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Renew your plates online and save $5

During 2008, the BMV is offering a special $5 discount on every registration renewed online to encourage customers to use our fast, secure and easy Web site to renew their license plates.

Please note that during the online renewal process, customer records are verified through a secure system to make sure the information contained on the BMV records matches the information provided by the customer. If there is NOT a match, you will be asked to visit a branch to correct your records and complete the transaction.

Most Indiana license plates may now be renewed online, including the most popular specialty license plates. To view a list of license plates that may be renewed online, please the BMV Web site at http://www.mybmv.IN.gov/renew/. Please note that customers may only renew plates which they already have. If you would like to switch your license plate to another type you will need to visit a license branch.

What you need for your online renewal

To renew your license plates online, you will need your driver license number, your Social Security number or Federal Identification number, and your current insurance information. You may pay for your transaction with a valid MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card.

$5 Discount Frequently Asked Questions

Which license plates are not eligible for the $5 online discount?

The following registrations cannot be renewed online and therefore are not eligible for the online discount offer.

Plate Authorization Form Required - At the request of the sponsoring organization, the following specialty plates require an authorization letter from the organization before the plate can be issued:

  • Ball State University
  • Bethel College
  • Franklin College
  • Fraternal Order of Police
  • Freemasons
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame
  • Hanover College
  • Huntington University
  • Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
  • International Union of Operating Engineers
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research
  • Marian College
  • Rotary Club
  • Shriners
  • St. Mary's College
  • St. Mary-of-the-Woods College
  • Taylor University
  • Trine University
  • University of Evansville
  • Valparaiso University
  • Volunteer Firefighters
  • Wabash College

Specialized Vehicles - Additional documents must be filed with the registration renewal applications for the following vehicles:

  • Vehicles weighing more than 54,000 pounds (Federal tax form)
  • Vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds (Motor fuel tax form)
  • Tow trucks and other recovery vehicles (Insurance forms)
  • School buses (Public Safety inspection)

Other plate programs - Additional documents must be presented at a license branch to renew the following license plate types:

  • Antique vehicle license plate
  • Low numbered license plate

What is the online discount program?

The online discount program is an initiative through which the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will offer customers a $5 discount for each vehicle registration completed through the BMV's Web site, http://www.mybmv.IN.gov/renew, between now and October 31, 2008.

Why is the BMV offering this incentive?

Vehicle registration transactions completed online are the least costly registration transactions for the BMV, costing even less than the same transactions completed by mail. Through this discount program, the BMV expects to drive additional traffic to this low-cost method, while sharing the savings with our customers.

Why did the BMV choose this discount over some other incentive?

Earlier this year, the BMV conducted customer research to ask license branch customers what might motivate them to complete their registration transactions online. A cash discount, in the $5 range, was the most preferred option.

How many registration transactions are currently completed online? How many do you project will be completed online as a result of the discount?

Vehicle registrations make up about 64% of all of the BMV's transaction volume. Only about 6% of those registration transactions were completed online in 2007. Although it is difficult to anticipate, the BMV projects that this volume could as much as double in 2008 as a result of this program.

How do customers complete transactions online?

Customers may renew their vehicle registrations online by visiting http://www.mybmv.IN.gov/renew .

Which vehicles are eligible to receive a discount?

Customers will receive a $5 discount for each vehicle that is eligible to be renewed online. Certain vehicles are ineligible for online renewal, including vehicles requiring an authorization form from a specialty group, heavy-weighted vehicles requiring a motor fuel tax form, and others. A complete list of license plates that cannot be renewed online is posted on the BMV Web site.

How will the BMV fund this discount program?

Recognizing the long-term benefits of this program and taking advantage of recent savings resulting from operational efficiencies, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Commission has approved the use of Bureau of Motor Vehicles Commission Fund dollars to support this initiative.

How long will it take to receive my registration once I complete the online transaction?

Through much of 2007, registration renewals completed online were processed and placed in the mail within one to two business days. With a projected growth in volume, a reasonable expectation is 7-10 business days. For customers who have moved and have not yet updated an address with the BMV, the process may take longer for mail to be forwarded to current address.

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