License Plates can require replacement when they are lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or no longer readable. Indiana vehicle owners should complete the appropriate replacement process and provide the required vehicle information before receiving a new plate. The process can vary based on the reason for replacement and the type of plate involved. Having your registration details, plate information, identification, and any required application ready can help reduce delays and keep your vehicle properly registered.
License Plates must remain properly displayed and legible for use on Indiana vehicles, so a damaged or missing plate should be addressed as soon as possible. Replacement requirements can differ for standard, specialty, personalized, military, or other plate types. Vehicle owners should confirm the current replacement fee, required form, identification documents, and submission method before starting the transaction. Properly completing the replacement request helps maintain accurate registration records and supports lawful vehicle operation.
How to Replace an Indiana License Plate
Replacing an Indiana License Plate depends on whether the existing plate is damaged, lost, stolen, or otherwise needs to be replaced. Indiana BMV separates physical plate transactions into duplicate plates and replacement plates. A duplicate keeps the existing plate number and plate type, while a replacement provides a new plate number but keeps the same plate type.
- Indiana BMV — Duplicate and Replace a Registration:
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/vehicle-registrations/index
Determine Whether You Need a Duplicate or Replacement
The reason for replacing the plate determines which transaction may apply:
- Duplicate plate: Used when you need another physical plate with the same plate number and plate type.
- Replacement plate: Used when the existing plate needs to be replaced and results in a new plate number with the same plate type.
- Stolen plate: A stolen plate may require additional documentation and law-enforcement information.
Complete the Required Documentation
For a standard replacement or duplicate transaction, provide the information required by the BMV for your vehicle and registration. If the plate was stolen, additional documentation may be required. For a reported stolen plate, Indiana BMV identifies State Form 37135 as the required law-enforcement form. The completed documentation must be submitted according to BMV requirements.
Visit an Indiana BMV Branch
Physical duplicate and replacement license plate transactions must be completed at an Indiana BMV branch. These transactions are not handled through online registration renewal or a BMV Connect kiosk when a physical replacement or duplicate plate is required. At the branch, the BMV can verify the vehicle registration and process the appropriate plate transaction.
Receive the Appropriate Plate
The type of transaction determines the plate number you receive:
| Plate Type | Plate Number | Plate Type |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate | Same number | Same type |
| Replacement | New number | Same type |
How to Replace a Lost License Plate in Indiana
A lost license plate Indiana owner should first try to determine where the plate was lost and whether there is any possibility that someone removed or took it. If the plate cannot be recovered, the owner can request the appropriate replacement transaction through the Indiana BMV. A physical replacement or duplicate plate requires a visit to a BMV branch. The transaction can result in either the same plate number or a new number, depending on whether the BMV processes it as a duplicate or replacement.
What to Do After Losing Your Plate
If your Indiana license plate is missing, first check the vehicle, parking area, driveway, and recent locations where the vehicle was parked. If you cannot locate it, consider whether the plate may have been stolen rather than accidentally lost.
For a lost plate:
- Search for the missing plate before requesting another one.
- Determine whether there are signs that it was removed or stolen.
- Contact the BMV if you need a physical replacement.
- Visit an Indiana BMV branch for the applicable plate transaction.
- Provide the vehicle and registration information requested by the BMV.
- Pay the applicable replacement or duplicate plate fee.
Does a Lost Plate Get the Same Number?
A lost plate does not automatically receive the same number. Indiana distinguishes between a duplicate plate and a replacement plate. A duplicate provides the same plate number and plate type, while a replacement provides a new plate number with the same plate type. The appropriate transaction depends on the circumstances and the BMV’s processing requirements.
Do You Have to Report a Lost Plate?
A missing plate does not necessarily have to be reported as stolen. If you believe the plate was actually stolen, you can choose to report the theft to law enforcement. A stolen-plate situation has additional BMV requirements and can affect whether the original plate number can be issued again. If the plate was simply lost, follow the BMV’s applicable duplicate or replacement process.
How to Replace a Stolen License Plate in Indiana
Replacing a stolen license plate in Indiana involves additional steps because the BMV needs the stolen status documented. If your plate was taken, report the theft to the appropriate law-enforcement agency and obtain the documentation required for the BMV transaction. The BMV identifies State Form 37135 for reporting a stolen license plate or registration decal.
Report the Stolen Plate to Law Enforcement
If you believe your Indiana license plate was stolen, report the theft to law enforcement. This creates an official record of the stolen plate and supports the BMV replacement process.
The stolen-plate process generally involves:
- Reporting the stolen plate to law enforcement.
- Providing the plate number and vehicle information.
- Completing the required stolen-plate documentation.
- Obtaining the applicable law-enforcement information or certification.
- Taking the required documentation to an Indiana BMV branch.
What Is Indiana State Form 37135?
Report of Stolen License Plate or Registration Decal – State Form 37135 is the BMV form associated with reporting a stolen license plate or registration decal. It provides information needed to document the stolen item and supports the BMV’s processing of the replacement transaction. The form should be completed according to the BMV’s current instructions and any applicable law-enforcement requirements. Do not substitute an unrelated replacement form when the BMV specifically requires Form 37135 for a stolen plate transaction.
