License Plates for antique and historic vehicles in Indiana recognize qualifying older vehicles and provide a registration option for owners who preserve classic automobiles. Indiana Antique & Historic Plates can involve vehicle age requirements, registration rules, plate categories, and restrictions related to how the vehicle may be used. Owners should review the current Indiana requirements before applying, especially if the vehicle is used for exhibitions, club activities, parades, or other permitted purposes.
License Plates issued for historic and antique vehicles can differ from standard Indiana registration plates in eligibility and usage requirements. Indiana Antique & Historic Plates may apply to qualifying vehicles based on their age, classification, and registration status. Vehicle owners may need to provide relevant registration information and pay applicable fees during the application process. Checking current Indiana rules can help owners determine whether their classic vehicle qualifies and which plate option best matches its intended use.
How to Register an Antique or Historic Vehicle in Indiana
To register an antique or historic vehicle in Indiana, first determine which registration category matches your vehicle and how it is used. The Indiana BMV recognizes Historic Vehicles, Collector Vehicles, and Collector Vehicles using an Authentic Model Year Indiana License Plate. Each option has different eligibility requirements and registration conditions.
- Antique or Historic Vehicle in Indiana – Indiana BMV:
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/vehicle-registrations/historic-vehicle-and-authentic-model-year-license-plates/index
Confirm That the Vehicle Qualifies
A vehicle must be at least 25 years old to qualify for Indiana’s historic vehicle options. A qualifying historic vehicle may receive a historic license plate. For collector vehicle registration, the vehicle must also meet additional use requirements. It must be owned, operated, restored, maintained, or used as a collector’s item, leisure pursuit, or investment and must not be used primarily for transportation.
Choose the Correct Registration Category
Indiana provides several registration options for qualifying older vehicles:
- Historic Vehicle: Available for a qualifying vehicle that is at least 25 years old.
- Collector Vehicle: Available for a qualifying historic vehicle that meets the collector-use requirements.
- Authentic Model Year License Plate: Available for a vehicle registered as a collector vehicle, subject to extra requirements and an additional annual fee.
Complete the Required Registration Requirements
For a collector vehicle, the owner must submit the Collector Vehicle Affidavit (State Form 56166) when first registering the vehicle and again for each renewal. Historic vehicles are subject to applicable registration charges, including the standard registration fee, vehicle excise tax, and county or municipal vehicle excise taxes where applicable.
Register or Renew the Vehicle
Indiana BMV allows Historic, Collector, and Collector–Authentic Model Year vehicles to be renewed at a BMV branch. Historic and Authentic Model Year vehicles may also qualify for online renewal through myBMV or a kiosk, though this option does not apply to collector vehicles. Renewal by mail is another available option. The required forms and payment must be submitted according to BMV instructions, and renewal documents must be postmarked on or before the renewal due date.
Follow Authentic Model Year Plate Requirements
An Authentic Model Year License Plate must have been issued by the Indiana BMV in the same year as the vehicle’s model year. The plate must be presented at a BMV branch for inspection. The authentic plate must be metal, readable, in suitable condition, and match Indiana BMV records. It is displayed on the rear of the collector vehicle. The Historic license plate and Certificate of Registration must be carried inside the vehicle, and the Historic registration must be renewed annually.
How to Renew Indiana Historic and Collector Vehicle Registration
Indiana historic license plates, collector vehicles, and collector vehicles using an authentic model year plate can be renewed through the methods listed by the Indiana BMV. The available option depends on the vehicle’s registration category. Historic and authentic model year transactions have more renewal choices, whereas collector vehicles have extra affidavit requirements.
- Official Indiana BMV Historic Vehicle Renewal Information:
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/vehicle-registrations/historic-vehicle-and-authentic-model-year-license-plates/index?
Renewal Options
Indiana BMV lists three main ways to complete registration renewal for Historic, Collector, and Collector–Authentic Model Year vehicles:
- BMV Branch: All three vehicle categories may be renewed at any Indiana BMV branch.
- Online Renewal: Historic and authentic model year vehicle registrations may be renewed online through myBMV where applicable.
- Kiosk Renewal: Eligible historic and authentic model year registrations may be renewed at a kiosk.
