License Plates in Indiana

IN License plate guide. Custom or specialty plates and replacing lost or stolen license plates.

LOST OR STOLEN LICENSE PLATES

As soon as license plates are lost, stolen or illegible they must be replaced.

In order to replace your plates you must:

• Visit your local BMV office.
• Present proper forms of ID.
• Hand in any remaining license plates.
• Fill in an application for replacement plates. Please see the list below for links to the appropriate forms for each type of plate.
• Pay the license plate replacement fees of $9.

Note: If your license plates are stolen, you will need to get a State Form 37135 completed from a law enforcement officer prior to heading to the BMV.

CUSTOM AND PERSONALIZED PLATES

Regular Series

These are the different types of plates in the regular series: Regular, Regular Truck, Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, In God We Trust, Support Our Troops, Disability and Recreation Vehicle. Unfortunately, Indiana's BMV does not offer the different application forms online, which are available at any BMV office. However, once you have your license plates, you may renew them online by creating an account at appointment.

Special Interest Plates

Special Interest Plates are divided into the following categories: College and University, Military, Organizational, Motorcycle, Personalized and Other Plate Programs. The following is a list of some examples of special interest plates: Amateur Radio, Antique License Plates, American Legion, Indiana Professional Firefighters, Secure Indiana, Support our Troops and Purple Heart. Click on these links to access more information on how to request them and fee - College and University, Military, Organizational, Motorcycle, Personalized and Other License Plate Programs. When you have completed the forms, take them to your local BMV office and submit them with the appropriate fees (see below).

FEES

The fees for replacing a license plate or getting new plates vary depending on the type of plate you need. For more information on these fees please follow the link for General License Plates Fee and Specialty and Personalization Plate Fees. You can use the myBMV.com " Calculate my Renewal Costs" to estimate how much your license plates will cost.
Note: For disabled drivers, please see the disability plates request application.

WHAT TO DO WITH PLATES WHEN BUYING/SELLING A VEHICLE

Under Indiana Law it is mandatory to retain license plates from a vehicle when selling. You may transfer them to another vehicle or surrender them at your local BMV office.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See BMV hours and locations.
• See link for disabled drivers.
• Please visit DMV.com's Indiana home page for other topics on driving in this state.