Skip to Content

How much does it cost to register a car and get plates in Indiana?

In Indiana, the cost to register a car and get plates depends on a few factors. The state of Indiana bases vehicle registration fees on the weight of the car, the age of the vehicle and the county in which you live.

You will also need to pay certain taxes and fees when registering a vehicle.

The initial registration fee for a motor vehicle in Indiana ranges from $15. 00 to $30. 00 depending on the weight of the vehicle. Additionally, you will have to pay a county wheel tax based on the county you live in.

This can range from $12 to $60. You may also be assessed a Recreational Motor Vehicle Fee of $15 upon initial registration.

You will also need to pay for your license plates. The fee for passenger plates for a standard vehicle is $15. 25, or you can opt for a personalized plate for an additional $20. Additionally, if you plan to drive a vehicle weighing over 8,000 lbs.

, you will need Class B plates and will have to pay an additional fee of $30.

Other taxes and fees may also apply when registering your vehicle, such as property tax, title and registration fees, and fee processing charges. Depending on the county in which you live, taxes and fees vary, which will increase the cost of your registration and plates.

In Indiana the total cost to register a car and get plates can range from a low of approximately $42. 25 to over $100. To get the most accurate costs for your registration and plates, you should contact your local Department of Revenue office to determine the specific fees and taxes for your vehicle.

Does Indiana have car registration fees?

Yes, Indiana does have car registration fees. Drivers in Indiana must register their vehicles with the state in order to legally drive on public roads. Depending on the type of vehicle and the county in which it is registered, the registration fees can vary.

When registering a car, you will be required to pay an initial fee, as well as an annual renewal fee. The initial fee covers the cost of registering and titling the vehicle, and is based on the weight, model year, and type of vehicle.

The annual fee, which is due on the anniversary of the initial registration date, is also based on these criteria, as well as the county of registration and must be paid every year in order to maintain your vehicle registration and legally operate your vehicle.

Additionally, there are fees associated with specialty plates, late fees, and other fees that may be assessed.

How long can you drive a car without plates in Indiana?

In Indiana, you can drive a car without plates for up to 30 days after purchasing it, if you have proof of ownership such as a bill of sale or title. After the 30 days, you must legally register the vehicle with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and obtain a valid license plate in order to drive it.

To register a vehicle in Indiana, you will need the following information: proof of ownership, a completed title application, evidence of your identity, Indiana residency, and payment for registration fees and taxes.

To get a license plate, you will also need to provide proof of insurance. After you complete the necessary paperwork, you should receive a registration certificate and a license plate for your car within 10 business days.

It is important to note that the 30 days applies to new vehicles, not used ones. The 30-day grace period only applies if you are the first person registering the vehicle. After that, you must have a valid license plate in order to legally drive the vehicle.

It is important to note that you cannot legally drive a car without plates in Indiana after the 30-day grace period is up. Doing so could result in various penalties, such as a citation, fines, and/or suspension of your license.

Do I need an Indiana license to register my car?

Yes, you will need an Indiana license in order to register your car. You will need to provide proof of your identity, as well as proof of Indiana residency in order to do so. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of insurance, and you will need to show payment for any applicable taxes and fees.

Once you have all required documents, you can take them to your local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office and complete the registration process. Depending on your situation, you may need to visit a local license branch or county clerk’s office instead of the BMV.

Make sure to call ahead to determine the correct location.

Do I have to change my car registration if I move to Indiana?

Yes, you will need to change your car registration if you move to Indiana. According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, you are required to register your vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

This can be done in person at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch, where you will need to bring your out-of-state vehicle registration, title, proof of identity and residency, and proof of your auto insurance.

You will also need to pay any applicable taxes, title and registration fees, and present an emissions test certificate if required. Without a valid vehicle registration, you will not be able to legally drive a motor vehicle in Indiana.

How does car registration work in Indiana?

In the state of Indiana, vehicle registration is done through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The vehicle must be titled first before registration can be completed. The title is a legal document that establishes ownership of the vehicle and the lienholder, if necessary.