- Mail Renewal: Owners can renew by mail by following the Indiana BMV Renew by Mail Instruction Packet and submitting the required forms and payment.
Collector Vehicle Renewal Requirements
A collector vehicle has an extra requirement during registration renewal. The owner must submit a completed Collector Vehicle Affidavit, State Form 56166, when the vehicle is first registered and for each year of renewal. The affidavit confirms that the vehicle continues to meet Indiana’s collector vehicle conditions. A qualifying collector vehicle must be at least 25 years old, be owned or used as a collector’s item, leisure pursuit, or investment, and must not be used primarily for transportation. For mail renewal, the BMV lists the required instruction packet, State Form 56163, the Collector Vehicle Affidavit where required, and payment as part of the mailing process. Owners should submit the documents before the applicable due date to keep their Indiana historic license plates and registration current.
Indiana Antique License Plate History
Indiana antique license plates reflect more than a century of changes in vehicle identification, manufacturing, materials, and visual design. For collectors searching for old license plates Indiana or researching a vintage vehicle, the history shows how simple identification plates gradually developed into colorful and graphic designs associated with the state. Indiana’s plate history can be viewed through several major periods rather than a long list of individual years. Early plates focused on identification, mid-century plates introduced new materials and formats, and later designs placed greater attention on Indiana-themed graphics and slogans. Today, these older designs remain relevant to collectors and owners interested in authentic model year plates for qualifying historic vehicles.
Indiana’s Earliest Vehicle Registration Years
Before Indiana issued its first official license plate, vehicle identification worked differently. From 1905 through 1912, the Indiana General Assembly charged automobile owners a registration fee and issued a numbered brass or aluminum circular seal. The seal could be displayed from the vehicle’s dashboard, and owners could create their own identifying placard for the rear of the vehicle. Indiana entered its first true license plate period in 1913. The state’s first plate used a yellow-and-black design and had a porcelain finish on a heavy metal base. This marked the beginning of the Indiana plate system that later developed into the historic and antique plates collected today.
License Plates From the 1920s Through the 1940s
During the 1920s and 1930s, Indiana plates became known for frequent changes in color combinations. Plates used combinations such as cream and green, orange and black, dark blue and white, black and orange, and other contrasting designs. Manufacturing and plate production continued to develop as vehicle registrations increased across the state. The 1940s brought an unusual change during World War II. Metal shortages affected plate production, and Indiana moved away from issuing full pairs of new plates. In 1943 and 1944, smaller renewal tabs were used with the existing 1942 plate as part of a wartime effort to conserve metal. Old plates and front plates were collected for reprocessing into later plates. This period remains one of the most distinctive chapters in the history of Indiana antique license plates.
Indiana Plates From the 1950s Through the 1970s
Indiana plates from the 1950s through the 1970s show major changes in format, color, and materials. Renewal tabs became part of the registration system, allowing plates to remain in use with updated registration information. Plate designs continued to use strong contrasting color combinations that made different issues easy to recognize. A major development occurred in 1966, when Indiana introduced reflective sheeting to improve nighttime visibility. The change moved plate production away from earlier painted-metal designs and created a new visual style for later plates. Indiana also produced distinctive commemorative and state-themed designs during this period, helping license plates become more recognizable pieces of state identity.
Modern Vintage Indiana Plate Designs
The 1980s brought a stronger focus on graphic designs. Indiana moved beyond simple background-and-letter color combinations and introduced plates with themes such as Color Stripes, Hoosier State, Wander Indiana, and Back Home Again. These designs gave vintage vehicle plates a more recognizable visual connection to Indiana. The 1990s continued this approach with graphic plates featuring Hoosier Hospitality and Amber Waves of Grain. By the late 1990s, the Crossroads of America design became part of Indiana’s plate history. These later designs are popular reference points for collectors researching old license plates Indiana and for owners seeking an authentic model year plate for a qualifying antique or historic vehicle.
