Indiana handles both sides of new-resident paperwork — licensing and registration — through one agency, the BMV, and gives you the same 60-day window for each.

Register your vehicle: 60 days

You have 60 days after becoming an Indiana resident to title and register your vehicle with the BMV. Miss the window and you'll owe a $30 per-vehicle administrative penalty on top of your regular title fees.

Transfer your driver's license: 60 days

New residents also have 60 days from establishing Indiana residency to get an Indiana driver's license. The BMV issues a temporary 30-day license while your out-of-state documents are verified, so you're covered in the meantime. One thing to watch for: if your out-of-state license expired more than 5 years ago, or you'd held it less than a year, the BMV will require you to pass a full driving skills exam, not just the knowledge test.

Inspection requirements

Indiana doesn't require a statewide vehicle safety or VIN inspection for new residents registering a vehicle. Emissions testing is only required if you're settling in Lake or Porter county, and it applies to both new registrations and renewals.

Car insurance

Indiana law requires liability coverage on any vehicle you register and drive. Compare Indiana car insurance so you have a policy in place before your registration deadline hits.

Voter registration

You can register to vote at the same time you handle your license at the BMV, or through your local BMV branch.