Indiana Specialty & Other Vehicle Registrations

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Beyond the standard passenger registration, the Indiana BMV issues separate registrations for trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, antique cars, off-highway machines, and a long list of specialty plates that direct supplemental fees to qualifying organizations across the state.

Motorcycle registration

Indiana motorcycle registration uses the same Form 44049 as passenger vehicles. The base motorcycle registration fee is $24.35 plus the same Excise Tax schedule applied to cars. Motorcycle riders also need a Class M endorsement on their Indiana driver's license, which requires either:

Successful completion of an Indiana Motorcycle Operator Safety Education (MOSE) course, or
A passing motorcycle skills test administered by the BMV.

Liability insurance at the same 25/50/25 minimum applies to motorcycles. Helmets are required for riders under 18 and for instruction permit holders of any age.

Trailer registration

Indiana classifies trailers by gross weight:

Class A trailers (3,000 pounds or less): $9.35 base registration, with a permanent registration option for $30.
Class B trailers (3,001 to 5,000 pounds): $16.35 annually.
Class C and D trailers (over 5,000 pounds): graduated fees based on weight, ranging from $22 to over $200 for heavy commercial trailers.
Semitrailers: registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) for interstate operations.

Indiana issues a single trailer plate that mounts to the rear. Trailers do not carry an Excise Tax for personal use; commercial trailers are billed under the heavy-vehicle schedule.

Recreational vehicle (RV) registration

Indiana motor home registration uses the passenger Form 44049. The Excise Tax for RVs is calculated on the original retail value with a depreciation curve specific to motor homes (slower than passenger cars in early years). Truck campers (slide-ins) register as part of the truck rather than separately. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers register under the trailer schedule above.

Antique and historic vehicle plates

An Indiana Historic Vehicle plate is available for vehicles 25 years or older that are used primarily for exhibits, parades, club activities, or occasional transportation. The historic plate is issued for a one-time fee of $51.50 and does not require annual renewal. Restrictions apply: the vehicle cannot be used for daily transportation, and a typical historic-plate owner is expected to keep mileage well under 1,000 miles per year. The plate displays the original year-of-manufacture style if requested and certified.

Indiana also offers a Year of Manufacture plate program that allows the owner of a 1979 or older vehicle to display an original Indiana plate from the vehicle's model year. The original plate must be inspected and registered with the BMV before use.

Off-highway and farm vehicles

Indiana titles off-highway vehicles (ATVs, utility task vehicles, snowmobiles) but does not register them for road use. The OHV title fee is $15. Some counties allow registered OHVs on county roads under specific ordinances; check with the county clerk before riding off-trail. Farm vehicles registered under the Indiana farm plate program are restricted to agricultural use within a 75-mile radius of the farm and pay a reduced registration fee.

Specialty plates

Indiana operates one of the largest specialty plate programs in the country. The BMV offers more than 150 specialty plates supporting nonprofits, universities, state agencies, military service, and special interests. Specialty plates carry a supplemental fee — typically $25 to $40 above the standard registration fee — that is distributed back to the sponsoring organization. Popular categories include:

Indiana University, Purdue, Notre Dame, and other state university plates.
Veterans plates for each branch of service.
Environmental plates supporting state parks and the Indiana DNR.
Children's hospital plates supporting Riley Hospital and other pediatric care.
Sports team plates for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indianapolis Indians.

Personalized specialty plates cost an additional $48 per year on top of the supplemental fee. Specialty plates renew on the same schedule as standard plates, paid through myBMV, kiosk, mail, or branch — see the registration renewal page for the renewal channels and the Indiana BMV hub for the full plate catalog.