Question

How to do Indiana car registration?

For Indiana car registration, you need to submit the filled application form, the required documents, and the application fee in the prescribed manner. 

In Indiana, car registration is mandatory before you can drive a car in the state. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is the registration authority in the state. You can choose to do it in person, through mail, or online – but you need to complete it within 60 days of moving to the state.  

What documents do you need to register your car in Indiana?  

The documents required to register a car in Indiana vary according to the type of purchase and the residency status in the state.  

Car registration for vehicles bought from Indiana dealerships  

If you are buying a car from an Indiana dealership, the dealer will take care of titling and registration. The dealers will add an additional charge for the registration to the bill amount.  

Car registration for used vehicles bought from a private party  

If you bought a pre-owned car from a private party, you must register it in your name within 45 days if you are a resident of the state. For this, you will need the following documents:  

• An Indiana certificate of title from the previous owner.  
• Bill of sale  
• A valid auto insurance policy  
• Initial registration documents  
• Odometer disclosure statement 
• License plates 

Car registration for new residents  

New residents must register their vehicle within 60 days of moving into the state. Here is the registration process for new residents:  

• Have the Vehicle’s Certificate of Title  
• Bring the vehicle to the BMV for a physical inspection  
• Furnish your driver’s license or any other identity proof to confirm your address  
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Identification Number (FIN)  

How to register your car in Indiana? 

In Indiana, car registration is possible in three ways: In-person, by mail, and online.  

In-person  

If you prefer going to the DMV in person, ensure you have the following documents with you:  

• Your current driver’s license  
• Original vehicle title  
• A valid auto insurance policy  
• Payment of registration fees  

By mail  

In Indiana, you can do the titling of the car by mail if you are living outside the state. To do that, you need to download and complete the application for Certificate of Title – Form 205 and then mail it to the BMV. You cannot complete the registration by mail; choose the online or in-person method.

Online  

You can register your vehicle online as long as you have your title in hand, but make sure you don’t delay beyond 45 days of purchase.  

• Log on to the myBMV.com portal (or create a new account)  
• Be prepared to provide your driver’s license number and vehicle title number 
• Pay the registration fees online to complete the process

If you bought the vehicle from a private party, you have 45 days to register it in your name. Miss this deadline, and you may have to head to the local DMV to get your vehicle registered. 

How much is car registration in Indiana?  

The Indiana car registration fee will cost $21.50, along with the title fees of $15. Besides this, you might also need to pay additional fees if you are late for registering the vehicle or if you need a duplicate. Here are the other miscellaneous fees you may need to pay:  

• Late fees for vehicle registration: $15  
• Duplicate registration certificate: $9.50  
• Changing vehicle registration information: $9.50  
• Transfer license plate fee: $9.50  
• Duplicate license plate fee: $9.50  
• Changing license plate type: $9.50 

How can I renew my car registration in Indiana?  

Usually, you will receive a notice in your mail a few weeks before your vehicle registration is set to expire. It is important that you renew your car registration before it expires – or else, you will have to pay a $15 penalty. You can renew your Indiana car registration in the following ways:  

• Renewal through myBMV.com  
• Mailing the payment back to the address on the renewal notice  
• Renewal through phone by calling 888-692-6841  
• Renewal through BMV Connect Kiosks