Registering and titling a vehicle in Indiana: new residents, purchases and renewals

How to title and register a vehicle in Indiana after buying from a dealer or a private seller or moving from another state, plus renewal options, emissions testing, insurance and license plates, from the Indiana BMV.

Guide · Indiana · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

Vehicle titles, registrations and license plates in Indiana are handled by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), the same agency that issues driver's licenses. You can apply at any BMV branch, and many transactions can also be done on myBMV.com, at a BMV Connect kiosk or by mail. The BMV also lists full and partial service provider (FSP/PSP) locations for some registration transactions. This guide covers buying a vehicle, moving to Indiana, renewing, emissions, insurance and plates.

The basics

The BMV says Indiana residents must get a certificate of title for every vehicle they own, unless state law exempts it. The vehicle must be titled before it can be registered. Since July 1, 2025, you can choose an electronic title or a paper one.

Every registration, first-time or renewal, includes an annual vehicle excise tax and a registration fee. Depending on where you live, a county or municipal vehicle tax (wheel tax) may be added. The BMV's fee chart lists:

• A passenger vehicle registration at $21.35, plus a $15 Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Fee
• A new or duplicate title at $15
• A $30 penalty for a late title application and a $15 penalty for a late registration

The BMV's online Quick Quote tool estimates the total for your vehicle, including excise tax. Registration documents and plates are mailed and can take up to 21 days to arrive.

Buying a vehicle

The BMV says you must apply for the title within 45 days after you buy or otherwise acquire the vehicle. Otherwise you pay an administrative penalty. You must also register a newly acquired, unregistered vehicle within 45 days.

From a dealer

When you buy from an Indiana dealer, the dealer collects the sales tax and gives you proof of payment on Form ST-108. If the dealer sent your information to the BMV, you can complete the registration on myBMV.com or at a kiosk within 60 days of purchase. If you bought from a dealer in another state, you may mail your title application to the BMV. Use the BMV's out-of-state title transfer packet to check which documents to include.

From a private seller

• Make sure the seller has fully completed both the seller and purchaser sections of the title before you go to the branch.
• The seller removes the license plate. You are responsible for the new title, registration and plate.
• You pay the sales tax at the branch when you apply for the title.

If you bought the vehicle in another state, Indiana gives you credit for sales tax paid there. You pay the difference if that tax was lower than Indiana's.

A seller does not have to return the plates to the BMV and can transfer them to another vehicle they own.

Moving to Indiana with a vehicle

The BMV says new residents have 60 days to apply for an Indiana title for each vehicle with an out-of-state title, or else pay a penalty. All vehicles must also be registered within 60 days of becoming a resident. You must visit a branch and bring:

1. The certificate of title. If a lender in another state holds it, you complete a Request for Title (State Form 1014) at the branch; the BMV mails it to the lienholder and contacts you when the title arrives.
2. The vehicle, for a VIN inspection. A branch or a BMV-certified service provider does this for free. If you cannot bring the vehicle, a law enforcement officer can complete the Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft (State Form 39530). The officer may charge up to $5.
3. Proof of address. Your license or ID works if the address is correct; otherwise bring a document from the BMV's list dated within the last 60 days.
4. Proof of your Social Security number, if required.
5. Proof of insurance. You must give financial responsibility information to buy a plate and registration.

New residents are not charged sales tax when transferring a title from their previous state. For the license side of the move, see the Indiana driver license and ID card guide.

If you need to drive before the paperwork is done, the BMV sells temporary permits at branches, including a 96-hour delivery permit and a 30-day temporary registration permit. The fee chart lists a temporary permit at $18. For the 96-hour permit you need proof of ownership and proof of insurance.

Renewing your registration

Renew on or before the expiration date to avoid the $15 penalty. The BMV sends reminders by email, text or mail depending on your myBMV preferences, but it says a reminder cannot be resent. You can renew:

• Online at myBMV.com, even without an account
• At a BMV Connect kiosk
• By phone at 888-692-6841, with the phone access code from your renewal notice or myBMV account
• By mail, following the BMV's Renew by Mail packet, postmarked by the due date
• At a branch or an FSP/PSP location. If your insurance changed since your last registration, bring proof of the new policy.

Vehicles over 26,000 pounds, and others that need extra forms, cannot renew online or by phone.

Emissions testing in Lake and Porter counties

Vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties need an emissions test and tampering inspection every two years. This applies if they were made after 1975 and have a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 pounds or less. Vehicles from odd model years are tested in odd years and even ones in even years. Vehicles from the four latest model years and antique vehicles are exempt. The test must be passed before you can renew. Testing is done at Clean Air Car Check stations (888-240-1684).

License plates

When you buy a vehicle, you can transfer a plate from a vehicle you own or have sold to the new one. Passenger, light truck (11,000 pounds or less), motorcycle and In God We Trust plates can be transferred online. A duplicate plate (same number) or replacement plate (new number) requires a branch visit. If you believe a plate was stolen, report it to law enforcement and bring their completed State Form 37135. The fee chart lists $9.50 for a transfer, duplicate or replacement plate, sticker or registration. A personalized message costs $45. The BMV also offers a black "Blackout" plate for an extra $45, due at each annual renewal.

To visit a branch, see the Indiana BMV visit guide and the Indiana BMV office list.