I Just Moved to Indiana. How Do I Get My Driver's License and Vehicle Registered?
If you plan on making the Hoosier State your new home, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration to the state of Indiana. You have 60 days to transfer your out-of-state documents. Here’s your guide to transferring your out-of-state documents to the state of Indiana.
How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Indiana
When you move to Indiana, you are responsible for transferring your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration. Here are the steps you need to take.
Schedule an Appointment at the BMV
The rules in the state of Indiana are specific. If you are older than 18 years of age, or younger than the age of 18, but older than 16 years old, and have a valid out-of-state driver’s license for at least 180 days in your previous state, you are able to make an appointment with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (IN BMV). It’s a good idea to schedule your appointment at least one to two weeks in advance.
Walk-ins are also accepted at your local IN BMV office if you wish to complete your Indiana out-of-state driver’s license transfer the same day, but without an appointment, you’ll be facing long wait times.
Required Documentation When Transferring Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Indiana
It’s a good idea to prepare all the essential documents before heading to your local IN BMV office to prevent delays, hassles, and penalties. These are the documents you need to present at your local IN BMV office:
A copy of your official driving record or a verification letter
Proof of Identity or Lawful Status
U.S. Passport
U.S. birth certificate issued by a state or local authority
Foreign passport
Consular report of birth abroad
A valid out-of-state driver’s license
Pass the Vision Screening
In order to obtain an IN driver’s license or permit, you must pass a vision screening. If you require eyeglasses or contacts to drive, you are required to wear them when you visit your local IN BMV office to take the test. If your vision does not meet or exceed the state’s standards, you will be referred to an eye doctor for a vision evaluation. Once the exam is complete, you can return to an IN BMV office with a doctor’s note stating your vision has been corrected. Keep in mind, that you are still required to pass the vision exam at the branch.
Pass the Knowledge Exam and Driving Skills Examination
If you have an expired license from a different state, you are required to take a knowledge exam to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Indiana. The written exam in Indiana tests your knowledge of the traffic laws in this state and the safe driving information provided in the IN BMV driving manual. The knowledge exam is multiple-choice and available in different languages. If you fail the exam test, you must wait 1 business day before attempting the test again.
The driving skills examination in Indiana, also known as the in-car test, tests your driving skills while you’re on the road. You will be tested on safely operating a motor vehicle, such as using your turn signals, parking, turning, and other safety skills.
Receive Your New IN Driver’s License
Once your documents are approved by the IN BMV, you pass the required tests, and your payment(s) are made, you will receive your new IN driver’s license. You can get rid of your old driver’s license.
You will receive a temporary IN driver’s license that is valid for 30 days. Use this driver’s license until your permanent driver’s license arrives in the mail. Your permanent Indiana driver’s license will be mailed to the address you provided on the application.
Great! You now know what you need to do to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Indiana. Let’s discuss how to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state of Indiana.
Registering Your Vehicle In Indiana
As a new resident of Indiana, there are a few different tasks you need to complete, such as transferring your vehicle registration to the state of Indiana. You will register your vehicle with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (IN BMV). Keep in mind, certain counties in Indiana require you to perform a vehicle inspection before you can register your vehicle in the state. Here’s everything you need to know.
State Departments in Indiana
In the state of Indiana, motor vehicle licensing services are controlled by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. These motor vehicle services include the Administration of licenses, IDs, and permits. Then there is the vehicle registration and renewals, inspections, titling, and license plates department.
Registering Your Out-of-State Vehicle In Indiana
As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to register your out-of-state vehicle once you establish residency in the state with the IN BMV. When you’re registering your out-of-state vehicle, make sure you have the required paperwork to avoid delays and penalties associated with this process. The standard documentation required to finalize the transfer process is as follows:
The out-of-state vehicle certificate of title
A filled out application for a new vehicle title certificate (Form 205-R10)
The BMV physical inspection of a vehicle form
Proof of a state address, such as a BMV-issued driving license or ID card
Proof of a social security number
All of these documents are required to successfully transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration. Make sure you have each document ready to submit to your local IN BMV office to avoid delays and possible penalties.
Registering a Special Vehicle
As a new Indiana resident, registering a special vehicle, such as an off-road, recreational, or other type of special vehicle, the registration process may vary slightly from registering a standard vehicle.
Car Insurance In Indiana
When you move to Indiana, you need to transfer your out-of-state vehicle insurance. Make sure your new auto insurance policy meets or exceeds the state’s standards for coverage. You can’t legally operate a vehicle on the highways and roadways of Indiana without proper auto insurance coverage.
Required Vehicle Inspections
Emissions inspections are required in Indiana, but these inspections depend on the vehicle you drive and the county in which you reside.
When it comes to emissions inspections, you must get an inspection before you are able to register your vehicle. Once you receive the initial emission inspection, you are required to have an inspection every 2 years to keep your vehicle legally operational in the state of Indiana.
As far as vehicle identification number (VIN) inspections are concerned, you must have a VIN inspection if your vehicle has never had an Indiana vehicle title. When you’re a new resident of Indiana, you must complete a VIN inspection.
You can complete a VIN inspection at any IN BMV office for free, or by a police officer. Be advised, if the VIN inspection is performed by a police officer, you may be charged a $5 fee. The police officer that performs the VIN inspection is required to complete an Affidavit of Police Officer/Physical Inspection of an Indiana Resident’s Vehicle/Watercraft (Form 39530).
Indiana BMV Locations
There are multiple BMV locations in Indiana where you can transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration.
Indianapolis-Madison Ave Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1440 Madison Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46225
(888) 692-6841
Tuesday (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (8:30 AM to 5 PM)
Sunday and Monday (Closed)
Indianapolis Department of Motor Vehicles
8330 Michigan Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(888) 692-6841
Tuesday (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8:30 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Closed)
Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles - New Castle Office
3015 S 14th Street. Ste 15
New Castle, IN 47362
(888) 692-6841
Tuesday (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8:30 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (Closed)
Indiana Department of Motor Vehicle - Noblesville Office
405 Noble Creek Dr
Noblesville, IN 46060
(888) 692-6841
Tuesday (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8:30 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday (8:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
