Indiana Vehicle Registration
Registering a vehicle in Indiana is the step that actually gets you a plate. Whether you just bought a car, inherited one, or moved to Indiana with an out-of-state title, here's what the Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires.
When Do You Need to Register a Vehicle?
- You bought a new or used vehicle from a dealer or private seller.
- You inherited a vehicle or received one as a gift.
- You moved to Indiana with a vehicle titled in another state.
What Documents Does the BMV Require?
- The vehicle's title, signed over by the previous owner, or dealer paperwork for a new purchase.
- Proof of current Indiana insurance.
- A valid driver's license or state ID.
- A VIN inspection, if the vehicle was previously titled in another state and has never been registered in Indiana.
- Payment for registration fees, excise tax, and any county taxes due.
How Do You Register a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealer?
Dealers typically handle the title application on your behalf and can issue a temporary plate through the state's Plates on Demand program, letting you drive legally while your permanent registration processes.
How Do You Register a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Seller?
You'll need the properly signed title from the seller, with no errors, cross-outs, or missing signatures. Bring it to a BMV branch along with proof of insurance and identification to complete the title transfer and registration in one visit.
What Does Registration Cost?
| Fee | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard passenger vehicle base fee | $21.35 |
| Motorcycle base fee | $26.35 |
| Vehicle excise tax | Based on vehicle age and original MSRP |
| County wheel tax or surtax | Varies by county, funds local transportation projects |
| Plate transfer fee (if moving a plate from another vehicle) | $9.50 |
Excise tax is the component that surprises people most, since it's calculated on the vehicle's age and original value rather than a flat rate. A new, higher-value vehicle carries a larger excise tax in its first year than the same vehicle would a few years later.
Do You Need an Emissions Test?
Emissions testing is required in certain Indiana counties, including Lake and Porter, generally on a recurring basis rather than only at initial registration. Electric vehicles, diesel vehicles, and vehicles older than model year 1976 are typically exempt. Check with your county if you're unsure whether the requirement applies to you.
What If You're Moving to Indiana From Another State?
New residents generally need to complete Indiana vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency. You'll need your out-of-state title, a VIN inspection if the vehicle hasn't been registered in Indiana before, proof of Indiana insurance, and payment for applicable fees and taxes.
Can You Register a Vehicle Online?
Renewals are available online through myBMV.com for most vehicles. Initial registration for a newly purchased or out-of-state vehicle generally requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch, since original title documents need to be processed.
What Happens If You Register Late?
Indiana requires you to complete registration within 45 days of purchasing a vehicle. Missing that window can result in penalties in addition to your standard fees, so it's worth prioritizing over other post-purchase tasks.
Indiana Vehicle Registration FAQ
- Can I transfer my old plate to my new vehicle instead of getting a new one?
- Yes, for a $9.50 transfer fee, as long as the new vehicle is registered in the same name as the old one.
- Do I need a VIN inspection for a vehicle bought from an Indiana dealer?
- No, VIN inspections are specifically for vehicles previously titled out of state or never before registered in Indiana.
- What if I sold my vehicle and I'm not replacing it right away?
- Notify the BMV of the sale. You may be eligible for a credit or refund on unused excise tax.