How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Indiana?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Indiana residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while BMV branches, BMV Connect kiosks, and authorized service providers handle registration services throughout the state.
Indiana Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Indiana vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Current Registration: Current Indiana vehicle registration card or renewal notice from the BMV
- Proof of Indiana Insurance: Current proof of financial responsibility meeting Indiana minimum liability requirements
- Emissions Testing Compliance: Required for vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties only
- Valid Payment Method: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), electronic check, cash, or personal check
- Address Documentation: Two proofs of Indiana residency if changing legal address during renewal transaction
- myBMV Account Information: Registration ID and access code for online renewal (optional for account creation)
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Annual Renewal Requirement: All Indiana vehicle registrations must be renewed annually according to the established expiration schedule
- Late Penalty Assessment: Registrations renewed after the scheduled expiration date are subject to a $15 administrative penalty
- New Vehicle Registration: Indiana residents must register newly acquired, unregistered vehicles within 45 days after purchase or acquisition date
- New Resident Requirements: Vehicles owned by new Indiana residents must be registered within 60 days after establishing residency
- Renewal Notice Distribution: The BMV sends renewal reminders via email, text message, or postal mail based on customer preferences and historical renewal activity
Indiana Registration Renewal Schedule
Indiana operates on a surname-based renewal system where vehicle registrations expire according to the first letter of the registered owner's last name. The specific expiration schedule is as follows:
| Expiration Date | Last Names Beginning | Last Names Ending |
|---|---|---|
| January 31 | Companies | - |
| February 7 | AAAA | ARNN |
| February 14 | ARNO | BATE |
| February 21 | BATF | BLAI |
| February 28 | BLAJ | BRID |
| March 7 | BRIE | BUSE |
| March 14 | BUSD | CHAO |
| March 21 | CHAN | CONO |
| March 28 | CONN | CURM |
| April 7 | CURL | DICF |
| April 14 | DICE | EDEA |
| April 21 | EDDY | FERH |
| April 28 | FERG | FRYB |
| May 7 | FRYA | GLOS |
| May 14 | GLOR | GUNA |
| May 21 | GUMZ | HARU |
| May 28 | HART | HILF |
| June 7 | HILE | HUCI |
| June 14 | HUCH | JERS |
| June 21 | JERR | KEEM |
| June 28 | KEEL | KNUE |
| July 7 | KNUD | LOPE |
| July 14 | LAWR | MART |
| July 21 | LAWS | MCKI |
| July 28 | LOPF | MILL |
| August 7 | MARU | MUND |
| August 14 | MCKJ | NUNG |
| August 21 | MILM | PATT |
| August 28 | MUNE | PONT |
| September 7 | NUNH | REDM |
| September 14 | PATU | ROBE |
| September 21 | PONU | SANC |
| September 28 | REDN | SERM |
| October 7 | ROBF | SLON |
| October 14 | SAND | SPRI |
| October 21 | SERN | SUCE |
| October 28 | SLOO | THOP |
| November 7 | SPRJ | VANO |
| November 14 | SUCF | WALD |
| November 21 | THOQ | WATT |
| November 28 | VANP | WILK |
| December 7 | WALE | WRIG |
| December 14 | WATU | ZZZZ |
Note: Special vehicle categories including heavy trucks, trailers, buses, school buses, and General Assembly license plates follow separate renewal schedules as determined by the BMV.
