Car Registration

Need to register a new or used car? Want to know how to renew your registration? Are you new to the state, and need to register your car?

You've come to the right place for answers.

Note that before you register your car, you will need to have an Indiana title before you can get a license plate.

New Residents

Moving to a new state can be a stressful experience. You might feel like you have a thousand things to do. That's understandable. But, in Indiana, you'll need to obtain a state driver's license, and have your car titled and registered within 60 days of becoming an official Hoosier.

To register your car, head to any license branch and bring the following:

• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, or your current out-of-state title

• Odometer statement

• Proof of insurance

• Proof of Social Security Number

Additionally, if you live in Clark, Floyd, Lake or Porter counties, you must provide proof that your car passed the state emissions test.

New Vehicles

If you've just purchased a new car from a dealer, you'll need to register at any license agency. Make sure to bring:

• Your new title

• Dealership receipt or bill of sale

• Proof of insurance

• Proof of Social Security number

Used Vehicles

If you recently purchased a used vehicle, visit any
license agency and present the following:

• Your new title

• Proof of insurance

• Proof of Social Security number

Additionally, if you live in Clark, Floyd, Lake or Porter counties and your car is required to have an emissions test, you must provide proof that your car passed the state emissions test.

Indiana Vehicle Registration Renewals

If you are simply renewing your registration, you have five options described below. You may renew your registration up to six months before the expiration date.

If you live in Clark, Floyd, Lake or Porter counties and if you car is due to be tested, you must provide proof that your car passed the state emissions test. This includes having the verification number from the inspection report.

Renewing By Mail

Just complete the renewal notice card you received in the mail, and mail it back. If you didn't receive a renewal notice, call the Indiana BMV at (317) 233-6000 they will send you one. You should receive your new registration in one to three weeks.

By Phone

You may renew by calling (877) 4-NEW-BMV. Have the personal identification number from your renewal reminder handy. Your registration will then be mailed to you within seven business days.

In Person

You may always renew at a license agency. Be sure to bring along either your registration renewal form, your previous year's registration, or your license plate number. You'll also need to show proof of insurance, and have verification of your Social Security number.

Self-service Terminals

You may also renew at one of the 34 self-service terminals located throughout Indiana. The terminals resemble automated teller machines. Just follow the instructions, and the terminal will steer you through the renewal process.

You will need to have your Social Security number, license plate number and insurance information. After about 10 minutes, your sticker and registration will print out.

Online

Perhaps the easiest method to renew is by using the state's online My License Plate system. To renew this way, have your license plate type and number,
Social Security number or federal identification number, and insurance information. Your registration will be sent within seven business days after you renew online.

Vehicle Registration Fees

The cost of your registration will vary due to a variety of factors. A good way to get an estimate of your cost is to use Indiana's QuickQuote system.

Indiana Vehicle Registration Expiration

Your registration is valid for one year. It will expire either in the middle of or at the end of the month. The month of expiration is based on the first two letters of your last name.

Nonoperational Vehicles

Indiana does not offer a special registration for vehicles that are nonoperable or placed in storage.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're a currently licensed driver from another country and are visiting Indiana, you may drive up to one year in the state. Just be sure to have your license with you whenever you're driving.

You'll also need to have an International Driving Permit, issued from your home country. The permit basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

Applying for an Indiana License

The application process for non-citizens begins by going through the state's Central Verification Process (CVP) to confirm your immigration eligibility. Contact a license branch to initiate the process.

If your status is acceptable, you'll be given a temporary permit to drive, which you must keep for at least 60 days before applying for your license.

To obtain the license, you'll need to pass the standard driver license vision, written, and road tests. However, if you're successful in obtaining an Indiana license, you may still keep your foreign-issued license.

For more information, call (317) 233-1900 or visit the bureau's Driver Services for Foreign Nationals page.

Related Information

Be sure to check out our sections on titles and license plates for further information.