What makes our Indiana license plate search different?

Our Indiana license plate search tool utilizes a massive database of public records provided by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), NMVTIS, NHTSA and other third-party data sources like J.D. Power. Did you spy a vehicle you’re interested in on your way to the Indiana Dunes National Park? Or maybe you’re trying to learn more about a ride you saw on the way to a Pacers game. Either way, we can help you find a variety of information about vehicles registered in Indiana.

What info can you find with an Indiana license plate search?

When you use our Indiana license plates lookup, you can tap into a massive database of vehicle-specific info, which may include: Sales history, Market value, Past ownership, Liens on the vehicle, Manufacturer recalls, Estimated ownership costs, Salvage and other branded titles, Equipment and trim specifications

How can an IN license plate lookup help you?

Our Indiana license plate lookup can help you access a hoard of information to help you navigate the often circuitous roads of vehicle buying, selling and owning. When you want to get the most out of your vehicular moves, knowledge is critical. Let’s say you’re trying to sell your vehicle but aren’t sure where to set the asking price. Type in your vehicle’s license plate number and we could help you find your ride’s estimated market value in Indiana so you can set a reasonable price and pocket some extra cash quicker. On the other hand, if you’re a car buyer who wants to negotiate the best deal on an Indiana vehicle, the results of our license plate lookup for Indiana may yield valuable vehicle history info. This data may include weather damage (including floods, blizzards and hail), salvaged titles, liens and issues with the Indiana lemon law, AKA the Motor Vehicle Protection Act. Issues like these can take a car from pole position to the back of the pack in no time. Our robust IN license plate reports can help you in a number of different ways, whether you’re buying, selling or keeping your vehicle. And if you’re trying to decide between a few Indiana vehicles, we can help you compare them side by side .

Why use our Indiana license plate search?

Whether you’re racing around Indianapolis, commuting in Fort Wayne or selling a vehicle in South Bend, we’ve got your back. Use our IN license plate search, and we’ll compile the data you may need to know about a specific Indiana vehicle—all in one online dashboard, iOS and Google mobile apps, and downloadable PDF form. With a Bumper license plate search in Indiana, you can avoid sifting through multiple information sources, costlier competitors, or bureaucratic red tape. We can help you access the Indiana vehicle information you may need right here. Our IN vehicle reports may give you access to the exact data you need to manage your vehicles with ease. From keeping ownership costs low to maximizing your sales profits and even haggling the best deal possible, our Indiana license plate searches can help you keep your vehicle ownership journey on easy street.

Do you need front and rear license plates in Indiana?

No, you don’t need front and rear license plates in Indiana. The Hoosier State is one of 19 states that don’t require front and rear license plates. At Bumper, we can help you with license plate searches for any state, including neighboring states such as Illinois , Michigan , Ohio , Wisconsin and more.

Indiana License Plate Lookup

Enter an Indiana license plate right here to learn about a vehicle registered in the Hoosier State!

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Enter an Indiana license plate right here to learn about a vehicle registered in the Hoosier State!

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Indiana license plate lookup
Information obtained from a license plate lookup
Types of Indiana license plates
Process for registering a vehicle in Indiana
Renewal of license plates
Reporting lost or stolen plates
Steps to get replacement plates
Contact information for Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

An Indiana license plate lookup allows you to potentially access an extensive range of vehicle-related information by simply entering the license plate number. This may include details such as the number of past owners, liens, and title information.

Our history reports may reveal critical issues, which may pose safety risks. Utilizing license plate lookup services could help inform buyers’ research.

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Indiana license plate lookup

How to perform online Indiana license plate lookups:

Visit Bumper.com: Go to Bumper’s License Plate Lookup page.
Enter license plate number: Input the license plate number of the vehicle you want to look up. Bumper will use this information to retrieve relevant data.
Search results: Bumper could provide you with information related to the vehicle, including salvage titles, manufacturer recalls, market value, and more.
Explore details: Review the details provided in the search results. This can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling a vehicle.

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Information obtained from a license plate lookup

Number of previous owners and title information

This data could reveal if the vehicle has had multiple owners in a short period, which could indicate potential issues. A clean title typically means the vehicle has no significant damages or outstanding recalls, making it a safer investment.

Liens, odometer readings, and salvage records

Knowing if a car has liens is essential. A lien on a car means there’s an outstanding loan or debt connected to the vehicle. This information may help avoid purchasing a vehicle that you could later discover you do not legally own free and clear. Reported odometer readings are also vital as they indicate the vehicle’s mileage. Odometer fraud, where the mileage has been tampered with, can lead to overpaying for a vehicle that has higher wear and tear than documented.

Salvage records are indicative of a vehicle that has been deemed a total loss due to significant damage from accidents, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events. Purchasing a salvage vehicle often involves higher risks and additional costs for repairs and insurance. Identifying salvage records beforehand allows you to make an informed decision and potentially avoid a problematic purchase.

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Types of Indiana license plates

Standard issue plates

Standard issue plates in Indiana feature a dark blue plate number set against a reflective background featuring a picturesque country scene with a covered bridge. The current plates use a 123ABC serial format with three numbers followed by three letters. Older plates may feature slightly different formats if they were renewed.

College & university plates

Indiana offers college license plates representing a variety of educational institutions across the state. These plates allow students, alumni, and supporters to showcase their school pride on their vehicles. Each plate carries a $25 group fee and a $15 administrative fee, with the option to personalize the plate for an additional $45. This program not only promotes school spirit but also supports educational initiatives tied to the respective institutions.