Authentic Model Year License Plates in Indiana
An authentic model year license plate gives qualifying collector vehicle owners the option to display an older Indiana-issued plate that matches the vehicle’s model year. This option is especially relevant to owners of antique and historic vehicles who want a period-correct appearance. The plate must meet Indiana BMV eligibility and inspection requirements before it can be approved for use. An authentic plate is not simply an old plate found by a collector; it must meet specific standards for its year, condition, material, and appearance.
What Is an Authentic Model Year Plate?
An authentic model year license plate is an Indiana license plate issued by the Indiana BMV in the same year as the model year of the vehicle on which it will be displayed. The plate does not have to be the original plate previously assigned to that particular vehicle. To use this option, the vehicle must first qualify and be registered as a collector vehicle. For an additional annual fee, the approved authentic model year plate can then be displayed on the vehicle. This makes the option particularly valuable for owners searching for antique plates Indiana or old license plates Indiana that match the period of their historic vehicle.
Model Year Plate Requirements
Several requirements apply before an authentic model year plate can be used in Indiana:
- The plate must have been issued by the Indiana BMV.
- The plate must match the same year as the vehicle’s model year.
- The vehicle must be registered as a qualifying collector vehicle.
- The authentic plate must be presented to a BMV branch for inspection.
- The plate must meet Indiana BMV condition and appearance requirements.
Plate Inspection and Condition Requirements
Indiana BMV requires the authentic model year license plate to be inspected at a BMV branch before it can be approved. The inspection checks whether the historic plate meets the state’s required standards and still matches its original specifications.
The plate must meet the following conditions:
- It must be made of metal.
- It must be in good or original condition suitable for display.
- Letters, numbers, and other markings must be clearly legible.
- Fading must be minimal and cannot make the plate difficult to read.
- Only minor rust may appear on the face of the plate.
- The plate cannot be bent.
- The plate cannot contain unplanned holes.
- Its appearance must match the BMV record or picture for the plate issued during that year.
Where Must the Plates Be Displayed?
After approval, the authentic model year license plate must be displayed on the rear of the collector vehicle. Indiana BMV also registers a Historic license plate to the vehicle and issues a Certificate of Registration showing the authentic model year plate number. The Historic license plate and Certificate of Registration must be carried inside the vehicle at all times, including applicable renewal-year stickers. The Historic registration must also be renewed annually to keep the collector vehicle’s registration current.
Indiana Antique and Historic Vehicle Registration Fees
Indiana antique and historic vehicle registration costs depend on the registration category and applicable taxes. The Indiana BMV lists exact fixed fees for collector vehicle registration and authentic model year plate use. Historic vehicle owners may also pay vehicle excise tax and applicable county or municipal taxes, so the final amount can differ between vehicles.
Historic Vehicle Registration Costs
Historic vehicles are subject to applicable registration fees and taxes. The Indiana BMV states that a historic vehicle can be charged the standard registration fee, vehicle excise tax, and county or municipal vehicle excise tax where applicable. The exact excise tax amount depends on the vehicle’s age and classification. County, municipal, and wheel taxes can also differ based on the registration location. For this reason, there is no single statewide total that applies to every historic vehicle owner.
| Historic Vehicle Charge | Exact Fee |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | Depends on applicable vehicle registration category |
| Vehicle Excise Tax | Varies by vehicle age and classification |
| County Tax | Varies by location |
| Municipal Tax / Wheel Tax | Varies by location |
Collector Vehicle Registration Costs
A qualifying collector vehicle receives a reduced registration fee under Indiana BMV rules.
| Collector Vehicle Charge | Exact Fee |
|---|---|
| Collector Vehicle Registration Fee | $16.35 |
| Vehicle Excise Tax | May vary where applicable |
| County Tax | Varies by location |
| Municipal Tax / Wheel Tax | Varies by location |
Authentic Model Year Plate Costs
A qualifying collector vehicle can display an authentic Indiana license plate from the same model year as the vehicle. This option requires a separate annual charge.
| Authentic Model Year Plate Charge | Exact Fee |
|---|---|
| Collector Vehicle Registration Fee | $16.35 |
| Authentic Model Year Plate Fee | $37.00 |
| Fixed Total | $53.35 |
Historic Vehicle vs Collector Vehicle vs Authentic Model Year Plate
Indiana offers different registration options for qualifying antique and vintage vehicles. The table below compares a Historic Vehicle, Collector Vehicle, and Authentic Model Year Plate to help owners identify which option may fit their vehicle.
