Free Indiana License Plate Lookup

What is an Indiana license plate lookup and what are the benefits?

An Indiana license plate lookup is a tool that allows you to search for information about a specific vehicle by its license plate number. This service is commonly used by prospective buyers of used vehicles to check the background and history of a car before making a purchase.

A used car buyer in Indiana must run a license plate lookup to get important information about the car’s history. A history report can be useful as it contains vehicle specifications like country of origin, make, model year, as well as accident history, recalls, current liens, mileage, and title status, whether the car has a salvage or branded title. Knowing the car history will alert you of any potential problems in the future.

VinCheckPro’s free Indiana license plate search offers users access to a range of important information about any vehicle registered in the state. Some of the key information that you can obtain through this vehicle search tool includes:

• NMVTIS vehicle history report
• Vehicle specifications
• Accident records
• Manufacturer recalls 
• Junk & Salvage records
• Lien records
• Odometer Readings 
• Total Loss History 
• Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value
• 60+ Problem Checks – signs of odometer rollback, theft and others
• Taxi, Lease, Police Use – past occupation or line of business
• Safety Report – safety reviews by auto experts and consumers

A license plate lookup can be a helpful tool whether you’re thinking about buying a car or simply want to learn more about one you already own.

What is an Indiana license plate?

An Indiana license plate is a metal or plastic plate issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and must be affixed to a vehicle registered in the state of Indiana. It serves as a unique identifier for the vehicle and typically includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. The design and format of Indiana license plates may vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, specialty or personalized plate options, and the year of issue.

Indiana license plates usually display the following information:

1. License Plate Number: This alphanumeric combination uniquely identifies the vehicle and is assigned by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
2. County of Registration: Indiana license plates often include the name of the county where the vehicle is registered. Each county may have its own design or emblem.
3. Vehicle Class: Some Indiana license plates may indicate the class or type of vehicle, such as “Passenger,” “Commercial,” “Truck,” or “Motorcycle.”
4. Specialty Plates: Indiana offers various specialty license plates with unique designs and symbols. These may be available for specific organizations, causes, or vehicle types.
5. Personalized Plates: Vehicle owners have the option to request personalized license plates with custom letter and number combinations, subject to availability and guidelines.
6. Year of Issue: The license plate may indicate the year it was issued or the expiration date of the registration.

Indiana license plates must be displayed on the front and rear of most vehicles, and they play a crucial role in identifying and registering vehicles in the state. Special rules and designs may apply to different types of vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles, as well as specialty or vintage vehicles.

How do I get a license plate in Indiana?

To get a license plate in Indiana, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Acquire Proof of Ownership:
• You must first acquire proof of ownership for the vehicle you intend to register. This is usually in the form of a title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new vehicles.
2. Obtain Insurance:
• You’ll need to have valid auto insurance for the vehicle. Indiana requires liability insurance to legally operate a vehicle.
3. Visit the BMV:
• Visit a local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch or license agency. You can find the nearest location on the BMV website.
4. Complete Required Forms:
• You’ll need to complete the necessary application forms, which may include an Application for Certificate of Title (State Form 205) and an Application for Vehicle Registration (State Form 43759). These forms are available at the BMV office or online.
5. Submit Required Documents:
• Bring the following documents with you to the BMV:
• Proof of ownership (title or MCO).
• Proof of insurance.
• Your valid Indiana driver’s license or ID card.
• Any required emission test certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of residency (if required).
• Payment for registration fees and taxes.
6. Pay Fees and Taxes:
• Pay the required registration fees and taxes based on the type of vehicle and its value. These fees can vary, so check with the BMV for specific costs.
7. Receive License Plates:
• Once your application is approved, you will be issued a set of license plates for your vehicle. You may also receive a registration sticker, which must be affixed to the license plate.
8. Install License Plates:
• Install the license plates on your vehicle as instructed by the BMV. You’ll typically need one plate for the front and one for the rear of the vehicle.
9. Renew as Needed:
• Remember to renew your vehicle registration annually by the assigned due date. The BMV will send you a renewal notice with instructions.

Please note that some vehicles, such as motorcycles and specialized vehicles, may have different registration requirements. Additionally, Indiana offers various types of license plates, including standard plates and specialty plates, which may have specific eligibility criteria and fees.

Always check with the Indiana BMV or visit their official website for the most up-to-date and specific information on registering a vehicle in the state.

Can I transfer my Indiana license plate to another vehicle?

Yes, you can transfer your Indiana license plate to another vehicle. To transfer your license plate to a new car, you must first title the new vehicle and pay a $9.75 plate-transfer fee. You can transfer your license plate either online using the MyBMV portal or by visiting a local BMV branch office.

If you choose to transfer your license plate online, you will need to register for a MyBMV account, identify the registered license plate, input the new vehicle information, pay a $10.75 fee, and submit the information to the BMV. The license plate’s expiration date will remain the same, and the vehicle must be registered in the same name as the license plate.

How can I find the owner of a license plate in Indiana?

Finding the owner of a license plate in Indiana is generally not something that can be done by the general public. Access to personal information related to license plates, such as the owner’s name and address, is restricted to law enforcement agencies and other authorized entities for legitimate purposes.

If you have a legitimate reason to obtain this information, such as for a legal or law enforcement matter, you should contact the local law enforcement agency or the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for assistance. They may be able to help you with your request if it aligns with the appropriate legal procedures.

It’s essential to respect individuals’ privacy and comply with the law when attempting to access or obtain personal information related to license plates or vehicle owners. Unauthorized attempts to obtain this information can lead to legal consequences.

Can you look up vehicle history by VIN in Indiana?