Indiana allows vehicle owners to transfer an existing license plate from one vehicle to another when purchasing a replacement vehicle. Unlike some states where license plates remain with the vehicle, Indiana license plates stay with the registered owner. Plate transfers are processed through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) online, at a BMV branch, or through a BMV Connect kiosk. Because Indiana is a rear-license-plate-only state, only one plate is transferred.
Indiana License Plate Transfer Rules
Indiana allows eligible vehicle owners to transfer their existing registration plate to another vehicle they own. The replacement vehicle must generally be registered in the same owner’s name and belong to the same registration class.
Can you transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Indiana allows license plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person when both vehicles qualify for the same registration classification.
When you sell or trade your current vehicle, you should remove the license plate before transferring ownership. The plate can then be assigned to your replacement vehicle after completing the transfer through the Indiana BMV.
How to Transfer a License Plate in Indiana
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides several ways to complete a plate transfer. Eligible vehicle owners can use the BMV website, visit a local BMV branch, or complete the transaction at a participating BMV Connect kiosk.
What are the steps to transfer a license plate?
The process is relatively straightforward once you have purchased your replacement vehicle.
- Remove the license plate from the vehicle you are selling or trading.
- Obtain the properly assigned title for your newly purchased vehicle.
- Complete the title and registration transaction through the Indiana BMV online, at a branch office, or at a BMV Connect kiosk.
- Provide proof of ownership, insurance, and any other required documentation.
- Pay the applicable plate transfer fee, excise tax, and registration fees.
- Install the transferred license plate on your newly registered vehicle after the transaction is completed.
Documents Required for an Indiana Plate Transfer
Having the required paperwork available before visiting the BMV can help speed up the transfer process and reduce delays.
What documents do you need?
Most Indiana plate transfers require:
- Valid Indiana driver’s license or state ID
- Properly assigned vehicle title
- Bill of sale, if applicable
- Current registration for the plate being transferred
- The physical Indiana license plate
- Proof of Indiana auto insurance
- Payment for all applicable fees and taxes
Additional documentation may be required depending on the type of transaction or vehicle.
Indiana License Plate Transfer Fees
The plate transfer fee is relatively inexpensive compared to the total cost of registering a newly acquired vehicle. However, owners should also budget for excise taxes and standard registration fees.
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate?
Indiana charges a $9.50 fee to transfer a license plate. Additional costs may include annual registration fees, vehicle excise tax, title fees, and optional kiosk convenience fees.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| License plate transfer | $9.50 |
| Passenger vehicle registration | $21.35 annually |
| Vehicle excise tax | Based on vehicle age and original MSRP |
| BMV Connect kiosk fee | May apply |
Personalized and Specialty Plate Transfers
Indiana allows many specialty and personalized license plates to be transferred between eligible vehicles owned by the same person. Additional requirements or fees may apply depending on the plate type.
Can personalized plates be transferred?
Yes. Personalized and specialty license plates can generally be transferred to another qualifying vehicle owned by the same individual. Drivers should contact the Indiana BMV if transferring a specialty plate with unique eligibility requirements.
Registration After Selling Your Vehicle
Selling your vehicle does not automatically transfer its registration to the buyer. Because Indiana license plates remain with the owner, they should always be removed before delivering the vehicle.
What happens to the old registration?
Once the license plate is removed and transferred to another vehicle, the previous registration is no longer associated with the sold vehicle.
The buyer must register the vehicle in their own name, obtain a new license plate, and pay any required registration fees and vehicle excise tax.
Can You Transfer a Plate to Another Person?
Indiana does not permit license plates to be transferred between different owners. License plates are issued to the registered owner rather than to the vehicle itself.
Can someone else use your Indiana plate?
No. If you sell your vehicle, you must remove the license plate before completing the sale. The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle and obtaining their own Indiana license plate.
Registration Deadlines
Indiana establishes deadlines for registering newly purchased vehicles and vehicles brought into the state by new residents. Completing the transfer promptly helps avoid late registration issues.
How long do you have to complete the transfer?
Most newly purchased vehicles must be registered within 45 days of purchase.
Individuals who become Indiana residents generally have 60 days after establishing residency to register their vehicles in Indiana.
What If You Don’t Want to Transfer Your Plate?
Not every vehicle sale is immediately followed by another purchase. Indiana allows owners to keep their existing plate for future use or surrender it if it is no longer needed.
Should you keep or surrender your plate?
If you expect to purchase another vehicle in the near future, keeping your current plate may simplify the registration process. Otherwise, you may surrender the plate to an Indiana BMV branch according to current procedures.