Indiana drivers can replace lost, stolen, faded, or damaged license plates online through myBMV.com or in person at any Indiana BMV branch. Most standard replacement requests are processed quickly, with new plates arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your plate was stolen, acting immediately matters because toll violations, parking tickets, or criminal activity tied to your old plate can still be traced back to your registration.
My Indiana Plate Was Stolen. What Shall I Do First?
If your Indiana license plate was stolen, do not wait to replace it. A stolen plate can be used on another vehicle, attached to criminal activity, or linked to unpaid tolls and citations.
Step 1: File a Police Report Immediately
Contact your local police department or the Indiana State Police and report the theft. Request a copy of the report or, at a minimum, the report number. You may need this information during the replacement process, especially if disputes arise later involving your old plate number.
If both plates were stolen from a passenger vehicle, mention that specifically in the report.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurers recommend documenting plate theft under your policy file. This helps create a paper trail if fraudulent activity appears later under your registration.
Provide:
- Your vehicle information
- Your old plate number
- The police report number
- The estimated date of theft
Step 3: Replace the Plate Through Indiana BMV
Indiana allows replacement requests:
- Online through myBMV.com
- In person at a BMV branch
For stolen plates, requesting a completely new plate number is strongly recommended. Keeping the old number after theft increases the risk of future citation disputes.
Step 4: Watch for Violations Linked to the Old Plate
After theft, monitor:
- Toll notices
- Parking violations
- Traffic camera citations
- Registration alerts
If you receive violations connected to the stolen plate, dispute them immediately using your police report documentation.
How to Replace an Indiana License Plate
Indiana plate replacements are relatively straightforward compared to those in many states. Most drivers can complete the process online without visiting a branch.
Replace Online Through myBMV.com
Online replacement is usually the fastest option.
Drivers can:
- Log into their myBMV account
- Select vehicle services
- Request replacement plates
- Pay the replacement fee electronically
The new plate is mailed directly to the registered address, typically within 7 to 10 business days.
Online replacement works best for:
- Lost plates
- Stolen plates
- Damaged standard plates
- Faded or peeling plates
Drivers should confirm that their registration address is current before ordering.
Replace at an Indiana BMV Branch
Drivers can also visit any Indiana BMV branch for in-person processing.
Bring:
- Indiana driver’s license or state ID
- Vehicle registration
- Replacement fee payment
- Police report number if stolen
- Damaged plate, if available
BMV staff processes the request and orders the replacement plate for mailing.
Indiana Replacement Plate Document Checklist
Before starting the application, gather the required documents.
Required Identification
Indiana requires a valid:
- Indiana driver’s license
- Indiana state ID
- Or another accepted BMV identity document
Vehicle Registration Information
Bring the current registration card if available. The registration confirms ownership and plate assignment.
Payment for Replacement Fees
Indiana charges replacement fees per plate. Passenger vehicles requiring both front and rear plates may owe double fees if both were lost or stolen.
Police Report Information for Theft Cases
If the plate was stolen, keep the report number accessible during the replacement process.
Damaged Plate Surrender
If the plate is damaged, peeling, bent, cracked, or unreadable, Indiana may require surrender of the old plate before issuing the replacement. Indiana replacement costs are relatively low compared to many states.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement (per plate) | $9.50 |
| Replacement sticker only | $9.50 |
| Personalized plate replacement | Additional personalization fees may apply |
Indiana requires two plates on most standard passenger vehicles. Motorcycles only require a rear plate.
If both passenger vehicle plates were stolen, drivers typically pay the replacement fee for each plate.
Does Indiana Require Front and Rear Plates?
Yes. Indiana requires:
- Front and rear plates for most passenger vehicles
- Rear plate only for motorcycles
Driving with a missing front plate can still lead to traffic stops or citations, even if the rear plate remains attached.
If one plate is missing, replace it promptly.
Should You Keep Your Existing Indiana Plate Number?
The answer depends on how the plate disappeared.
Why New Numbers Are Important After Theft
When a stolen plate remains active, someone else can attach it to another vehicle. That creates risks involving:
- Toll evasion
- Parking violations
- Hit-and-run investigations
- Criminal activity
A completely new plate number helps separate your registration from the stolen plate record.
What Counts as a Damaged Indiana License Plate?
Indiana plates should be replaced if:
- Numbers cannot be read clearly
- Reflective coating peels away
- The plate bends or cracks
- Paint fades severely
- Mounting holes tear or distort the plate
Unreadable plates can trigger traffic stops because cameras, toll systems, and law enforcement equipment rely on clear plate visibility.
How Long Does Indiana Plate Replacement Take?
Most Indiana replacement plates arrive within:
- 7 to 10 business days by mail
Processing time can vary during:
- Holiday periods
- High renewal seasons
- Statewide plate redesign rollouts
Drivers should keep any replacement receipt or confirmation email until the new plate arrives.
Can You Drive While Waiting for the Replacement Plate?
In many cases, yes, but drivers should keep:
- Replacement confirmation paperwork
- BMV receipts
- Temporary authorization documents if issued
Never drive without any valid registration documentation after reporting a stolen plate.