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Indiana BMV guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Indiana Temporary License Plates and Permits
Need to drive a vehicle before it is titled and registered in Indiana? Here is what the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says about temporary permits, the plate that comes with them and what they cost.
96 hoursdelivery permit
30 daysregistration permit
$18temporary permit fee
Rearplate on back or left rear window
The short answer
Indiana issues a temporary license plate with a temporary permit. A 96-hour delivery permit lets you drive the vehicle to storage, an emissions test or the BMV, and a 30-day registration permit covers set cases such as titling in another state or emissions repairs. The BMV lists the fee as $18.
What an Indiana temporary plate is
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says that if you are unable to register and title your vehicle in Indiana, you may be eligible for a temporary permit. A temporary license plate is issued with the temporary permit.
- Where the plate goes: on the back of the vehicle or on the left side of the rear window.
- Where the permit goes: inside the vehicle at all times, ready to show law enforcement if required.
- Where to buy one: the BMV lists both permit types below as available at any Indiana BMV branch.
From the BMV's Temporary Permits page, read November 10, 2026.
The two Indiana temporary permits
| Permit | Valid for | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| 96-Hour Temporary Delivery Permit | 96 hours from the time of issuance | Delivering the vehicle to storage, an emissions inspection station, or a BMV branch or service provider to register it |
| 30-Day Temporary Registration Permit | 30 days from the date of issuance | Driving the vehicle while one of the BMV's listed conditions applies (see below) |
From the BMV's Temporary Permits page, read November 10, 2026.
96-hour temporary delivery permit
A person who owns a vehicle may apply for a 96-hour temporary delivery permit to operate it without a title or registration during the 96-hour period. It authorizes the owner, or the owner's agent or employee, to drive the vehicle on a highway to deliver it to:
- A place of storage, including the owner's residence or place of business
- An inspection station for emissions testing
- A BMV branch, or a location run by a full service provider or partial services provider, to register the vehicle
The BMV adds these rules:
- It may also be issued to deliver a vehicle that is currently impounded, with proof of impound.
- It may not be issued to a vehicle with an expired registration that needs an emissions test to renew, unless that vehicle has been impounded (proof of impound required).
- Proof of ownership and proof of financial responsibility must be provided when you apply.
| Accepted proof of ownership |
|---|
| Certificate of title |
| Registration from any state |
| Bill of sale |
| Certificate of origin |
From the BMV's Temporary Permits page, read November 10, 2026.
30-day temporary registration permit
A person who owns a vehicle may apply for a 30-day temporary registration permit to drive it without a title or registration for 30 days if any of these conditions exist:
- You bought or otherwise got the vehicle in Indiana and will title or register it in another state or a foreign country. A certificate of title or bill of sale showing proof of purchase is required.
- You are an Indiana resident moving to another state, and your current registration or temporary permit will expire before you move.
- You are an Indiana resident, your registration from another state has expired, and you have applied for an Indiana title or can show a completed Request for Title (State Form 1014) or a title application from your prior state.
- You own and operate the vehicle, do not operate it as a lessor, and are moving the empty vehicle from one lessee-carrier to another.
- Your vehicle needs emissions testing and needs more mechanical repairs to pass. Bring proof of a failed emissions test from the inspection station, and, for a newly purchased vehicle you have never registered, a certificate of title or bill of sale showing proof of purchase.
From the BMV's Temporary Permits page, read November 10, 2026.
Temporary permit fee
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Temporary permit | $18.00 |
From the BMV Fee Chart (revised 1/1/26), read November 10, 2026. This is a state fee, not a dealer price.
Once you are ready to title and register, our Indiana title and registration guide walks through the steps.
Driving on a temporary permit? Start at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. If your vehicle needs repairs before an emissions retest, or just a checkup after a purchase, our technicians can help.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana temporary plate FAQ
How long is a temporary plate good for in Indiana?
It depends on the permit. A 96-hour temporary delivery permit is valid for 96 hours from the time it is issued, and a 30-day temporary registration permit is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued.
How much is a temporary permit in Indiana?
The BMV Fee Chart (revised 1/1/26) lists $18.00 for a temporary permit.
Where do I put a temporary license plate in Indiana?
The BMV says on the back of the vehicle or on the left side of the rear window. Keep the temporary permit inside the vehicle at all times.
Where can I get an Indiana temporary permit?
The BMV lists the 96-hour and 30-day permits as available for purchase at any Indiana BMV branch.
What do I need for a 96-hour delivery permit?
Proof of ownership, such as a title, a registration from any state, a bill of sale or a certificate of origin, plus proof of financial responsibility.
Can I get a temporary permit if my car failed emissions?
Yes, a 30-day temporary registration permit can be issued when the vehicle needs more repairs to pass emissions testing. Bring proof of the failed test from the inspection station.
More Indiana vehicle paperwork
See our Indiana title and registration guide and Indiana emissions testing guide, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Permit types, conditions, proof requirements and plate placement are from the Indiana BMV Temporary Permits page, and the fee is from the BMV Fee Chart (revised 1/1/26), both read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Temporary Permits, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- BMV Fee Chart (revised 1/1/26), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026