First Time Vehicle Registration in Indiana

Indiana Vehicle Registration

In order to drive their vehicle legally, Indiana residents must register the vehicle with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

You may register your Indiana vehicle for the first time:

Online.
At a BMV Connect kiosk.

In-person at a BMV office.

Register a Vehicle Purchased at a Dealership in Indiana

When you purchase a new or used vehicle from a car dealership in Indiana, the registration and titling of the vehicle will be handled by the dealer. Typically the dealership will collect the registration and titling fees at the time of purchase.

Title and Register a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Party in Indiana

When you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, you will have to handle the registration process yourself.

You’re required to register your vehicle within 45 days of purchase or acquisition. Any longer and you will be charged a late fee.

Before registering the vehicle, complete the title transfer process with the vehicle seller. This will require the seller to remove the vehicle license plate* and fill out the relevant section of the Indiana Certificate of Title.

Once you and the seller have filled out the required sections on the Certificate of Title, you can apply for a new title at any BMV branch.

To title your new vehicle, be ready to provide:

The vehicle title.
A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (43230) if the title doesn’t contain odometer information.
Proof of Indiana residency.
A completed Application for Certificate of Title (205) form.
Payment for the $15 title fee.

If your new vehicle requires an emissions test before registering, you should also apply for a 30-day temporary registration so you can drive the vehicle to and from the testing center.

Once you submit the title to the BMV, you will be able register your Indiana vehicle using one of the methods outlined below.

*The seller will retain this license plate. If you own a license plate from a previous vehicle, you may transfer it to the new vehicle for a $9.50 fee.

Vehicle Titling and Registration for Vehicles Purchased Outside Indiana

If you’re an Indiana resident and purchase your vehicle in another state, you will have to title and register the vehicle in Indiana. You can title your vehicle by completing an out-of-state title transfer packet and mailing it to the address listed on the checklist.

Include the following:

A Transfer of Out-of-State Title to Indiana Vehicle and Watercraft Title Application Checklist.
The Certificate of Title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
The bill of sale, sales contract, or purchase order*.
A completed Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (205).
An Odometer Disclosure Statement (43230).
A Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft (39530) completed by a police officer or BMV licensed inspector.
Proof of Indiana residency. This can be a copy of your driver’s license if the address is current or any of the residency documents listed on the BMV checklist dated within the last 60 days.
Payment for the $15 application fee and 7% sales tax of the cost of the vehicle purchase (or proof that the sales tax was already paid to the state of Indiana).

If you have any questions, call (888) 692-6841.

Register an Indiana Vehicle Online

Once your title transfer process is complete, the BMV will have the vehicle information on file and you will be able to register your vehicle online, as long as you register within 60 days of acquiring the vehicle* or moving to Indiana.

To register your vehicle online:

Visit MyBMV.com.
Login or create an account.
Confirm your address and information.
Navigate to the page to register a vehicle. You will have to enter some information. This may include:
- The vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Your Indiana Insurance information.
- Your driver’s license number.
- Smog certification information (if required to register).
Provide your credit/debit card information for payment for the necessary fees.

*You will be charged a late fee if you register the vehicle after 45 days.

Register an Indiana Vehicle At an Automated Kiosk

Once you have titled your new vehicle at a BMV office, you can register it at any BMV Connect kiosk. Register your vehicle within 45 days of purchase to avoid a late fee.

Visit a BMV Connect kiosk, select the “Vehicle Registrations” option and provide the requested documentation and information. This may include:

The Certificate of Title.
The VIN.
Smog certification (if required).
Your proof of Indiana insurance.
Your driver’s license number.
Your street address.

BMV Connect kiosks accept electronic checks and credit/debit cards as forms of payment for your registration fees.

Register a Vehicle In Person at the Indiana BMV

If you fail to register your new vehicle within 60 days of purchase you must do so in person at a BMV office.

To register a vehicle for the first time at the BMV, be ready to provide:

The Certificate of Title.
Smog Certification (if required).
Proof of Indiana insurance.
Your driver’s license.
Payment for the registration fee and late fee (if applicable).

Indiana Title and Registration Fees

The fee to register your vehicle in Indiana varies based on the vehicle and the county or municipality you live in. All vehicles are subject to a registration fee and excise tax.

Other fees may include:

Title fee: $15.
Late title fee: $30.
Speed title fee (expedites the titling process): $25
License plate transfer fee: $9.50.