How To Register a Car in Indiana
New Indiana residents have 60 days to register their vehicle at a BMV location. Click here for details!
Written by Christelle Agustin
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
If you recently purchased a new car in
Indiana
, you’ll have 45 days to register it at your local BMV or online. If you just moved to Indiana, you’ll need to register your vehicle at a BMV branch within 60 days of becoming a resident.Whether you’re a new Indiana resident or simply bought a new vehicle, you’ll need to register your car to legally drive in the state. New Indiana residents and first-time registrants will need to visit their local BMV branch, while current residents can complete their registration online.
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How to register a car in Indiana
Time to get organized—registering a car in Indiana requires a few documents and a fee of $21.35. Here are the following documents you’ll need to present at the BMV (find your nearest location at the
BMV Branch Map
):- If you have an incomplete or missing certificate of title: the Bill of Sale/Purchase Order andOdometer Disclosure Statement(State Form 43230)
- Proof of address
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Identification Number (FIN)
You will also need to bring your car with you on the day of your appointment to pass a
car inspection
. In the event that your vehicle cannot be present for the inspection, you must complete the Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft – State Form 39530
and present it at the BMV.If you just moved to Indiana
Are you a new Indiana resident? Within 60 days of becoming a resident, you must obtain an
Indiana driver’s license
and register your vehicle
. To obtain an Indiana driver’s license, you will need proof that you are an eligible driver from your original state. For new residents under 18, this also means passing a knowledge test. Here are the following documents you’ll need to bring with you to the BMV:
- Your out-of-state driver’s license, driving record, or verification letter
- Proof of identity (US birth certificate, passport, foreign passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
- Proof of lawful status (US birth certificate, passport, foreign passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
- Proof of Social Security (Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, non-SSA-1099 form, pay stub, or a Social Security Administration document that states you are ineligible for a Social Security Number)
- Proof of Indiana residency(a bill issued within the last 60 days, bank statement, pre-printed pay stub, or Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement)
When you’ve completed your application and knowledge test (if you are under 18), you will be issued an interim license that is valid for 30 days. This is a temporary license that will allow you to drive until you receive your official Indiana driver’s license.
The next step is to register your out-of-state vehicle which requires a free vehicle inspection. Indiana’s car inspection procedures ensure your vehicle’s components function properly and are up to safety standards. When your vehicle passes, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) that you can present when you register your vehicle.
Finally, head to the BMV and submit your certificate of title, VIR, proof of address, and proof of SSN or FIN. With these steps completed, you will have successfully registered your car in Indiana!
If you just bought a car
All new cars purchased in Indiana will need to be titled and registered—whether you acquired the vehicle from a dealership or a private seller from an online car marketplace like
CarMax or Carvana
. Titling your car ensures you have official paperwork stating that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle you drive in Indiana. To title your new vehicle, you will need two documents:
- A completed and signed vehicle title or notification from the dealer
- Proof of identity (US birth certificate, passport, foreign passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
To register your new vehicle, make sure you have the following:
- Proof of Insurance
- Emissions Test (if you reside in the Lake and Porter counties)
- Statement of Existing Lease Agreement - State Form 12787(if you have a lease vehicle)
How much insurance coverage do you need in Indiana?
Each state has its own set of insurance requirements that residents need to legally drive.
Indiana’s minimum car insurance coverage
follows a 25/50/25 pattern, which means you must possess:- $50,000 coverage in bodily injury per accident, and
You’re set to drive once you have these minimums! However, it will likely be insufficient under more extreme circumstances. To prepare for those cases, consider purchasing
collision insurance
and comprehensive car insurance
, which can help cover your expenses pertaining to collisions with stationary objects and first at-fault accidents.MORE: The pros and cons of add-on insurance
How to renew your Indiana vehicle registration
Renewals must be done on or before the expiration date found on your renewal notice. Failure to renew your registration will result in a $15 administrative penalty. If you’re still unsure of your vehicle’s registration expiration date, you may also find it in the BMV’s
Registration Expiration Schedule list
, organized by last name.Ready to renew your registration? Here are all the ways you can complete your renewal:
- Online viamyBMV.com
- Call the BMV Contact Center at 888-692-6841
- Mail your renewal notice and payment to the address stated on the renewal notice
- At any FSP/PSP location
- At any BMV branch
- At BMV Connect Kiosks
How to replace a license plate sticker or license plate
License plate stickers are sent by mail, but may sometimes become lost or damaged during transit. In such events, you may call the Contact Center at 888-692-6841 or visit a BMV branch.
If your license plate has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a BMV branch to acquire a replacement plate.
If your license plate has been stolen, you must bring a completed
Report of Stolen License Plate or Registration Decal - State Form 37135
to the BMV. You will then be issued a new license plate number and your original license plate will be void. How to save on auto insurance in Indiana
Congrats on registering your car! But before you hit the road, there’s one more thing to check off your list: auto insurance.
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FAQs
What are the requirements to register a vehicle in Indiana?
To register a vehicle in Indiana, you will need to present your vehicle’s certificate of title, your proof of address, and proof of Social Security Number or Federal Identification Number, along with a successful Vehicle Inspection Report.
How much does it take to register a car in Indiana?
All passenger motor vehicles in Indiana cost $21.35 to register in Indiana, excluding municipal, county, and annual vehicle excise taxes.
What is the cost to register a truck in Indiana?
It costs $30.35 to register a truck that is 11,000 pounds or more in the state of Indiana.
Who is exempt from registering their vehicle in Indiana?
Indiana residents who are currently serving in the military are exempt from registering their vehicles in Indiana.
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