Car Registration Requirements for New Indiana Residents
New residents in Indiana must transfer out-of-state vehicle titles and registrations. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle titling and registration through a statewide branch system operating under standardized procedures.
Timeline for New Indiana Residents
New residents have 60 days after establishing Indiana residency to apply for an Indiana certificate of title. Title applications filed after the 60-day deadline incur a $30 administrative penalty per vehicle.
Establishing Indiana Residency
Indiana residency is established when an individual makes Indiana their principal place of residence. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles determines residency based on factors including physical presence, employment location, property ownership, and intent to remain. New residents must provide documentation demonstrating Indiana residency to complete vehicle transactions.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Indiana
New residents transferring out-of-state vehicle titles and registrations must present documentation proving ownership, identification, residency, and insurance compliance at an Indiana BMV branch.
Essential Documents
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle State Form 205
- Original out-of-state certificate of title
- Original out-of-state vehicle registration certificate
- Proof of Indiana address dated within the last 60 days
- Proof of full Social Security Number or Federal Identification Number
- Proof of financial responsibility insurance
- Valid Indiana driver's license or state identification card
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Applicants must bring the vehicle to the BMV branch for vehicle identification number inspection at the time of application. If the vehicle cannot be presented, applicants must submit Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft State Form 39530 completed by law enforcement.
Insurance Requirements
Indiana law requires all registered vehicles to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
Application Submission Methods
New residents may submit title and registration applications in person at any Indiana BMV branch location. Walk-in service is available during branch operating hours. Appointments may be scheduled through the BMV appointment system.
Indiana Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for passenger vehicles. Vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties are subject to biennial emissions testing requirements.
Emissions Testing Program
Vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties manufactured after 1975 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 pounds or less must undergo emissions testing every two years. Vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years are tested during odd-numbered years; vehicles manufactured in even-numbered years are tested during even-numbered years.
Exemptions apply to vehicles manufactured during the four most recent model years and antique vehicles.
Testing is conducted at authorized Clean Air Car Check stations throughout Lake and Porter counties.
Registration Fees and Costs in Indiana
Indiana assesses annual vehicle excise tax and registration fees based on vehicle classification, manufacturer's original retail price, and vehicle age. Additional county and municipal excise taxes may apply based on residence location.
Passenger Vehicle Fees
Passenger vehicle excise tax is calculated according to 17 price classes ranging from $0 to $42,500 and above. Sample excise tax amounts for common vehicle classes:
| Vehicle Price | Age 0 | Age 1 | Age 2 | Age 3 | Age 4 | Age 5 | Age 9+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0-$1,499 (Class 1) | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 |
| $10,000-$12,499 (Class 9) | $150 | $134 | $115 | $98 | $82 | $65 | $12 |
| $25,000-$29,999 (Class 14) | $350 | $304 | $265 | $228 | $195 | $160 | $36 |
| $42,500+ (Class 17) | $532 | $461 | $398 | $347 | $296 | $242 | $50 |
Standard Registration Components
- Passenger vehicle registration fee: $21.35
- Certificate of title fee: $15.00
- Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Fee: Assessed on all registrations
- County and municipal excise taxes: Variable by jurisdiction
Total registration costs vary based on vehicle characteristics and local tax rates. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides a Quick Quote calculator for fee estimation.
Contact Information
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N404
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 888-692-6841
TTY: 317-233-3010
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Clean Air Car Check (Lake and Porter Counties)
Phone: 888-240-1684
Clean Air Car Check
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Office of Air Quality
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-8603
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
