Expired Registration in Indiana

Indiana requires all motor vehicles driven on its highways to have an updated and valid registration pursuant to the statutes governing the operation of vehicles on public roadways. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) administers the statewide vehicle registration and licensing services, while the Indiana State Police ensures compliance with registration statutes.

State Code Provisions in Indiana

Indiana vehicle registration requirements are legislated in Title 9 of the Indiana Code. The statutory framework addresses registration procedures, expiration dates, display requirements, and violations related to expired or improper registration. Specifically, IC 9-18.1-11 discusses registration expiration, replacement, and transfer provisions, including specific dates when registrations expire. IC 9-18.1-11-2 prohibits the operation of vehicles with expired license plates and classifies violations as Class C infractions. Lastly, IC 9-18.1-11-5 authorizes administrative penalties for delinquent registration renewals

These provisions establish requirements for owners on the timely renewal of vehicle registration and proper display of current license plates on vehicles operated within the state.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Indiana

Registration Renewal System

Indiana operates a staggered vehicle registration system based on the first letter of the registered owner's last name. Vehicle registrations expire throughout the year on specific dates corresponding to alphabetical groupings of surnames.

Standard Passenger Vehicles:

• Vehicle registrations expire on designated dates throughout the year according to a staggered schedule determined by the first letter of the vehicle owner's last name
• The BMV maintains a registration expiration schedule listing specific expiration dates for each alphabetical grouping
• Registrations are valid for one year and must be renewed on or before the designated expiration date
• Example: Vehicle owners whose last name begins with "A" through "ARNN" have registrations expiring on January 31. Owners with last names beginning with "WILL" through "WRIG" have registrations expiring on December 21.
• There is no grace period for expired vehicle registration in Indiana. Once registration expires on the designated date, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle until registration is renewed. However, if the expiration date falls on a Sunday or legal holiday when all license branches in the county are closed, the registration remains valid until the end of the next business day the branch is open.

Special Vehicle Categories:

Penalties for Expired Registration in Indiana

Administrative Penalties

Indiana imposes a $15 administrative penalty for delinquent registration renewal. This penalty is separate from any traffic infractions issued for operating a vehicle with expired registration. The administrative penalty is codified in IC 9-18.1-11-5 and collected by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at the time of renewal.

Traffic Violations

Operating a Vehicle with Expired License Plates:

Pursuant to IC 9-18.1-11-2, a person may not operate or permit the operation of a vehicle that is required to be registered and has expired license plates. Operating a vehicle in violation of this statute constitutes a Class C infraction.

A Class C infraction in Indiana carries a maximum fine of $100, excluding court costs and fees. The actual fine amount may vary depending on local court practices and judicial discretion.

Government Agencies

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N402
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 888-692-6841 (Toll-free); 317-233-6000 (Local)
Official Website: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Indiana State Police
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Avenue, Suite N340
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-8248 (24-hour service)
Official Website: Indiana State Police