In order to title a motor vehicle, the following items must be submitted:

1. Titling application: This can be filled out either online or in-person at a local BMV branch.

2. Proof of ownership: A copy of the title or an out-of-state title, bill of sale and/or title transfer tax form, and any required lienholder documentation.

3. Proof of liability insurance: This must be provided by an Indiana-approved and licensed insurance company.

4. Odometer Disclosure Statement: This statement is required if the vehicle is less than 10 years old and has fewer than 16,000 miles on it.

5. Payment: The fees associated with registering a vehicle vary by county, so it’s essential to verify the cost with the county in which you reside before submitting any payment.

Once all required items are submitted, the BMV will issue vehicle registration cards, license plates and/or validation stickers. The registration must be renewed on an annual basis, with the fees payable every year.

The registration fee also includes the cost of one set of license plates and vehicle registration cards.

How much are car taxes and fees in Indiana?

In Indiana, the taxes and fees associated with buying a car (or other motor vehicle) vary depending on the specific vehicle, its age, and other factors like the county in which the purchase was made.

For example, the Indiana State Sales Tax is 7%, though it’s worth noting that Indiana also has a wide range of local taxes that vary across the state. With that in mind, buying a motor vehicle can come with other taxes and fees beyond the state and local sales tax.

For example, when purchasing a new car, the Indiana New Vehicle Surcharge Tax is imposed on the purchase amount up to a maximum total tax of $325. Additionally, when registering a vehicle, an Initial Registration Fee may be imposed, and these fees can range from $7.

50 to $50 depending on the type of vehicle and its value. The exact amount of the Initial Registration Fee is determined by the county of purchase and typically depends on the type of vehicle and its value.

Additionally, once a vehicle is registered, an annual registration fee is imposed and can range from $15 to $311. 50, depending on the type of vehicle, its value, and the county of registration.

Finally, when buying a car from a dealer, documentation fees and other government related fees may also apply. These vary in amount and should be discussed with the dealer prior to making a purchase.

What are the requirements to transfer a title?

The requirements to transfer a title depend on the specific situation, but generally, the process requires the current owner (or seller) of a vehicle to obtain a “certificate of title” from their local department of motor vehicles.

When transferring title of a vehicle, the seller and buyer will both need to sign the title, as well as other documents. In some states, the buyer must provide proof of insurance for the vehicle in order for the title to be transferred.

The buyer might also need to register the vehicle with the DMV in their current state and pay all applicable fees. Both parties might also need to fill out a bill of sale at their DMV. Depending on their state’s laws, the parties might have to pay additional taxes or fees when transferring the title.

The parties should also document the odometer reading, as well as both parties’ names, addresses, and signatures. Once all documents are signed and necessary fees are paid, the DMV can then transfer the title of the vehicle to the buyer.

How do I sell a car to a family member in Indiana?

If you’re looking to sell a car to a family member in the state of Indiana, the process is fairly straightforward, but there are still some important steps you should take to ensure a smooth transaction.

First, be sure to comply with all necessary legal requirements. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be required to have a title in your name to transfer ownership, so check with your local DMV or a qualified automobile attorney for more information.

Once you have all of the necessary documents in order, it’s time to begin the negotiation process with the buyer. Before you settle on a price, remember to factor in any repairs that may be necessary for the car’s safe operation, and be sure to provide your buyer with all available service records from any previous owners.

When you’ve reached an agreement, you’ll both need to sign a bill of sale that clearly states the terms of the transaction, including details like the year, make, and model of the vehicle; the agreed-upon purchase price; and the accepted payment method.

Make sure to keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Finally, don’t forget to transfer the car title and any other paperwork that may be necessary. To do this, you’ll need to visit your local license branch or the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles with your buyer.

The buyer must show their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, and you’ll need to bring the signed title and bill of sale from the transaction. Once the documents are filled out and submitted, the buyer will be the legal owner of the vehicle and able to register it in the State of Indiana.

Can I drive my car while waiting for registration sticker in Indiana?

Yes, you can drive your car while waiting for the registration sticker in Indiana, as long as you have the proof of registration. This can include insurance documents, a purchase agreement, or any other proof of ownership.

