CSC 381: Database and File Systems, Fall 2007

BMV Specification

[Some of this information comes from DMV.ORG, with appropriate simplifications. Please do not use this page as an authoritative reference on the Indiana BMV.]

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues vehicle registrations and titles in the state, as well as maintains the official vehicle ownership and registration records in Indiana. Besides establishing the legally registered owner during the sale of a vehicle, the Indiana BMV also takes on the responsibility of regulating and issuing the decals, or plates, that prove that an Indiana vehicle's registration and paperwork are current.

Within 60 days of moving to Indiana, you must have your vehicle titled and registered. If you purchase a new or used vehicle, you have 31 days from the date of purchase to title and register it.

To title a new vehicle, you must provide the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), a bill of sale, and verification of your Social Security number. To title a used vehicle, you must provide a properly assigned certificate of title, a bill of sale, and verification of your Social Security number. The MCO or the existing title should show the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The fee for a new title is $9.

To register a vehicle, after obtaining a new title, you will also need proof of insurance. The registration fee depends on the vehicle's current value, which is determined based on its year, make, and model. Your registration is valid for one year. The month of expiration is based on the first two letters of your last name.

When you first register your vehicle, you will be assigned a license plate. Each year, you will also receive a decal to be affixed to the plate which indicates your registration's expiration date. Instead of the standard plate, you may choose a special recognition plate or a personalized plate. A special recognition plate carries a $15 administrative fee, and may also require an additional fee and authorization form depending on the recognized organization. A special recognition plate may be personalized as well.

A personalized plate costs $48 annually. You may choose any sequence of up to seven letters and numerals, plus at most one space, subject to availability and approval by the state. You may apply for a personalized plate at any time, but you will not receive your plate until April of the following year. The expiration date for all personalized plates is in April.

DePauw University, Computer Science Department, Fall 2007
Maintained by Brian Howard (bhoward@depauw.edu). Last updated