Indiana License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Indiana License Plates
Indiana license plate lookups are valuable services that help individuals obtain information on vehicles registered in the state. These lookups provide details like the vehicle’s make and model specifications, title history, odometer reading, and accident history. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the primary custodian of all driver and motor vehicle records in Indiana and may provide access to them on request, both online and offline. You can also utilize third-party websites like GoodCar to get this information; you will typically need to provide a license plate or vehicle identification number to initiate the lookup.
License Plates
You can initiate a lookup on Indiana-registered vehicles by entering a license plate number into GoodCar’s search bar, selecting “Indiana,” as the state the vehicle is registered in, and clicking the search button. This Indiana license plate search will provide information like the linked vehicle’s title records, title brands/issues, previous accidents, recalls, sales history, and salvage records. Be aware that you may need to pay a small fee to access the full report.
VIN
Every vehicle has a unique 17-digit code known as its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Similar to license plate search, you can use this VIN to look up a vehicle on GoodCar and track its history. To do this, select the VIN tab on the GoodCar search bar and input the correct 17-digit code. This search also allows you to access information on optional equipment, security attributes, and other safety features. While a VIN search is just as effective as a plate lookup, locating a VIN and inputting the 17-digit number is more difficult than working with a shorter license plate number.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Indiana?
Indiana license plate lookups are commonly conducted to check the history of a used vehicle before buying. They are also a preferred method over VIN searches as they require fewer characters and are easier to obtain than VINs, which can sometimes be difficult to read.
Shady car sellers often misrepresent a vehicle’s specifications to facilitate a sale. A GoodCar license plate search can help you confirm these details (as advertised) by providing pertinent information like the car’s accident history, recalls, mechanical issues, damage history, and last reported mileage/odometer reading. This is valuable information that can make the difference between a good purchase and ending up with a problematic vehicle. Insurers also use license plate searches to confirm that vehicles have not been involved in fraudulent activities by comparing available information (on the car) with law enforcement data.
What Can You Get Out of a Indiana License Plate Lookup?
Indiana license plates are linked to the vehicles they are assigned to; as such, they can be used to access a broad scope of information on these vehicles. The state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) manages and shares this information with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and other relevant local, state, and federal government agencies. With GoodCar, you unlock a full report detailing a vehicle’s information through a license plate number search.
Vehicle Records
GoodCar is an approved National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) data provider. This system, which is maintained by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, allows for the instant and reliable verification of vehicle information against state databases. To this end, you can use GoodCar to access Vehicle History Reports that include the vehicle specifications, previous problems, and data on NHTSA recalls and crash test ratings.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
You can equally access information on all title brands, such as whether the vehicle had previously suffered water or hail damage, was classified as salvage, classic car, antique, vandalized, junk, reconstructed, and much more. Information on whether the vehicle was previously used as a taxi is also available.
Why Choose GoodCar for Indiana Plate Lookups?
Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.
Indiana License Plates
While Indiana began requiring its residents to register their vehicles in 1905, it didn't start issuing state-provided license plates until 1913. The state previously utilized state prison inmates to manufacture its license plates before switching to a private vendor in 2015 as part of a broader effort to modernize its vehicle registration system and improve efficiency. It should be pointed out that this private vendor isn’t authorized to issue license plates; this responsibility lies solely with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Standard Issue License Plates
Indiana standard license plates are the regular ones issued to vehicles for new registrations, lost or damaged plate replacements, or when the owner is looking to return a special group recognition or personalized license plate. Standard license plates for passenger vehicles cost $21.35 (this includes the cost of registering the vehicle or renewing its registration) and come in a regular version and an “In God We Trust” variant. Be aware that the cost and design of standard license plates for other vehicle types vary.
Personalized License plates
These license plates display a BMV-approved message in place of a typical license plate number. The message must not duplicate another BMV-issued license plate, must have a minimum of two characters (without any special characters), cannot contain only numbers, and must not have any vulgar or offensive meaning or connotation.