| Feature | Historic Vehicle | Collector Vehicle | Authentic Model Year Plate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Age | Generally at least 25 years old | Generally at least 25 years old | Vehicle must qualify as a collector vehicle |
| Primary Purpose | Historic registration for an eligible older vehicle | Used as a collector’s item, leisure pursuit, or investment | Provides a period-correct plate option |
| Primary Transportation Use | Subject to applicable historic vehicle requirements | Cannot be used primarily for transportation | Follows collector vehicle requirements |
| Registration Category | Historic Vehicle registration | Collector Vehicle registration | Used with qualifying collector vehicle registration |
| Plate Type | Indiana Historic license plate | Collector Vehicle registration with Historic plate documentation | Indiana-issued plate matching the vehicle’s model year |
| Same Model Year Plate Required | No | No | Yes |
| Indiana-Issued Plate Required | Not applicable | Not applicable | Yes |
| BMV Plate Inspection | Not required for the standard historic plate | Not required for collector registration alone | Required before approval |
| Condition Requirements | Standard plate requirements apply | Standard registration requirements apply | Must meet BMV standards for material, legibility, condition, rust, bends, holes, and original specifications |
| Registration Fee | Applicable registration fees and taxes | Reduced-fee registration category for qualifying vehicles | Collector registration fee plus a separate annual plate fee |
| Best For | Owners of qualifying antique vehicles | Owners using a vintage vehicle mainly for collecting or leisure purposes | Collector vehicle owners wanting a period-correct Indiana plate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Indiana antique and historic license plates can raise questions about vehicle age, collector vehicle status, and the use of older Indiana plates. The answers below explain common requirements for qualifying historic vehicles and authentic model year plates under Indiana BMV rules.
How Old Does a Car Have to Be for Historic Plates in Indiana?
A vehicle generally must be at least 25 years old to qualify for Indiana historic vehicle registration. The vehicle’s age is one of the main eligibility requirements for historic and collector vehicle categories. Owners should confirm that their vehicle meets current Indiana BMV requirements before applying for historic registration. A qualifying vehicle can then be registered under the appropriate category based on its eligibility and intended use.
What Is the Difference Between an Antique and Historic Plate?
The terms antique vehicle and historic vehicle are often used when discussing older cars, but they do not always mean the same thing in everyday use. “Antique” is commonly used to describe an older collectible vehicle or old license plate. A Historic Vehicle is a specific registration category recognized by Indiana BMV for qualifying vehicles. Indiana historic license plates are issued through this registration category. A vehicle must meet the applicable age and registration requirements, so an older vehicle does not automatically qualify simply because it is described as antique.
Can I Use My Original Indiana License Plate?
A qualifying vehicle may be able to display an authentic model year license plate if it meets Indiana BMV requirements. The plate must have been issued by the Indiana BMV and must be from the same year as the vehicle’s model year. The vehicle must be registered as a qualifying collector vehicle, and the plate must be inspected at an Indiana BMV branch. The plate must meet requirements for metal construction, legibility, condition, minimal fading, limited rust, no bends, and no unplanned holes. The plate does not have to be the original plate previously assigned to that specific vehicle.
What Is a Collector Vehicle in Indiana?
A collector vehicle is a qualifying vehicle that is generally at least 25 years old and is owned, operated, restored, maintained, or used as a collector’s item, leisure pursuit, or investment. Indiana BMV rules state that a collector vehicle cannot be used primarily for transportation. Owners must meet the applicable collector vehicle eligibility requirements and complete the required Collector Vehicle Affidavit for registration and renewal.
Can a Collector Vehicle Be Used for Daily Transportation?
No. A collector vehicle in Indiana cannot be used primarily for transportation. This registration category is intended for qualifying vehicles used as collector’s items, leisure vehicles, or investments rather than regular daily transportation. A vehicle registered as a collector vehicle may be operated in connection with its permitted purposes, but its primary use cannot be everyday transportation. Owners should consider how they plan to use the vehicle before choosing collector vehicle registration instead of another available registration category.