Indiana Vehicle Registration

Indiana Vehicle Insurance Requirements

Maintaining proper vehicle insurance is crucial for vehicle registration in Indiana. According to state law, all motorists must carry the minimum liability insurance coverage of 25/50/25 to legally operate a vehicle.

This coverage ensures $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in a single accident, and $25,000 for damage or destruction of property.

The Indiana BMV requires motorists to provide proof of financial responsibility by having valid insurance when registering a vehicle. Failure to comply can lead to severe consequences, such as suspension of driving privileges and fines.

Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle inspection is a crucial step in the Indiana vehicle registration process. The state requires all vehicles to undergo a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection to ensure their legitimacy and prevent the registration of stolen vehicles.

During the inspection process, the vehicle must be physically present at the BMV branch. The BMV staff will carefully examine the VIN, which is a unique code assigned to each vehicle by the manufacturer. This code is typically on the dashboard near the windshield or on the door jamb.

If, for any reason, the vehicle cannot be brought to the BMV branch, the owner must submit a Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft (Form 39530). This form must be completed by a law enforcement officer, who will verify the vehicle's VIN and other relevant details.

Vehicle Emissions Testing

In Indiana, vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties are subject to mandatory vehicle emissions testing and tampering inspections every two years. This requirement applies to vehicles manufactured after 1975 with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 9,000 pounds or less.

The emissions testing schedule is based on the vehicle's model year. Vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years are tested during odd-numbered years, while those manufactured in even-numbered years are tested during even-numbered years. However, vehicles within the four latest model years and antique vehicles are exempt from this requirement.

For additional information about emission testing in Indiana, check the Vehicle Emissions Testing Program page on the Indiana BMV official website.

Vehicle Registration for New Residents

In Indiana, an individual is considered a new resident if they have recently established their principal place of residence within the state. Several factors determine whether someone qualifies as a new resident, and it's essential to understand these criteria for compliance with Indiana's laws and regulations.

First and foremost, an individual must have a physical presence in Indiana and intend to make the state their permanent home. This can be demonstrated by:

• Obtaining an Indiana driver's license
• Registering to vote
• Enrolling children in local schools
• Purchasing or renting a residence within the state

New residents must transfer their vehicle registrations and obtain Indiana license plates within 60 days of establishing residency. This process involves providing proof of residency, presenting the vehicle's title or registration from the previous state, and having proof of the following:

• Vehicle inspection
• Social Security number
• Indiana vehicle insurance
• Emission testing

Individuals considered new residents must also apply for an Indiana vehicle title or submit a completed Request for Title (Form 1014) for all vehicles with out-of-state titles or face an administrative penalty of $30. They must visit a BMV branch to apply for their Indiana certificate of title and registration.

Note that individuals who are temporarily residing in Indiana for educational purposes, such as college students or those who are employed in the state but maintain a permanent residence elsewhere, may not be considered new residents.

Vehicle Registration for Military Members

Active-duty military members stationed in Indiana can maintain vehicle registration from their home state. However, if they choose to register their vehicle in Indiana, they must have proof of their active duty status and ensure their vehicle meets Indiana's insurance standards.

If they register their vehicles in Indiana, military members must follow the same registration process as new residents. They must provide proof of ownership, residency, and insurance and pay the required fees.

Additionally, depending on their active-duty status and circumstances, military members may be eligible for certain exemptions or benefits, such as tax exemptions.

Indiana License Plates

When a vehicle is registered in Indiana, the BMV issues a standard license plate. However, vehicle owners can apply for a specialty license plate if they prefer.

Indiana offers various specialty plates representing colleges, military affiliations, multiple causes, and organizations. Additionally, vehicle owners can personalize their license plates with custom letter and number combinations.

Specialty plates often come with specific eligibility requirements or additional fees, which vary depending on the plate type. For instance, some plates may require proof of membership in a particular organization or evidence of military service.

Organizational plates, such as those for universities and non-profit organizations, may have additional fees. Special group recognition (SGR) plates, like those for disabled veterans and breast cancer awareness, may also have specific requirements.

Meanwhile, personalized plates allow drivers to create a unique identifier for their vehicle, subject to approval by the Indiana BMV to ensure appropriateness and availability.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Indiana?