Military plates

Indiana’s military license plates honor those who have served in various branches of the armed forces. To obtain these plates, drivers must provide proof of eligibility, such as military service documentation. These plates often carry lower or no group fees and do not include any administrative fees. For those who want to further personalize their military plates, a $45 fee applies. These plates offer a meaningful way for veterans and active service members to display their service and dedication on their vehicles.

Organization plates

Indiana’s organization plates offer a variety of options to support causes and groups that matter to residents. These plates fall into broad categories such as health and wellness (e.g., Breast Cancer Awareness, Autism Awareness), youth organizations (e.g., Boy Scouts, 4-H Foundation, Boys and Girls Club), public safety (e.g., Fraternal Order of Police, Volunteer Firefighters, First Responders), environmental and conservation efforts (e.g., Ducks Unlimited, Circular Indiana, Greenways Foundation), and community support (e.g., Habitat for Humanity, Donate Life, Family First, Inc.). Each plate carries a $25 group fee and a $15 administrative fee, with group fees going directly to the sponsoring organization to fund their initiatives. For an additional $45, you can personalize these plates.

Process for registering a vehicle in Indiana

Required documents and fees

To register a vehicle in Indiana, you’ll need the following documents and information:

Vehicle title or a certificate of origin
Proof of Indiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)
Valid Indiana driver’s license or identification card
Proof of vehicle insurance
Odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles less than 10 years old)
Emissions test result (if applicable, required in Lake and Porter counties)
Payment for registration fees and taxes

Registration procedures

1. Vehicle titling:

Ensure your vehicle is titled in Indiana. To learn more about titling, visit www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/vehicle-registrations/

2. Gather documents:

Collect all required documents listed above. You’ll need two proofs of address if you’re changing your legal address during the registration process.

3. Choose registration method:

You can register your vehicle online if it was purchased within the last 60 days and is not leased.
Alternatively, visit any BMV Connect Kiosk, BMV branch, or any FSP/PSP location.
Residents of Lake and Porter counties will need to pass an emissions test before proceeding.

4. Complete the registration:

Online: Log into myBMV.com, follow the prompts, and submit your documentation and payment.
At a BMV branch: Present your documents, complete the necessary forms, and pay the required fees.
At a BMV connect kiosk: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your documents and submit your payment.

5. Receive your plates and registration:

Once the registration is complete, you’ll receive your license plates, registration certificate, and any applicable stickers. The physical items may be mailed to you or provided immediately, depending on the registration method used.

Renewal of license plates

Renewal process steps

Visit the official Indiana BMV website: Go to the Indiana BMV website to access the online renewal system or to find the forms needed for mail or in-person renewal.
Gather the required documents:

Your renewal notice or current registration certificate.
Proof of vehicle insurance.
Payment for the renewal fee.

Choose your renewal method: You can renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online: Use the BMV’s online portal for the quickest renewal method.
By mail: Send your renewal form, any required documentation, and payment to the address provided by the BMV.
In person: Visit a local BMV branch. Find your nearest location on the BMV website.

Reporting lost or stolen plates

Reporting procedures

To report lost or stolen license plates in Indiana, begin by notifying local law enforcement. This step is crucial to prevent potential misuse of your plates and to start the process of obtaining a police report. You must have law enforcement complete the Report of Stolen License Plate or Registration Decal – State Form 37135 which you will bring to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office.

If you’re unsure whether a plate is lost or stolen, you can choose to report it as stolen to law enforcement, though it’s not required. If reported as stolen, a new license plate number must be issued, as the original number cannot be reissued. Additionally, a stolen plate number cannot be reissued for five years after it has been flagged by the BMV.

Steps to get replacement plates

Complete the application: Fill out the Application for Replacement or Duplicate License Plate (Form 37135). If your plates were stolen, a law enforcement officer must complete part of the form
Visit a BMV Office: Go to your local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office.
Submit required documents: Provide the completed application form and any additional required documents, such as proof of identity and vehicle title.
Pay the fee: Pay the $9.50 fee for the replacement plates.
Receive your plates: Once processed, you will receive your replacement plates.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Indiana BMV website.

Contact information for Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

BMV contact details

For assistance, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers various contact methods. You can speak with customer service associates available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) by calling 888-692-6841. Automated Integrated Voice Response (IVR) is available 24/7 through the same phone number.

For in-person assistance, you can visit any BMV branch. Locations and hours are available on the BMV’s website. Email inquiries can be sent through the online contact form, but responses may take 7 to 10 business days.

Online resources

The Indiana BMV offers a robust suite of online resources available through its website. Key tools and services include:

myBMV: Log in to track the status of your registration and plate transactions, and manage your account.
BMV biller direct express: Make payments on your account through this platform
BMV connect self-service kiosks: Handle routine transactions any time of the day
How-to guides and FAQ section: Review these guides to complete transactions online and find answers to common questions.
Scheduling appointments: Schedule a driving test, make a branch appointment, or look up existing appointments through dedicated links.

Online reminders and notifications have also been updated. If you prefer US Mail for registration renewal reminders, your notice may come in a new postcard format with a QR code to access myBMV for registration costs and account information.

Indiana license plate lookups serve as a powerful means to potentially obtain critical vehicle information, contributing significantly to both legal and safety considerations for vehicle buyers in the state.