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

Indiana sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as 90 days before expiration. The fastest route is the Indiana BMV online portal, which takes about 10 minutes if your vehicle has a valid emission test (or is exempt). If you renew by mail or in person, allow at least two weeks before your expiration date to receive your new registration card and sticker.

You can renew at any point during those 90 days before expiration, and there is no penalty for renewing early. Once you pay, your new registration is active when ready, even if your current one has not yet expired. This means you can renew months in advance if you prefer, and your two-year renewal cycle restarts from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana registration renews every two years, and you can start the process 90 days before your expiration date.
  • Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option and requires your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and odometer reading.
  • Your vehicle must have a valid emission test on file unless it is exempt by age, type, or county location.
  • Renewal fees depend on your vehicle's gross weight rating and range widely; check your renewal notice or the BMV website for your specific amount.
  • If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late penalty and cannot legally drive until the new registration is active.

Renewing online through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV online renewal system is open 24 hours and requires no appointment. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew Registration," and enter your current registration number and last name. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show your renewal fee.

You will need your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN, and your odometer reading. Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Once you complete payment, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card and sticker arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can legally drive with the confirmation number until the physical sticker arrives, though some officers may ask to see it.

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle failed an emission test, if your registration was suspended, or if you have unpaid BMV fees or traffic violations on your record. In those cases, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. The online system will tell you if you are ineligible and direct you to the nearest branch.

Renewing by mail or at a BMV branch

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with your payment and a signed check or money order. Do not send cash. Mail your renewal notice to the address printed on it, and allow at least two weeks for processing and delivery. Your new registration card and sticker will arrive by mail. Keep a copy of the notice or your cancelled check as proof you sent it in case questions arise.

To renew in person, visit any BMV branch with your current registration card, proof of a valid emission test (if required), and payment. Bring a photo ID as well. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the BMV website to see current wait times at your nearest branch. In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes, and you receive your new registration card and sticker on the spot.

Emission test requirements and exemptions

Indiana requires an emission test every two years for most gasoline vehicles in Marion, Lake, and Porter counties. Vehicles in other counties do not need an emission test. Your vehicle is exempt from testing if it is a diesel vehicle, a motorcycle, a vehicle manufactured before 1968, or a vehicle with fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer (though you must test again once you reach 50,000 miles).

If your vehicle requires a test, you must have a valid test result on file before you renew. The test is valid for 24 months from the test date. You can take your vehicle to any state-certified emission testing station; the BMV website lists stations by county. A test costs between $15 and $25 depending on the station. If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at no additional cost at the same station. Once you pass, you can renew your registration when ready.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Indiana registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross weight rating (GWR), not its actual weight. Your renewal notice shows your GWR and your exact fee. Fees range widely — a light passenger car might cost $25 to $35 for two years, while a truck or SUV could cost $50 to $100 or more. Specialty vehicles like motorcycles, RVs, and trailers have different fee structures.

If you renew late, you will owe a late penalty in addition to your renewal fee. The penalty is typically $25 to $50, depending on how many days past expiration you renew. You cannot legally drive with an expired registration, so renewing on time protects you from traffic stops and fines. Check your renewal notice for the exact fee amount before you pay, or visit the BMV website and enter your registration number to see your fee.

What to do if you miss the expiration date

If your registration has already expired, you can still renew using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until your new registration is active. If you are stopped by law enforcement with an expired registration, you may receive a traffic citation and fine.

Online renewal may not be available if your registration has been expired for a long time or if your vehicle has other compliance issues. If the online system rejects your renewal, visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your expired registration card, proof of an emission test (if required), and payment including the late penalty. The BMV staff can process your renewal on the spot and issue a temporary registration that allows you to drive home or to an emission testing station if needed.

Transferring registration to a new owner

If you sell your vehicle, the new owner must transfer the registration into their name within 60 days of purchase. This is a separate process from renewal and requires a bill of sale, proof of ownership, and the new owner's information. The new owner can transfer the registration online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. The remaining months on your current registration may transfer to the new owner, reducing their first renewal cost.

If you buy a used vehicle in Indiana, you have 60 days to transfer the registration. If you buy from out of state, you have 30 days. Driving without a transfer completed is illegal and can result in a citation. The BMV website has a separate guide for registration transfers that walks through the exact documents and fees required.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A lien does not prevent registration renewal. You renew the same way whether the vehicle is paid off or financed. The lienholder's name appears on your registration documents, but that does not affect the renewal process.

What happens if I renew online but my vehicle fails the emission test after I pay?

If you renew online and then fail an emission test, contact the BMV when ready. You may be able to cancel the renewal and get a refund, depending on when the test failure occurred. Visit a BMV branch with your failed test results and your online confirmation number to discuss your options.

Do I need to renew my registration if I do not drive my vehicle?

Yes. Indiana requires renewal every two years regardless of whether the vehicle is driven. If you do not renew, your registration expires and you cannot legally operate the vehicle. If you plan not to drive for an extended period, you can register the vehicle as "non-operational" to avoid renewal requirements, but this requires a separate process at the BMV.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, sign the renewal notice and have someone mail it with your payment. For in-person renewal, another person can visit the BMV with your current registration card, proof of emission test, payment, and a signed letter from you authorizing them to renew on your behalf. Online renewal requires your registration number and last name, so you must do it yourself or provide those details to someone you trust.

What if my registration notice never arrived?

You do not need the notice to renew. Go to the BMV website, enter your registration number and last name, and the system will show your renewal fee and vehicle information. You can renew online when ready. If you prefer to renew by mail or in person, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to request a duplicate notice, or visit a branch and ask the staff to look up your information.