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Indiana in 2025
2025 Indiana Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees established by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Weight/Classification | Base Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger motor vehicle | Standard passenger cars | $21.35 |
| Truck | 11,000 pounds or less | $30.35 |
| Mini truck | Light utility vehicles | $30.35 |
| For hire bus | Commercial passenger transportation | $30.35 |
| Recreational vehicle | Motorhomes and RVs | $29.35 |
| Motorcycle | All motorcycles | $21.35 |
| Heavy truck | Over 11,000 pounds | Varies by weight class |
| Trailer | Commercial and recreational trailers | Varies by weight and type |
Additional Mandatory Fees
All Indiana vehicle registrations include the following mandatory components:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base registration fee | Varies by vehicle type | Primary licensing fee established by statute |
| Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Fee (TIIF) | $15.00 | State road funding fee required for all registrations |
| Vehicle excise tax | Variable | Annual tax based on vehicle value and age |
| County vehicle excise tax | Variable | Local tax where applicable by ordinance |
| Municipal vehicle excise tax | Variable | Municipal tax where applicable by ordinance |
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Fees
Indiana imposes supplemental registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Supplemental Fee | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Electric vehicles | $221 | Required for all electric vehicle registrations |
| Hybrid vehicles | $74 | Required for all hybrid vehicle registrations |
Vehicle Excise Tax Information
Vehicle excise tax rates vary based on vehicle type, age, and original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP):
| Vehicle Category | Tax Calculation Method | Rate Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | Value and age-based assessment | Decreasing rate scale by vehicle age |
| Recreational vehicles | Separate excise tax schedule | Distinct rate structure from passenger vehicles |
| Commercial vehicles | Weight and value-based assessment | Varies by gross vehicle weight rating |
Excise Tax Credits: Vehicle owners may apply for excise tax credits when vehicles are sold, destroyed, or registered in another state using State Form 55296.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Indiana
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available statewide through the myBMV online portal. The system operates 24/7 and provides immediate confirmation of renewal transactions for eligible vehicles.
Indiana Online Renewal System
The official myBMV system serves all Indiana counties and provides comprehensive renewal services including registration renewal without account creation, address updates, and electronic payment processing.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm online renewal eligibility by ensuring:
- Vehicle registration information is current and accurate in BMV records
- Vehicle has passed required emissions testing (Lake and Porter counties only)
- Vehicle does not require additional forms or documentation for renewal
- Vehicle is not a heavy truck exceeding 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Collect the following documentation and information:
- Current vehicle registration card or renewal notice with Registration ID
- Phone access code from myBMV account or renewal notice
- ZIP code for registered vehicle address
- Valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check)
- Updated insurance information if coverage has changed since last renewal
Step 3: Complete Application
Access the online renewal portal and follow these steps:
- Visit myBMV.com for online renewal services
- Enter Registration ID and access code from renewal notice or myBMV account
- Verify all vehicle and owner information displayed in the system
- Update address information if necessary using two proofs of Indiana residency
- Review all applicable fees including base registration, excise taxes, and supplemental fees
- Submit payment using approved electronic payment methods
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Upon successful completion:
- Print confirmation receipt for immediate proof of renewal
- New registration certificate and stickers mailed within standard processing timeframe
- Registration renewal effective immediately upon successful payment processing
- Contact BMV Customer Contact Center at (888) 692-6841 if renewal materials are not received
Alternative Renewal Methods
BMV Connect Kiosk Renewal
Utilize 24/7 self-service kiosks located throughout Indiana:
- Locate nearest kiosk using the BMV Branch Map
- Complete renewal transactions using touchscreen interface
- Payment accepted via credit card only
- Immediate receipt printing available
- Available for most standard vehicle registrations
Phone Renewal System
Contact the BMV Customer Contact Center at (888) 692-6841:
- Provide phone access code from myBMV account or renewal notice
- Supply ZIP code for each vehicle being renewed
- Credit card payment required for phone transactions
- Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Heavy trucks over 26,000 pounds and special group recognition plates cannot renew by phone
Mail-In Renewal
Complete renewal by mail using the following process:
- Review and complete the Renew by Mail Instruction Packet
- Print and complete State Form 56163 as specified in instruction packet
- Submit completed documents with payment to:
Winchester Processing Center
PO Box 100
309 West South Street
Winchester, IN 47394
- Renewal documents must be postmarked on or before renewal due date
- Allow standard processing time for receipt of renewed registration materials
In-Person Branch Renewal
Visit any BMV branch location statewide:
- Locate nearest branch using the BMV Branch Locator
- Bring current registration card or renewal notice
- Provide proof of current Indiana insurance if coverage has changed
- Present two proofs of address if changing legal address during transaction
- Lake and Porter county residents must provide current emissions testing compliance
- Payment accepted via cash, check, credit card, or debit card
Full-Service Provider (FSP) and Partial-Service Provider (PSP) Locations
Authorized third-party service providers offer registration renewal services:
- Insurance agencies and other licensed providers throughout Indiana
- Same documentation requirements as BMV branch locations
- Lake and Porter county emissions testing requirements apply
- Service fees may vary by provider location
Contact Information
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Indiana Government Center North, 4th Floor
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
BMV Customer Contact Center
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Services: Registration renewal assistance, account support, general inquiries
