How To Register a Car in Indiana

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in Indiana

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles operated on public roadways within Indiana. The state requires proper registration and licensing to ensure compliance with safety, insurance, and tax obligations as established in 2024 Indiana Code Title 9. Motor Vehicles.

New residents must register and title their vehicle(s) within 45 days of establishing Indiana residency or acquiring an unregistered vehicle. You are considered an Indiana resident if you maintain your principal residence in the state, conduct regular business operations, or remain in Indiana for more than 183 days during a calendar year.

Military personnel and students who maintain legal domicile in another state but are temporarily stationed or attending school in Indiana may continue using valid out-of-state registration. However, military personnel must comply with specific requirements if they establish Indiana residency or conduct regular employment within the state.

Temporary visitors operating vehicles in Indiana for short-term periods may continue using current out-of-state registration provided it remains valid in their home state and the visit does not exceed residency thresholds established by Indiana law.

Businesses and fleet operators must register all motor vehicles operated within Indiana boundaries. Corporate vehicles, delivery fleets, and commercial transportation equipment require proper Indiana registration regardless of where the business entity is incorporated. Fleet registration programs are available for companies with multiple vehicles.

Licensed dealers have specific registration obligations for inventory vehicles, demonstration units, and loaner vehicles, with provisions for dealer plates and temporary operation permits during sales transactions.

Interstate commercial operations may require participation in the International Registration Plan (IRP) for vehicles crossing state lines. This proportional registration system allows commercial operators to register once while paying fees based on miles traveled in each jurisdiction, facilitating compliance across multiple states for qualified motor carriers.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in Indiana

Indiana requires registration for numerous vehicle categories, each with specific requirements, fees, and operational standards established by state law:

Passenger vehicles including:

Standard automobiles, sedans, and coupes
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover vehicles
Pickup trucks for personal and light commercial use
Minivans and passenger transportation vehicles
Electric and hybrid passenger vehicles (subject to additional fees)

Motorcycles operated on public roadways must carry proper registration and meet specific safety equipment standards. Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles include traditional motorcycles, autocycles, and qualifying three-wheeled vehicles.

Commercial and heavy vehicles classified by gross vehicle weight and operational use:

Light commercial trucks and delivery vehicles
Medium-duty commercial vehicles for freight and cargo transport
Heavy trucks exceeding 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
Tractor-trailers and semi-truck combinations
Commercial buses and passenger transportation vehicles

Buses requiring specialized registration:

School buses transporting students to educational institutions
Charter and tour buses for passenger service operations
Public transportation vehicles and shuttle services
Church, organization, and institutional buses

Recreational vehicles with specific requirements:

Motor homes and recreational vehicle combinations
Travel trailers and fifth-wheel camping units
Camping trailers and tent trailers for recreational use
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) intended for highway operation

Trailers by weight classification and intended use:

Utility trailers under 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
Heavy trailers exceeding 3,000 pounds for commercial use
Semi-trailers for freight and cargo transportation
Boat trailers and specialized equipment trailers

Antique and classic vehicles meeting specific age and condition requirements:

Antique vehicles 25 years or older maintained in substantially original condition
Classic and collector vehicles with operational restrictions
Street rod and custom vehicles meeting modern safety equipment standards

Special categories requiring registration include:

Limousines and luxury passenger transportation vehicles
Emergency response vehicles for authorized organizations
Government and municipal fleet vehicles
Farm vehicles used in agricultural operations

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in Indiana

Indiana law provides specific exemptions from standard motor vehicle registration requirements for designated categories and operational circumstances:

Agricultural implements and farm equipment including:

Farm tractors operated incidentally on highways for agricultural purposes
Implements of agriculture designed primarily for farm field operations
Self-propelled farm equipment moving between agricultural properties
Road machinery, road rollers, and construction equipment not operated on public highways

Government and military vehicles operated by:

Federal agencies, military installations, and armed services personnel
Indiana state government departments and authorized agencies
County and municipal government operations and emergency services
Military tactical vehicles operated under federal authority and regulations

