Free Indiana License Plate Lookup – Get Full Vehicle History, Salvage, Theft & Recall Info

Buying a used car in Indiana? Run a 100% FREE Indiana License Plate Lookup and reveal the vehicle’s full history in seconds. Just enter the license plate number to access a comprehensive report — including ownership history, title brands, open recalls, odometer readings, liens, salvage records, and more.

Why Use VinCheck.info for Indiana Plate Checks?

✅ 100% Free – no hidden fees or subscriptions
✅ Verified data from trusted government and industry sources
✅ Works on desktop and mobile – no app needed
✅ No account or personal information required

Why Run an Indiana License Plate Lookup?

Indiana’s used car market is booming — especially in cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville. With both private sellers and dealerships offering competitive deals, it’s one of the most affordable states to own a vehicle. But low ownership costs don’t guarantee a risk-free purchase.

Running a license plate lookup Indiana service helps you:

• Verify past ownership and mileage
• Check for title issues, liens, and salvage status
• Uncover hidden problems like major accidents or flood damage
• Match license plates to VINs for accurate vehicle identity
• Ensure the car meets Indiana BMV registration requirements

Every vehicle in Indiana must be registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). That license plate isn’t just a tag — it’s a gateway to vital details that protect you from scams and costly surprises. Use our free Indiana plate lookup to stay ahead.

Don’t risk buying blind. Use VinCheck.info’s Indiana license plate search tool to check any used car before you buy.

What Can You Find with an Indiana License Plate Lookup?

VinCheck.info’s Indiana License Plate Number Lookup reveals key facts about a vehicle’s history, helping you make smarter decisions:

• Vehicle Details: Check the make, model, year, engine specs, and trim level.
• Title Status: Identify title brands like salvage, rebuilt, flood, or junk.
• Accident History: Access records of crashes, damage, and airbag deployments.
• Mileage Verification: Detect odometer rollbacks or mileage discrepancies.
• Theft Check: See if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen.
• Recall Alerts: Look up open recalls and known safety issues.
• Vehicle Value: Estimate market value based on age, condition, and mileage.
• Timeline: Find out how many owners it’s had and where it’s been registered.
• Sales & Auction Data: View previous sales, pricing trends, and auction results.
• Crash Test Ratings: Review safety ratings from IIHS-HLDI and NHTSA to understand how the vehicle performs in crash tests.

Sample Vehicle History Report

Indiana Vehicle License Plates

If you own a vehicle or are planning to buy one in Indiana, it’s important to understand how license plates work in the state. Before completing your purchase, consider running an Indiana license plate search to verify the vehicle’s history, including title status, past accidents, and possible liens.

Indiana License Plate Format

Standard Indiana passenger plates typically use an alphanumeric format such as 123ABC or ABC1234. The design varies based on the plate type and issue year. Specialty and personalized plates may include custom formats and themed backgrounds. All of these can be checked using a license plate lookup Indiana service.

How Many Plates Per Vehicle in Indiana?

Indiana generally requires two license plates—one on the front and one on the rear of most passenger vehicles. However, motorcycles, trailers, and some other vehicle types require only one plate, which must be displayed on the rear.

Grace Period for Getting Plates in Indiana

When purchasing a vehicle in Indiana, you must register it and obtain license plates within 45 days of the purchase date. During this period, the vehicle must display a valid temporary plate issued by a dealership or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Late registration can result in penalties or fines. Don’t forget to get a DMV Indiana plate check to confirm latest status.

Types of Indiana License Plates

Indiana offers a wide variety of plate options based on your interests, affiliations, or vehicle type (all plate numbers are compatible with our Free Indiana Plate Lookup):

• Standard and Passenger Plates
• Military and Veteran Plates
• Collegiate and University Plates
• Environmental and Conservation Plates
• Organizational Plates (e.g., charities, causes, clubs)
• Antique and Historic Vehicle Plates
• Motorcycle and Trailer Plates

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Indiana License Plates

If your Indiana license plate, sticker, or registration card is lost, stolen, or damaged, follow these steps to get a replacement through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). It’s also a good time to run an Indiana license plate lookup owner check to ensure no fraudulent use occurred.