You must also have valid license plates, and the vehicle must be inspected and pass emissions compliance tests. In some cases, you may be allowed to drive the vehicle for a short period of time without the registration sticker if you are in the process of transferring ownership of a vehicle.

In any case, you should contact the Indiana BMV for more information and to determine what specific documents and proof you need to present in order to drive the vehicle legally.

How much do Indiana plates cost?

The cost of an Indiana plate varies depending on the type of vehicle and the age of the vehicle. For cars, passenger vehicles, and trucks, there is a standard base fee of $15. 00 plus an additional local county fee that ranges from $5 to $25.

Other vehicle types, like trailers, are charged a base fee ranging from $5 to $15 plus the local county fee. All Indiana plates need to be renewed every year. The renewal fee is $15. 00, plus the applicable local county fee.

In addition, there is a $5. 00 fee for mailing the registration. It is also possible to have your Indiana plate personalized or have a special logo on your plate for an additional fee.

Can police run your plates for no reason in Indiana?

No, police generally cannot run your plates for no reason in Indiana, or any other state in the US. Running a license plate, or doing a “plate check,” requires reasonable suspicion that a crime has been, is being, or is about to be committed.

Without reasonable suspicion, police are not allowed to pull a person over and run their plates.

There are certain exceptions where law enforcement may be allowed to run license plates with no suspicion. For instance, “Automatic Number Plate Recognition” (ANPR) systems are sometimes used in some states.

ANPR systems utilize cameras that can automatically scan and record license plates, helping police to spot stolen vehicles and people with outstanding warrants. In Indiana, ANPR systems are used to alert law enforcement if a vehicle is known to be associated with a crime.

In addition, state police may also be allowed to run plates in certain circumstances at traffic checkpoints, such as sobriety or distracted driving checkpoints. Under Indiana law, roadside safety and sobriety checkpoints are allowed as long as they promote motorists’ safety and the efficiency of the police service without infringing on the rights of individuals.

In summary, police generally cannot run your license plate in Indiana without reasonable suspicion of a crime being committed. However, there are narrow exceptions that allow for police to run plates for legitimate public safety purposes.

What happens if you drive with expired tags in Indiana?

If you’re caught driving with expired tags in Indiana, you could face a fine and penalties that depend on how long the tags have been expired and whether you’ve registered a vehicle with invalid plates in the past.

The fine for first-time offenders can range from $138 to $148. If you were caught driving with expired tags more than 14 days after the date of expiration, the fine increases to $148 with a maximum penalty of $168.

If you were caught with invalid plates more than 30 days after the date of expiration, you could face a fine of up to $368 and a suspension of up to 180 days of your driver’s license. If the license plates have been expired for more than 365 days, you could face felony charges and a sentence of up to 3 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Additionally, you may have to pay additional fees to renew your license plates if they have been expired for more than a year.

Can I use my old license plate on my new car for 30 days in Indiana?

Yes, you can use your old license plate on a new car for 30 days in Indiana. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) allows car owners to temporarily use their existing license plates on a newly acquired vehicle for 30 days from the date of the vehicle’s purchase.

During this period, the car owner must register their car in Indiana and get a replacement license plate and registration. After 30 days, the vehicle must be registered with an Indiana-issued plate, and the prior plate must be returned to the BMV.

Please note that if the car is used for any type of commercial purpose, the existing plate/registration must be replaced with an Indiana plate before it is driven.

Can your car be towed for expired tags in Indiana?

Yes, your car can be towed for expired tags in Indiana. According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), it is illegal to drive on public roads with an expired registration. If a police officer or other law enforcement official sees an expired tag, they may choose to tow the vehicle.

It is important to note that the vehicle can still be subject to other penalties, such as fines and late fees, in addition to the tow fee. Additionally, Indiana law states that if the vehicle has been parked on public or private property for more than 72 hours and has been identified as abandoned, it can be towed without notice.

Therefore, to avoid being towed for an expired tag in Indiana, it is important to keep your registration up to date.