Customers can apply for a vanity license or Personalized License Plates (PLP) at any BMV branch, through a BMV Connect Kiosk, or via online services on myBMV website for $45.

PLP messages are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon approval by the BMV, customers can receive their license plate within 30 days after requesting it.

It is important to renew the PLP registration annually. Failure to renew for more than one year after the expiration date makes the PLP available for request by any individual starting on January 1 of the following year.

PLP message requests are subject to the following requirements and restrictions. The message may consist only of numbers (0 – 9) and letters (A – Z); special characters are not permitted.

Additionally, the message must be at least two characters long and can include spaces between any combination of numbers and letters, though consecutive spaces are not allowed. Moreover, the message cannot solely consist of numbers and must be unique, avoiding duplication of the alpha/number format of any other license plate issued by the BMV.

If PLP Message is Denied

The BMV may decline to issue a PLP containing specific combinations of letters or numbers if they are deemed offensive, misleading, or otherwise improper. In the event of a denial, individuals will receive a notification letter via mail, prompting them to choose from the following alternative license plate options:

• Registering a standard license plate of the same type initially requested, with a refund of the PLP fee paid during reservation.
• Selecting an alternate PLP message; the PLP fee paid during reservation is applied to the new selection.

There is also an option to appeal the Indiana BMV's decision regarding the PLP request through the following means:

• Completing an online Petition for Review
• Mailing a request
• Personally appearing at the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings in Indianapolis, IN, to file a Petition for Review (with the denial letter required for completion)

The PLP's denial will be considered final unless the Indiana BMV receives a written request for administrative review within 18 days of the denial letter's date.

Renewal Documents Requirements

Applicants must renew their vehicle registration on or before the scheduled expiration date to avoid a $15 administrative penalty. To renew a vehicle registration in Indiana, individuals must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Proof of ownership, such as vehicle title
• Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
• Proof of insurance, such as auto insurance coverage
• Payment of the required registration and title fees
• Emissions test, if applicable.
• Complete the Collection of Payment Information (Form 56163) if individuals choose to pay by Visa, Mastercard, or electronic check.

If an individual is changing their legal address during the transaction, they must provide two proofs of address. This requirement is mandatory to ensure accurate records are maintained.

Online Renewal

The Indiana BMV provides an online renewal portal accessible through its myBMV system. This allows vehicle owners to access renewal details, including the amount owed. Vehicle owners can log in to the portal, provide the required information, such as the VIN and renewal notice details, and complete the renewal process securely from home.

However, heavy vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs. and any other vehicles that require additional forms upon renewal cannot be renewed online.

Renewal by Mail

If individuals have received a renewal reminder via text message, email, or postcard and prefer to renew by mail, they are advised to review the Registration Renewal by Mail process or follow the process below:

• Complete the mailed Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice.
• Ensure the vehicle has passed the required emissions test and attach the certificate of completion.
• Complete Form 56163, payable to the Indiana BMV for the applicable fees.

• Mail the completed renewal notice, emissions test certificate, and payment to the address provided on the notice.

  Winchester Processing Center

  P.O. Box 100309 West South St

  Winchester, IN 47394

Note that renewal documents must be postmarked on or before the renewal due date. After submitting the renewal by mail, it can take up to 21 calendar days to receive the new registration and license plate in the mail.

Over-The-Phone Renewal

Individuals can call the Contact Center at 888-692-6841 to renew over the phone. They must provide their phone access code, which can be found on their myBMV account or renewal notice, along with the zip code for each listed vehicle.

However, similar to the online renewal, vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs, those requiring additional forms, and all special recognition plates cannot be renewed over the phone.

In-Person Renewal

In Indiana, vehicle owners can renew their vehicle registration in person at various locations provided by the Indiana BMV. They can visit any Indiana BMV branch, the nearest BMV Connect Kiosk, or a BMV Full or Partial Service Provider Location to complete the renewal process with the assistance of staff.

Vehicle owners must present their renewal notice and the necessary documents when renewing in person. However, if their insurance has changed since their last registration transaction, they must provide proof of the new insurance policy.

Additionally, for those registering a vehicle other than a standard truck or passenger car, such as a commercial vehicle or specialized equipment, additional documentation may be necessary.