Off-highway and recreational vehicles restricted to designated areas:

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) operated exclusively on private property or approved trails
Snowmobiles used solely on designated recreational areas and private property
Golf carts operated on private premises or designated cart paths
Construction and mining equipment used exclusively on private property or job sites

Specialized operational vehicles including:

Firefighting apparatus and emergency response vehicles during official operations
Ambulances and emergency medical vehicles in authorized service capacity
Police and law enforcement vehicles operated in official governmental duties

Private property vehicles never operated on public roadways:

Industrial and warehouse equipment restricted to private premises
Private road vehicles used exclusively within specific property boundaries
Agricultural equipment operated solely on farm property and private lands

Indiana provides special registration alternatives for vehicles that may qualify for limited operational exemptions while maintaining some registration requirements. These alternatives often involve restricted usage patterns, seasonal operations, or specific operational limitations that must be documented and verified by appropriate authorities.

Note that exemptions typically require certification of exclusive use parameters and compliance verification, with penalties for unauthorized operation outside exempted categories or areas.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in Indiana

Registration of a motor vehicle in Indiana requires comprehensive documentation, proper tax and fee payments, and compliance with state insurance and inspection requirements. All applicants must present acceptable identification and meet verification standards.

Required documents for registration include:

Completed vehicle registration application available through BMV interactive guide
Valid certificate of title or manufacturer's statement of origin proving legal ownership
Valid Indiana driver's license or state-issued identification card showing current address
Proof of current liability insurance meeting Indiana's minimum coverage requirements
Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection for vehicles not previously titled in Indiana
Lien documentation if vehicle is financed, including lender information and payoff procedures

VIN inspection requirements apply to vehicles being registered in Indiana for the first time. The inspection must be completed by authorized personnel including BMV branch staff, law enforcement officers, or other designated officials. You must bring the vehicle to the BMV branch for physical VIN verification along with required documentation.

Emissions testing requirements apply to vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties. Vehicles manufactured after 1975 and more than four years old must undergo emissions testing every two years. Electric vehicles, motorcycles, diesel vehicles manufactured before 1997, and vehicles less than eight years old are exempt from emissions testing.

Fees and taxes with specific dollar amounts include:

Vehicle excise tax calculated based on vehicle age and value (flat rate or percentage-based depending on vehicle type and local jurisdiction)
Registration fee varying by vehicle type and weight classification
Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Fee (TIIF) applied to all motor vehicle registrations as part of state road funding
Hybrid/Electric vehicle supplemental fee for qualifying hybrid and electric vehicles
County vehicle excise tax or wheel tax in counties that have adopted local taxation by ordinance
Municipal vehicle excise tax in municipalities with adopted tax ordinances
Title fee for certificate of title processing and issuance

Use the BMV Quick Quote Tool to estimate registration costs based on your specific vehicle and location.

Insurance requirements mandate minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Proof of current insurance meeting these minimum standards must be presented during registration.

Timing requirements mandate completion within 45 days of establishing residency or vehicle acquisition. Late registration penalties include a $15.00 administrative penalty and potential citation for operating an unregistered vehicle, with additional fines and court costs determined by local jurisdictions.

Where to Register Your Vehicle in Indiana

Indiana operates vehicle registration services through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) network of branch locations distributed throughout the state. These facilities provide comprehensive title, registration, and licensing services under state administration.

Major BMV branch locations include:

Indianapolis North BMV Branch
2670 Lake Circle Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
(317) 233-6000
Indianapolis North BMV

Indianapolis South BMV Branch
3919 Madison Avenue, Suite 900, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
888-692-6841
Indianapolis South BMV

Fort Wayne BMV Branch
6011 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
888-692-6841
Fort Wayne BMV

Evansville BMV Branch
6240 E Virginia St, Evansville, IN 47715
Public Counter Hours: Monday, Thusday,Thursday, Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
888-692-6841
Evansville BMV

Gary BMV Branch
661 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
888-692-6841
Gary BMV

State administrative services include:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles headquarters: 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Commercial vehicle registration and International Registration Plan services
Specialized processing for fleet vehicles and dealer transactions

A complete directory is available at the BMV branch locations page.