Step 1: Report Theft or Loss

If your plate or sticker was stolen, report it to local law enforcement. A police report is recommended but not always required. It may help prevent misuse or identity fraud.

Step 2: Where to Go

You can request a replacement:

• Online via myBMV
• In person at any Indiana BMV branch
• By mail, if eligible (contact the BMV for instructions)

Step 3: What to Bring

Make sure to have the following:

• Your Indiana driver’s license or state-issued ID
• Vehicle registration details
• Police report (if your plate was stolen)
• Remaining plate or sticker (if partially damaged)
• Payment for applicable fees

Step 4: Replacement Fees

• Standard License Plate: $9.50
• Replacement Registration Card or Sticker: $9.50
• Personalized or Specialty Plate: Varies (includes additional manufacturing fees)

Note: If your plate or sticker was not received in the mail, you may complete a Non-Receipt Affidavit (Form 44706) and request a free replacement within 30 days of the transaction.

Pro Tip:

You can do an Indiana license plate check for eligibility and begin the replacement process online at myBMV.com.

How to Transfer a License Plate in Indiana

If you’re registering a new vehicle, renewing your registration, or making changes to an existing one, you may also transfer a license plate from one of your previously owned vehicles. This applies whether the vehicle was sold, disposed of, or is still in your possession.

You can transfer the following plate types online at myBMV.com:

• Passenger plates
• Truck plates (11,000 lbs or less)
• Motorcycle plates
• “In God We Trust” plates

⚠️ Note: Some situations may require you to visit a local BMV branch to complete the plate transfer, even if the plate type is eligible for online transfer.

How to Register a Vehicle in Indiana

If you own or lease a vehicle in Indiana, you must register it with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This applies whether you’re a new resident, buying from a private seller, or purchasing from a dealership.

Registration Deadlines

• New Indiana residents: Register within 60 days of establishing residency.
• Purchased from a private seller: Register within 45 days of purchase.
• Purchased from a dealer: Register within 45 days—many dealers submit your paperwork for you.

⚠️ Late registration may result in fines and fees.

What You’ll Need

Registration requirements are handled through the BMV. Be sure to prepare the following:

• Valid Indiana driver’s license or state ID
• Proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., title, bill of sale, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin)
• Completed application for Certificate of Title (Form 205)
• Proof of insurance that meets Indiana’s minimum liability coverage
• Odometer disclosure statement (if applicable)
• Vehicle Inspection (required for out-of-state vehicles, typically a VIN check)
• Payment for registration fees and taxes

Taxes to Know:

• Excise tax: Varies by vehicle type and age
• Sales tax: Collected if the vehicle was purchased out of state or from a private party
• Title and registration fees: Depend on vehicle type and plate type

Ways to Register

Option 1: Register Online

• Available if you’re renewing or transferring an existing registration
• Visit: myBMV.com

Option 2: Register in Person

• Visit your local BMV branch
• Bring all required documents and payment
• Recommended for new registrations, especially for new residents or private party purchases

Option 3: Register by Mail

• Only available for select transactions (contact the BMV to confirm)

Send your documents to:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204  

After You Register

• You’ll receive your registration and license plate (if applicable) by mail
• Processing typically takes 14 business days
• If you don’t receive it within 30 days, contact the Indiana BMV

Indiana Vehicle Registration Renewal

All vehicles registered in Indiana must be renewed annually, typically before the vehicle owner’s registration expiration date, which is based on the last name or registration type.

The Indiana BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) sends out a renewal notice before your expiration date. Even if you don’t receive it, you are still responsible for renewing on time to avoid late fees or fines.

Check your renewal status or expiration date online at www.in.gov/bmv

What You’ll Need

Before renewing, make sure you have:

• Your vehicle’s license plate number or VIN
• Your Indiana driver’s license number or Customer ID
• Proof of auto insurance meeting Indiana’s minimum liability requirements
• Any outstanding fees, taxes, or citations paid
• Emission test compliance, if required in Lake or Porter County

Use the BMV’s Renewal Fee Estimator to estimate your total cost.

