Indiana license plate stickers renew every two years through the BMV

Your Indiana license plate sticker expires on the last day of the month printed on it — usually two years from when you first registered or last renewed. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any BMV branch. Online renewal is fastest and costs the same as other methods.

You do not need a new plate itself unless yours is damaged, lost, or unreadable. The sticker goes on the plate you already have. If you have moved, changed your vehicle's use (from personal to commercial, for example), or had a major life change since your last registration, you may need to provide updated information during renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew your sticker online through the BMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a BMV branch — all three methods cost the same.
  • You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method; online renewal takes about 10 minutes.
  • The BMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your sticker expires, but you can renew up to six months early if you prefer.
  • If you do not receive a notice or cannot find yours, you can still renew by providing your license plate number and vehicle information to the BMV.
  • Driving with an expired sticker is a traffic violation in Indiana and can result in a ticket.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no trip to a branch. Go to in.gov/bmv and select the renewal option from the main menu. You will need your current registration card (the paper document that came with your sticker), your vehicle's VIN, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will confirm your vehicle information and calculate the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type.

After you pay, the BMV prints and mails your new sticker to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with your expired sticker until the new one arrives — there is no gap period where you are unregistered. Print the confirmation page if you want proof of renewal, though it is not required to carry in your vehicle.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice the BMV sends includes a return envelope and payment instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (the notice shows the amount), and mail it back in the envelope provided. The BMV processes mail renewals in the order received, which typically takes 10 to 14 business days from the date they receive it.

Mail renewal works well if you prefer not to go online or visit a branch, but it is slower than online renewal. Keep a copy of the notice and your check number for your records. If you lose the renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — contact the BMV to request a new form or renew online instead.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You can walk into any BMV branch with your registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required for your vehicle type), and payment. Bring a valid photo ID as well. The branch will process your renewal on the spot and hand you the new sticker when ready. This is the only method where you leave with the sticker the same day.

In-person renewal is useful if you need the sticker right away, have questions about your registration, or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Wait times vary by branch and time of day. Check the BMV website for branch hours and locations near you, and consider visiting during off-peak times (mid-week mornings are often quieter) if you want a shorter wait.

What you need to renew and how much it costs

You will need your current registration card and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, check, or money order depending on which renewal method you choose). If your vehicle requires an inspection sticker (commercial vehicles, for example), bring proof that the inspection is current. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and whether it is registered for personal or commercial use.

The BMV does not publish a single sticker renewal fee because it varies by vehicle type. Your renewal notice shows the exact amount you owe. If you are renewing online or by mail, the system or notice will calculate it for you. If you want to know the fee before you renew, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit a branch — they can look it up using your license plate number.

Renewing early or if you did not receive a notice

You can renew up to six months before your sticker expires. This is useful if you are traveling, prefer to handle it early, or want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches. Early renewal does not change your expiration date — your new sticker will still expire two years from your original expiration date, not two years from the renewal date.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, it may have been lost in the mail or your address on file may be incorrect. You can still renew using any of the three methods. For online renewal, the BMV website will pull up your registration using your license plate number. For in-person renewal, bring your registration card and ID. If you have moved and your address is wrong, update it during renewal so future notices reach you.

What happens if your sticker expires

Driving with an expired sticker is a traffic violation in Indiana. A police officer can stop you and issue a ticket. The fine varies but is typically $25 to $100 depending on how long the sticker has been expired and the officer's discretion. An expired sticker can also complicate other interactions — if you are stopped for another reason, an expired registration adds another violation to the stop.

If your sticker expired recently and you have already renewed (you have proof of renewal but the new sticker has not arrived yet), you can show the officer your confirmation or receipt. Keep that proof in your vehicle. If your sticker expired and you have not renewed, renew when ready — the sooner you do, the sooner you are back in compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A lien does not prevent you from renewing your registration or sticker. The lienholder (usually a bank or credit company) has a financial interest in the vehicle, but registration renewal is your responsibility as the registered owner. Renew through any of the three methods as usual.

What if I sold my vehicle or it was totaled?

Do not renew the sticker. Instead, contact the BMV to cancel the registration. If you sold the vehicle, the new owner will register it in their name. If it was totaled, the insurance company or salvage yard will handle the title. Renewing a registration for a vehicle you no longer own can create confusion with the BMV and future owners.

Do I need a new plate if my sticker is damaged or peeling?

Not necessarily. If only the sticker is damaged, you can renew and receive a new sticker. If the plate itself is bent, rusted, or unreadable, you will need to request a replacement plate from the BMV, which costs extra. Bring your damaged plate to a branch or contact the BMV to order a replacement.

How long does it take to receive my sticker if I renew online?

The BMV typically mails stickers within 2 to 3 business days of online renewal, and delivery takes another 5 to 7 business days depending on your location. Total time is usually 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your expired sticker until the new one arrives.

Can I renew if I have unpaid traffic tickets or other violations?

Most traffic tickets do not block registration renewal. However, if you have an unpaid ticket that resulted in a suspension or hold on your license or registration, the BMV system may flag it during renewal. Contact the BMV or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the hold before renewing. Once cleared, you can renew normally.