BMV Connect Kiosks provide self-service options for renewals and certain transactions at various retail locations throughout Indiana, offering extended hours and convenient access for routine services.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in Indiana?

Indiana provides comprehensive online services through the myBMV platform for existing registrations and routine transactions, with specific limitations for new registrations requiring in-person verification and processing.

Available online services include:

Vehicle registration renewals for current Indiana registrations
License plate renewals without creating an account for quick processing
Address changes for vehicle registration records and driver information
Duplicate registration certificates and replacement documentation
Vehicle title viewing and status verification for existing titles
Registration status checks and renewal notice requests
Payment processing for reinstatement fees and penalties

New vehicle registration may be completed online if the vehicle purchase date is less than 60 days old and the vehicle is not a lease vehicle. This service allows qualifying customers to complete initial registration without visiting a BMV branch.

Limitations requiring in-person processing include:

Out-of-state vehicle transfers requiring VIN inspection and documentation verification
Title transfers involving ownership changes, lien modifications, or complex ownership situations
Lease vehicle registrations requiring specific documentation and verification procedures
Commercial vehicle registrations exceeding standard passenger vehicle classifications
Salvage, rebuilt, or specialty vehicle registrations requiring physical inspection

Eligibility requirements for online services mandate:

Current registration in good standing without administrative holds or violations
Valid insurance coverage meeting Indiana minimum liability requirements and on file with BMV
Accurate vehicle information matching BMV database records for verification
Payment capability through accepted credit cards or electronic checking accounts
Emissions testing compliance where applicable in Lake and Porter counties

The myBMV system operates 24/7 with immediate transaction confirmation and electronic receipt generation. Renewed registration materials and license plate stickers are mailed to the address on file within 21 calendar days of online processing completion.

Company fleet services allow businesses to renew up to 20 passenger vehicles and light trucks online, with bulk processing capabilities for qualifying commercial operations.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Indiana

Indiana operates a name-based expiration system for vehicle registrations, with expiration dates determined by the registered owner's last name rather than vehicle purchase date or birthday month scheduling used in other states.

Registration term length is 12 months from the date of initial registration, with annual renewal required to maintain legal operation on public roadways. The specific expiration date depends on the alphabetical range of the owner's last name according to a predetermined schedule.

Expiration schedule by last name follows Indiana's registration expiration schedule:

January 31: Companies and specific letter ranges
February 15: Last names beginning with A and B
March 15: Last names beginning with C and D
April 15: Last names beginning with E, F, and G
May 15: Last names beginning with H, I, and J
June 15: Last names beginning with K and L
July 31: Last names beginning with M, N, and O
August 31: Last names beginning with P, Q, and R
September 30: Last names beginning with S
October 31: Last names beginning with T, U, and V
November 30: Last names beginning with W, X, Y, and Z

License plate validation stickers display:

Expiration month and day clearly visible on the license plate
Year designation showing the expiration year
Color-coded system varying by expiration period for law enforcement identification
Proper placement in designated areas on both front and rear plates where required

Registration certificates contain:

Specific expiration date based on the owner's last name schedule
Vehicle and owner identification information for verification purposes
Tax and fee payment confirmation and receipt details
Insurance compliance verification and requirements notice

Validity requirements for continued registration include:

Current liability insurance meeting Indiana minimum coverage requirements ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
Emissions testing compliance for vehicles in Lake and Porter counties where applicable
Current address information on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Payment of all applicable taxes and fees including state, county, and municipal assessments

Consequences of expired registration include:

Traffic citations with fines determined by local jurisdictions and court systems
Administrative penalties of $15.00 for late registration renewal
Vehicle impoundment authority under certain circumstances and repeat violations
Loss of legal operating privileges on public roadways until registration is renewed

Commercial and specialty vehicle schedules may follow different expiration patterns, with some vehicles maintaining registration periods aligned with business operational calendars or International Registration Plan requirements for interstate commercial operations.