Ways to Renew Your Registration

Choose whichever option works best for you:

1. Online

• Go to myBMV.com
• Log in or create an account
• Follow the prompts to renew
• Receive your new registration and sticker by mail within 14 business days

2. BMV Connect Kiosk

• Visit a BMV Connect kiosk location
• Use your license plate and last 4 digits of VIN
• Pay using a debit or credit card
• Print your registration and sticker instantly

3. In Person

• Visit your nearest BMV branch
• Bring required documents and payment
• Get your registration and decal on the spot

4. By Mail

• Mail your renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the form
• Keep a copy of all documents for your records
• Your registration and sticker will arrive by mail in 2–3 weeks

After You Renew

• Kiosk or in-person: Receive your documents immediately
• Online or by mail: Allow up to 14 business days for delivery
• If not received within 30 days, contact the Indiana BMV Customer Service at 888-692-6841

How to Title a Vehicle Purchased in a Private Sale in Indiana

If you purchased a vehicle from a private party (non-dealer) in Indiana, you must apply for a title within 45 days of the date of purchase. Late titling may result in penalties.

What You’ll Need

Be prepared with the following documents and requirements when titling a vehicle in Indiana:

1. Personal Identification

• A valid Indiana driver’s license or state-issued ID.

2. Proof of Ownership

• The original title, properly assigned to you by the seller.
  
• All seller(s) and buyer(s) must sign the title.
  
• Any lien on the title must be released before transfer.
  
• If the vehicle is from out of state, you must also submit a Vehicle Inspection Form.

3. Odometer Disclosure

• Required for vehicles less than 10 years old and under 16,000 pounds.
  
• Complete the odometer section on the title or submit a separate Odometer Disclosure Statement.

4. Application Form

• Submit a completed Application for Certificate of Title.
  
• If a lien is being placed, include lienholder details.

5. Proof of Insurance

• You must have minimum liability insurance in Indiana.
  
• The BMV may verify your coverage electronically.

6. Vehicle Inspection (If Applicable)

• Required if the vehicle is from out of state or has no prior Indiana title.
  
• Submit Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft, completed by law enforcement, a licensed dealer, or BMV employee.

7. Payment for Fees and Taxes

• Title Fee: $15
  
• Vehicle Registration Fee: Varies by vehicle type and weight
  
• Sales Tax: 7% of purchase price (unless already paid to an Indiana dealer)
  
• Late Fees: $30 if title is not transferred within 45 days
  

Where to Go

• You can submit your title application at any Indiana BMV branch.
  
• Alternatively, begin the process online at www.in.gov/bmv.

How to Transfer a Vehicle Titled in Indiana

If you’re buying or selling a vehicle titled in Indiana (not through a dealer), the title must be properly transferred using the title certificate. Both parties must follow Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requirements to avoid penalties and ensure legal ownership.

General Guidelines

• Use blue or black ink only.
• Do not alter or erase any information—this can void the title.
• The seller must hold a valid Indiana title in their name before it can be transferred.
• The title must be transferred within 45 days of the sale to avoid late fees.
• If the vehicle is less than 10 model years old, an odometer disclosure is required.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Purchaser Information

• Full legal name
• Indiana address (must match Indiana driver’s license or state ID)

Sale Details

• Date of sale (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Purchase price
• Odometer reading in whole miles (no tenths)

Odometer Disclosure (if required)

Check the appropriate box if:
1. The odometer reading exceeds mechanical limits
▸ e.g., 99,999 (5-digit) or 999,999 (6-digit)
2. The odometer is not accurate due to:
▸ Repair or replacement
▸ Malfunction or suspected tampering

Use Form 43230 (Odometer Disclosure Statement) if not printed on the title.

Signatures

Seller:
1. Print and sign your name
2. If co-owned, all owners must sign
3. If a business, include:
– Company name
– Authorized representative’s name, title, and signature

Buyer:
1. Print and sign your name
2. All co-buyers must sign if applying for joint ownership

Need to complete the transfer?

You can visit any Indiana BMV branch or begin the process online at: https://www.in.gov/bmv/