How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Indiana in 2026
Indiana does not permit vehicle registration cancellation through online systems. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles maintains authority over all motor vehicle registration functions throughout the state, with transactions processed through local BMV branches.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Terminating your vehicle's registration may become necessary for various reasons, including:
- Transferring ownership of your vehicle through sale or donation
- Establishing residency in a different state
- Surrendering a vehicle to salvage or scrap operations
- Loss of a vehicle due to theft without recovery
- Insurance declaration of total loss following an accident
- Extended non-operational storage of the vehicle
- Termination of insurance coverage without plans to operate the vehicle
Processing Through BMV Branch Locations
Registration cancellation requires a visit to any Indiana BMV branch office. Indiana residents may complete transactions at any branch location statewide, regardless of county of residence.
Transaction Requirements:
- Valid government-issued identification
- Current vehicle registration documentation
- License plates (surrender may be required depending on circumstances)
- Completion of forms as directed by branch personnel
- Transaction receipt for your records
Note: The Indiana BMV does not require license plates from sold vehicles to be surrendered. Owners may transfer plates to another vehicle they own or retain them.
Application for Refund of Certain Fees
Vehicle owners who cancel registration before the annual registration period expires may be eligible to receive refunds for specific fees paid to the BMV.
Eligibility for Refunds
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles evaluates refund applications for circumstances including:
- Fees paid incorrectly or in excessive amounts
- Remaining registration period following mid-year cancellation
- Multiple payments submitted for identical registration periods
- Additional situations where improper fee collection occurred
Important Restriction: Indiana Code 9-18.1-11-7 establishes that registration fees are generally non-refundable, with limited exceptions specified under Indiana Code 9-33-3. Vehicle excise taxes and municipal taxes are not eligible for refunds through the registration cancellation process.
Submitting a Refund Request
Step 1: Access Refund Application
Indiana BMV offers an electronic refund request system. Access the Application for Refund of Certain Fees (State Form 56165) through the BMV website, or submit requests electronically through the online refund portal.
Step 2: Assemble Required Documentation
Submit your refund application with supporting materials:
- License plates (when applicable to your request)
- Original registration documentation or receipt
- Evidence supporting the refund claim basis
- Documentation of payment errors when claiming overpayment
Step 3: BMV Review Process
BMV personnel examine submitted applications for accuracy and completeness. The Bureau processes approved refund requests according to established administrative procedures and issues payments directly to applicants.
Excise Tax Credits for Sold or Destroyed Vehicles
Separate from registration fee refunds, vehicle owners may qualify for excise tax credits when disposing of vehicles. Submit Application for Vehicle Excise Tax Credit/Refund (State Form 55296) for vehicles that have been sold, destroyed as total losses, or registered in another state. This application addresses vehicle excise tax, recreational vehicle excise tax, county vehicle excise tax, and municipal vehicle excise tax only.
Governing Laws and Regulations
State statutes and administrative rules establish registration cancellation and refund procedures:
- Indiana Code Title 9 encompasses comprehensive motor vehicle regulations
- Indiana Code 9-33-3 establishes legal authority for fee refunds in specific circumstances
- Title 140, Article 2 of Indiana Administrative Code governs excise tax and registration procedures
Government Agencies
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Indiana Government Center North, 4th Floor, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Online Services Portal:
myBMV
The BMV Customer Contact Center operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
BMV Branch Locations
Indiana residents may complete registration cancellation at any BMV branch location. The following branches serve major population centers throughout Indiana:
Indianapolis - East BMV Branch
10101 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Indianapolis - East BMV Branch
Fort Wayne - Pine Valley BMV Branch
10204 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Fort Wayne - Pine Valley BMV Branch
Evansville East BMV Branch
808 South Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Evansville East BMV Branch
South Bend BMV Branch
1139 East Ireland Road, South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: South Bend BMV Branch
Mishawaka BMV Branch
2544 Miracle Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Mishawaka BMV Branch
Carmel BMV Branch
271 Merchants Square Drive, Suite A-100, Carmel, IN, 46032
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Carmel BMV Branch
Bloomington BMV Branch
1531 South Curry Pike, Bloomington, IN 47403
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Bloomington BMV Branch
Lafayette BMV Branch
2200 Elmwood Ave Ste A6, Lafayette, IN, 47906
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Lafayette BMV Branch
Terre Haute BMV Branch
2920 Professional Ln, Terre Haute, In, 47802
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Terre Haute BMV Branch
Anderson BMV Branch
4330 South Scatterfield Road, Anderson, IN 46013
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Anderson BMV Branch
All BMV branches use the centralized contact number (888) 692-6841. Branch hours vary by location.