Take the Completed Form to the BMV
After the stolen-plate documentation has been completed, take it to an Indiana BMV branch along with the information required for the replacement transaction. The BMV can process the stolen plate replacement and issue the applicable plate. A stolen plate generally results in a new plate number rather than reissuing the stolen number.
What Happens to the Stolen Plate Number?
When an Indiana plate number is flagged as stolen, the BMV does not simply issue a duplicate with the same number. Under the current BMV rule, the stolen plate number is ineligible for reissuance for five years from the date the stolen status was applied. This means a replacement plate receives a different number during that period.
How to Replace a Damaged License Plate in Indiana
A damaged license plate Indiana owner may need a duplicate or replacement when the plate becomes damaged, mutilated, or difficult to read. A plate that can no longer be clearly displayed or whose identifying information is not readable should not be treated as a normal, usable plate.
When Is a Plate Considered Damaged or Unreadable?
A plate may require attention when physical damage affects its condition or makes its identifying information difficult to read. Examples can include:
- Damaged license plate
- Unreadable plate
- Mutilated plate
- Plate with significant physical deterioration
- Plate whose identifying characters cannot be clearly seen
Do You Get the Same Plate Number?
If the transaction is processed as a duplicate plate, the BMV provides the same plate number and plate type. A replacement plate, by contrast, receives a new plate number while retaining the applicable plate type. Therefore, a damaged plate does not automatically mean that the number will change. The result depends on the transaction processed by the BMV.
What Should You Do With the Damaged Plate?
Keep the damaged plate available when completing the transaction unless the BMV gives you different instructions. Do not assume that every damaged plate must be surrendered, destroyed, or discarded under a specific procedure unless the current BMV instructions require it. If you are unsure how to handle the old plate ask the BMV branch processing the duplicate or replacement transaction.
Indiana License Plate Replacement Requirements
The requirements for replacing an Indiana plate depend on whether the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or being replaced for another reason. The BMV verifies the vehicle and registration information before completing the physical plate transaction.
Identification
Bring the identification and ownership information required for the transaction. The BMV may need to verify the registered owner and the vehicle’s registration record. Requirements can vary depending on the specific circumstances, so applicants should follow the current BMV instructions rather than assuming that one document applies to every replacement situation.
Vehicle and Registration Information
Have the relevant vehicle and registration information available, such as:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle information
- Current registration information
- Existing or missing plate number
- Registered owner’s information
Stolen Plate Documentation
A stolen plate requires additional documentation. State Form 37135 — Report of Stolen License Plate or Registration Decal is associated with the BMV’s stolen-plate process. Law-enforcement information may be required before the BMV can complete the replacement.
Indiana License Plate Replacement Fee
The Indiana license plate replacement fee is an important part of the replacement transaction. Indiana’s current fee schedule lists $9.50 for the applicable duplicate or replacement plate, decal, or registration-certificate transaction. The exact amount charged should be confirmed against the current BMV fee schedule for the transaction being completed.
How Much Does Indiana License Plate Replacement Cost?
For the applicable duplicate or replacement license plate transaction, the current fee is:
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Duplicate or replacement plate transaction | $9.50 |
Are There Additional Fees?
Additional charges can apply depending on the overall transaction. Keep the replacement plate fee separate from:
- Standard vehicle registration fees
- Excise taxes
- Specialty plate charges
- Personalized plate fees
- Other transaction-specific charges
The final amount depends on the vehicle and the specific registration transaction being processed.
Does Reporting a Stolen Plate Remove the Replacement Fee?
Reporting a plate as stolen does not automatically eliminate the applicable replacement-plate fee. The stolen-plate report and State Form 37135 document the theft and support the BMV replacement process, while the applicable plate transaction fee can still apply. Therefore, reporting the theft and paying the replacement fee are separate parts of the process.
Can You Replace an Indiana License Plate Online?
You cannot replace a physical Indiana license plate online. When a duplicate or replacement physical plate is required, the Indiana BMV requires the transaction to be completed at a BMV branch. This applies even when the vehicle registration itself may be eligible for other online services.
It is important to distinguish physical plate replacement from other BMV transactions:
- Physical license plate replacement: Requires a BMV branch visit.
- Duplicate registration document: May have separate online or self-service options.
- Registration sticker: May involve a different transaction from replacing the physical plate.
- myBMV: Provides online registration and other eligible services but does not replace the physical plate through an online transaction.
- BMV Connect: Offers selected self-service transactions, but it does not replace the requirement for a branch visit when obtaining a physical duplicate or replacement plate.
If your plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement, check the applicable BMV requirements before visiting a branch. Do not assume that because your registration can be renewed online, your physical license plate can also be replaced online.
Indiana License Plate Replacement for Specialty and Personalized Plates
Replacing a specialty plate or personalized plate can require additional consideration because the plate may have specific eligibility, personalization, or organizational requirements. The basic distinction between a duplicate and replacement plate remains important: a duplicate may retain the existing plate number and type, while a replacement generally results in a new plate number with the applicable plate type.