There is a $45 annual personalization fee for personalized license plates, in addition to the regular registration fees associated with the particular license plate type that is being personalized.
Specialty License Plates
These license plates are intended to show affiliation, support, or spread awareness for an organization or cause and display images and designs unique to them. The Indiana BMV currently offers two kinds of special group recognition license plates:
- Organization Plates
- College and University Plates
The cost of obtaining these plates varies and typically includes an admin fee and a group fee that is distributed to the organization represented on the plate. Be aware that you may need authorization from the sponsoring organization before being issued some of these plates.
How to Get a
License Plate in Indiana
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Indiana residents must register all newly purchased or acquired vehicles within 45 days, while new residents in the state have 60 days to register their vehicles. You can initiate this registration process via the following methods:
- Online via the bureau’s myBMV platform (you cannot use this option if the vehicle’s date of sale is more than 60 days or it is a leased vehicle)
- In-person at any BMV branch or connect kiosk
- In-person through a BMV-authorized full or partial service provider
- You will need certain documents to complete the registration. These include:
- A completed and signed vehicle title or notification
- A bill of sale/purchase order
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement (this is only required if the odometer statement is not completed on the vehicle’s certificate of title or certificate of origin)
- A Physical Inspection Form (this is required for out-of-state vehicles if you would not be bringing the vehicle to the branch or for vehicles with VIN plates that are not easily viewable/accessible).
- Proof of identity
- Proof of insurance
- An emissions test (this is only required by Lake and Porter counties)
- A Statement of Existing Lease Agreement, where applicable
You will be charged registration fees and taxes, which vary by vehicle type, the vehicle’s year and make, and your area of residence. Standard license plates are typically delivered by mail within 21 business days (after you successfully complete the registration process).
IN License Plate Renewal
The BMV typically issues vehicle registrants a renewal notice about a month before their registration expires. This notice usually contains instructions on required tests, documents for submission, applicable fees, and how to renew the plates. Renewal options typically depend on vehicle type and individual circumstances. For instance, license plate renewals for vehicles weighing less than 26,000 lbs that do not require tests or additional documentation can typically be done online or by calling (888) 692-6841. On the other hand, renewals for vehicles outside these categories have to be done in person or via mail.
Be aware that driving with expired license plates in Indiana is a Class C infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $500. The BMV also charges a $15 administrative penalty for license plate renewals initiated after the vehicle registration expires.
IN License Plate Replacement
Driving in Indiana without a valid or legible license plate is against the law; vehicle owners must replace damaged, illegible, or stolen license plates as soon as possible. License plate replacements must be initiated in person at a BMV branch, where you will be issued the same plate type but with a different plate number. Replacement plates cost $9.50.
If your plate was stolen, you can report the incident to law enforcement, get them to complete a Report of Stolen License Plate or Registration Decal Form, and submit this form when applying for your replacement plate. Keep in mind that it is not mandatory to report a plate as stolen, especially if you are unsure. However, if you do so, the old number cannot be re-issued for five years from the date it was flagged.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Indiana License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up IN License Plates for Free?
GoodCar offers free license plate searches that return basic information; however, you will have to subscribe to access the full report. The platform offers a variety of options for different user preferences, and you can get a comprehensive vehicle history report through a license plate search for as little as $2.95.
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Can I Use Indiana License Plate Lookup Services to Find out about a Vehicle's Accident History?
Yes, you can use GoodCar’s license plate lookup service to determine a vehicle’s accident history and confirm if it was designated junk, reconstructed, or even previously used as a taxi or police car.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Indiana?
You can request personalized Indiana license plates in person at any BMV office location or BMV Connect Kiosk. Requests for personalized plates can also be submitted online through the bureau’s myBMV portal; however, you must create a user account to utilize the online option. Personalized license plate requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and approved plates are mailed within approximately 30 days. Be aware that personalized plates may only be issued for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, and trucks under 11,000 pounds.