Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Indiana?
Emissions testing is required only for vehicles registered in Lake County and Porter County. Safety inspections are not mandated for passenger vehicles in Indiana. The Vehicle Emissions Testing Program requires biennial emissions tests for gasoline-powered vehicles in these two counties to meet federal Clean Air Act requirements for air quality standards.
Vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties must undergo emissions tests and tampering inspections every two years if they were manufactured after 1975 and have a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 pounds or less. Testing occurs on a biennial cycle, with vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years tested during odd-numbered years and vehicles manufactured in even-numbered years tested during even-numbered years.
Indiana uses metal license plates displayed on the rear of vehicles. As of January 1, 2026, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles no longer issues renewal stickers for motor vehicles following the enactment of House Bill 1494. License plates must remain fully visible and not obscured by any part of the vehicle or foreign materials such as plate frames or covers.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Certain vehicle types are exempt from emissions testing requirements:
- Vehicles manufactured during the four most recent model years
- Antique vehicles meeting state definition criteria
- Vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier
- Diesel-powered vehicles
- Electric vehicles powered exclusively by electricity
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Show cars meeting specific classification standards
Contact Information for Tag Services
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 N. Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (888) 692-6847
Official Website: Indiana BMV
