical inspection—such as a rebuilt or salvage title vehicle. Wait times vary by branch and time of day; visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter lines.

What happens if you renew late

If your registration expires before you renew, Indiana adds a late fee to your next renewal bill. The amount of the late fee depends on how long your registration was expired; the BMV website shows the current late fee schedule. You can still renew at any time, even months after expiration, but you will owe the late fee in addition to your regular renewal cost.

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Indiana and can result in a traffic citation. If you are pulled over, the officer will see the expired date on your plate. Renewing before the expiration date shown on your current sticker avoids the late fee and keeps you legal on the road.

Understanding your renewal fee

Indiana bases registration fees on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)—the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, not what it actually weighs. Heavier vehicles pay higher fees. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle, so you know the cost before you pay.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees or exemptions. Electric vehicles, for example, may have different fee structures. If you believe your fee is incorrect, the BMV website has a fee calculator, or you can call the BMV customer service line to verify the amount before you renew.

Updating your address or vehicle information during renewal

If you moved since your last registration, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal includes a field to confirm or change your mailing address. If you renew by mail, write your new address clearly on the form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works.

If your vehicle information changed—for example, you installed a new engine or had major repairs—tell the BMV during renewal. In-person renewal is the best option for these situations because staff can note the change in the system and determine whether an inspection is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online anytime using your current registration number and VIN, even if you have not received the notice yet. The BMV website will calculate your fee based on your vehicle's weight and type. Renewing early does not change your expiration date—your new registration will expire two years from your current expiration date, not two years from when you renew.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online if you have your registration number and VIN. If you do not have those, visit a BMV branch with your title or proof of ownership and a photo ID. The staff can look up your registration and process your renewal. You can also request a replacement registration card at the same time.

Do I need to remove my old sticker before explore the new one?

No. Indiana registration stickers are designed to be applied directly over the old one. straightforward peel off the backing and stick the new one over the old one on your license plate. If your renewal includes a new plate instead of just a sticker, follow the instructions that come with the plate to install it.

What if my vehicle is registered in someone else's name?

The registered owner must renew the registration. If you are not the owner but have power of attorney or written permission from the owner, you can renew in person at a BMV branch with that documentation. Online and mail renewal require the registered owner's information.

Can I renew if my vehicle has a lien on it?

Yes. A lien does not prevent registration renewal. Renew as you normally would. The lienholder's information is already in the BMV system from when the lien was recorded, so you do not need to provide it again.