Is Inspection Required for Registration in Indiana?
Indiana permits vehicle registration and renewal for standard passenger vehicles without mandatory safety inspections. The state's inspection framework concentrates on specific county emissions compliance and commercial vehicle safety rather than imposing blanket requirements on private automobiles. Indiana registration requirements do not include safety inspections for typical passenger vehicles.
Emissions Inspection Requirements in Indiana
Emissions testing in Indiana applies exclusively to Lake and Porter counties through the Clean Air Car Check Program. Affected vehicles manufactured after 1975 with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 9,000 pounds or less must undergo biennial testing and tampering inspections. Vehicles manufactured in odd model years are tested during odd-numbered calendar years, and even model years during even-numbered calendar years. The first emissions test is required four years following the vehicle's model year. Exemptions cover vehicles manufactured within the four most recent model years and antique vehicles as defined under state law. Regions outside these two counties have no emissions testing requirements.
Indiana Vehicle Registration Requirements by County and Origin
| Vehicle Origin | Registration Type | VIN Inspection | Safety Inspection | Emissions Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state | Initial | Required | Not required | Required (Lake & Porter counties only) |
| Out-of-state | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (Lake & Porter counties only) |
| In-state | Initial | Not required | Not required | Required (Lake & Porter counties only) |
| In-state | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (Lake & Porter counties only) |
Out-of-state vehicle transfers into Indiana require a VIN inspection to confirm the vehicle identification number.
Contact Information
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Registration and Emissions Testing
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Phone: 888-BMV-INDY (888-268-4639)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Official Website: BMV Registration Plates
Clean Air Car Check Program – Lake and Porter Counties
Phone: 888-240-1684
Official Website: Clean Air Check
Indiana Department of Environmental Management – Air Quality
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Official Website: IDEM Emissions Testing