This can apply to different categories, including:
- Specialty plate
- Personalized plate
- Military plate
- Veteran plate
- Organizational plate
- Standard plate
For a personalized plate, do not assume that a replacement will automatically preserve every aspect of the existing plate configuration. Personalization availability, plate eligibility, and BMV requirements can affect the transaction. For military, veteran, or organizational plates, additional eligibility or documentation may apply. A replacement does not necessarily mean that a different specialty design can be selected during the same transaction. Before requesting a replacement, confirm the treatment of your specific plate type with the Indiana BMV. This is especially important if you want to preserve a plate number, personalized message, military designation, veteran designation, or sponsoring-organization plate.
Indiana License Plate Replacement for Commercial Vehicles
A commercial vehicle may have different replacement considerations from a standard passenger vehicle, particularly when the vehicle is registered to a company or business. A lost, stolen, or damaged commercial plate should be addressed through the appropriate Indiana BMV process so the vehicle’s registration record remains accurate.
For a company vehicle, the replacement transaction may involve:
- Commercial plate information
- Company or registered-owner information
- Vehicle identification information
- Current registration
- Lost or damaged plate details
- Stolen plate documentation when applicable
If a commercial plate has been stolen, the BMV provides specific guidance for stolen company plates. State Form 37135, Report of Stolen License Plate or Registration Decal, may be required as part of the stolen-plate process. Do not assume that a commercial plate follows every requirement of a privately registered passenger vehicle. The registered owner, company information, plate classification, and reason for replacement can affect the transaction. Confirm the applicable BMV requirements before visiting a branch.
What Happens After You Get a Replacement Plate?
After receiving your replacement plate, install it correctly and make sure the vehicle’s registration information matches the new plate information. A replacement plate may have a new plate number, so check your registration records carefully.
Install the New Plate Correctly
For ordinary vehicles, the Indiana BMV requires the license plate to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. The plate should be securely fastened, clearly visible, and unobstructed. Do not use a frame, cover, or other item that blocks required plate information, numbers, or registration stickers.
What Happens to the Old Plate?
The handling of an old or damaged plate depends on the circumstances and the BMV’s current instructions. Do not assume that every replaced plate must be destroyed or surrendered unless the BMV specifically requires it for your transaction. If you still have the old plate, follow the instructions provided during the replacement process.
Check Your Registration Information
After receiving the replacement plate:
- Confirm the new plate number.
- Check your vehicle registration information.
- Make sure the plate type is correct.
- Verify that required registration information is current.
- Keep your registration documentation with the vehicle as required.
Indiana License Plate Replacement vs. Replacement Registration or Sticker
An Indiana license plate replacement is different from replacing a registration document or registration sticker. A physical license plate is the metal plate displayed on the vehicle, while registration documents and stickers provide separate evidence or identification connected with the vehicle’s registration.
| Transaction | What Is Replaced? | Same as Physical Plate Replacement? |
|---|---|---|
| License plate replacement | Physical plate | No |
| Duplicate registration document | Registration document | No |
| Registration sticker | Registration sticker/decal | No |
| Expiration-year sticker | Registration expiration information | No |
| Month/day sticker | Registration date information | No |
| County sticker | County designation | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
This Frequently Asked Questions section answers common questions about Indiana license plate replacement, including replacement fees, lost or stolen plates, required documents, and BMV branch requirements.
How do I replace an Indiana license plate?
To replace an Indiana license plate, determine whether the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement. Physical duplicate and replacement plate transactions must be completed at an Indiana BMV branch. Bring the required vehicle and registration information and complete the applicable transaction. A duplicate generally keeps the same plate number, while a replacement generally receives a new plate number with the same plate type.
How much does it cost to replace an Indiana license plate?
The current applicable Indiana license plate replacement fee is $9.50 for a duplicate or replacement plate transaction. This fee is separate from regular vehicle registration fees, excise taxes, and other charges that may apply to the overall registration transaction. Specialty, personalized, or other plate-specific charges may also have separate fees depending on the type of plate being replaced.
Can I replace my Indiana license plate online?
No. A physical Indiana license plate replacement cannot be completed entirely online. The Indiana BMV requires a BMV branch visit for physical duplicate or replacement plates. Services such as myBMV or BMV Connect may provide other registration-related options, including certain document or self-service transactions, but they do not replace the branch requirement for obtaining a physical replacement plate.
What do I do if I lost my license plate in Indiana?
If you lost your license plate in Indiana, first check recent parking locations and the vehicle to make sure the plate cannot be recovered. If it remains missing, visit an Indiana BMV branch to complete the applicable duplicate or replacement transaction. A missing plate does not automatically have to be reported as stolen, although you may report it as stolen if you believe someone took it.
What if my Indiana license plate was stolen?
If your Indiana license plate was stolen, report the theft to law enforcement and follow the BMV’s stolen-plate requirements. State Form 37135 — Report of Stolen License Plate or Registration Decal is used for the stolen-plate process. Take the required documentation to a BMV branch to obtain a replacement. A plate number flagged as stolen cannot simply be reissued as a duplicate.