Estimate Indiana vehicle registration fees, excise tax, county wheel tax and BMV charges in seconds with our Indiana Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator.
3-Year Cost Projection
| Year | Excise Tax | County/Fees | Total |
|---|
Indiana Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator
Calculating your vehicle registration costs in Indiana requires understanding state excise tax, county wheel tax, and BMV fees. Indiana uses a unique value-based registration system where fees depend on your vehicle’s original MSRP rather than current market value, with costs declining as vehicles age. This calculator provides instant estimates for first-year registration totals and 3-year cost projections based on vehicle specifications and county residence.
What is the Indiana Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator?
The Indiana Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator estimates total registration costs by combining state excise tax, county/wheel tax surcharges, standard BMV fees, and fuel-type supplemental charges.
Calculator inputs:
- Original sticker price (MSRP) – Vehicle value when brand new
- Model year – Determines age-based depreciation schedule
- County of residence – Applies county-specific wheel tax (92 counties available)
- Vehicle type – Auto or truck classification
- Fuel type – Gas/diesel, hybrid (+$50), or electric (+$150)
- Last name range – Determines renewal schedule per Indiana’s alphabetical system
Real-time outputs:
- Dashboard total – Complete first-year cost including all fees
- Excise tax breakdown – State-level value-based tax
- County/local fees – Combined wheel tax, BMV fee, and fuel surcharges
- 3-year projection table – Year-by-year cost estimates showing depreciation
Indiana bases registration fees on the vehicle’s original MSRP when new, not purchase price or current value. A 5-year-old vehicle with $30,000 original MSRP pays based on that $30,000 figure, regardless of current market value of $18,000.
Understanding Indiana Vehicle Registration Fees – Complete Breakdown
Indiana vehicle registration involves multiple fee components administered by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and county governments.
| Fee Component | Amount/Range | Payment Frequency | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Excise Tax | $12-$532 annually | Annual | IC 6-6-5-2 |
| BMV Registration Fee | $15.00 | Annual | Standard state fee |
| County Wheel Tax | $0-$50 | Annual | County-specific ordinance |
| Hybrid Vehicle Fee | $50.00 | Annual | 2017 road funding legislation |
| Electric Vehicle Fee | $150.00 | Annual | 2017 road funding legislation |
| Title Fee | $15.00 | One-time per ownership transfer | Title issuance |
| Late Registration Penalty | $15.00 | If applicable | Administrative penalty |
County wheel tax variations:
As of January 2026, 56 Indiana counties have implemented wheel taxes with rates ranging from the statutory minimum of $7.50 to maximum rates of $50 for passenger vehicles. Floyd County recently implemented a $30 wheel tax effective January 1, 2026, while DeKalb County adopted the minimum $7.50 rate.
Percentage-based county surtaxes:
- Brown County: 35% of excise tax (minimum $15)
- Steuben County: 40% of excise tax (minimum $25)
- Noble County: 30% of excise tax (minimum $30)
- Wells County: 12% of excise tax (minimum $7.50)
- Eight counties (Gibson, Howard, Jay, Marion, Parke, Perry, Posey, Sullivan): 20% of excise tax (minimum $7.50)
The calculator automatically applies your county’s specific formula when you select your residence location.
How is Vehicle Registration Fee Calculated in Indiana?
Indiana calculates registration fees using a value-based excise tax table that considers both original MSRP and vehicle age.
Complete calculation process:
Step 1: Determine vehicle age
- Current year (2026) – Model year = Age
- Example: 2026 – 2023 = 3 years old
Step 2: Identify MSRP bracket
- Indiana uses 14 value brackets from under $3,000 to $42,500+
- Use original manufacturer sticker price, not purchase price
Step 3: Apply age-based tax schedule
- Each bracket has unique depreciation schedule (2-10 years)
- Tax decreases annually until reaching minimum rate
- Vehicles 10+ years old pay minimum rates ($12-$50 depending on original value)
Step 4: Add county wheel tax
- Flat rate for most counties ($7.50-$50)
- Percentage calculation for special counties (12%-40% of excise tax)
Step 5: Include standard fees
- BMV registration: $15.00
- Hybrid fee: $50.00 (if applicable)
- Electric vehicle fee: $150.00 (if applicable)
Step 6: Apply proration (first registration only)
- First-year fees prorated based on renewal month assigned by last name
- Subsequent years pay full 12-month amounts
Calculation example:
- 2024 model year vehicle (2 years old in 2026)
- Original MSRP: $28,000
- County: Hamilton (flat $7.50 wheel tax)
- Fuel type: Gas
Breakdown:
- Excise tax (Year 2 for $25,000-$29,999 bracket): $265
- County wheel tax: $7.50
- BMV fee: $15.00
- First-year total: $287.50
The calculator handles all bracket lookups and county formulas automatically, providing instant estimates without manual table consultation.
Indiana Vehicle Excise Tax Rates by Value
Indiana’s excise tax structure divides vehicles into 14 value categories with distinct depreciation schedules per IC 6-6-5.
| Original MSRP Range | Year 0 (New) | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 5 | Year 9 | Year 10+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $3,000 | $18 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 |
| $3,000-$4,999 | $44 | $38 | $33 | $18 | $12 | $12 |
| $5,000-$6,499 | $56 | $49 | $42 | $24 | $12 | $12 |
| $6,500-$8,499 | $106 | $95 | $81 | $46 | $12 | $12 |
| $8,500-$9,999 | $123 | $110 | $93 | $50 | $12 | $12 |
| $10,000-$12,499 | $150 | $134 | $115 | $65 | $12 | $12 |
| $12,500-$14,999 | $172 | $149 | $130 | $79 | $12 | $12 |
| $15,000-$17,999 | $207 | $179 | $156 | $94 | $21 | $21 |
| $18,000-$21,999 | $250 | $217 | $189 | $114 | $26 | $26 |
| $22,000-$24,999 | $300 | $260 | $225 | $121 | $30 | $30 |
| $25,000-$29,999 | $350 | $304 | $265 | $160 | $36 | $36 |
| $30,000-$34,999 | $406 | $353 | $307 | $169 | $42 | $42 |
| $35,000-$42,499 | $469 | $407 | $355 | $214 | $49 | $49 |
| $42,500+ | $532 | $461 | $398 | $242 | $50 | $50 |
Key depreciation patterns:
- Budget vehicles (under $10,000) – Rapid depreciation to $12 minimum by year 9
- Mid-range vehicles ($10,000-$25,000) – Gradual 10-year decline to $12-$30 minimums
- Premium vehicles ($25,000+) – Extended depreciation schedules with higher minimum floors ($36-$50)
Vehicles reaching year 10 maintain consistent minimum rates for all subsequent years. A 2010 vehicle with $40,000 original MSRP pays $49 annually for excise tax regardless of current condition or mileage.
Visit the official Indiana BMV fee chart for complete rate schedules.
County Wheel Tax and Municipal Fees in Indiana
Indiana’s 92 counties implement varying wheel tax structures under state legislation requiring local funding participation for state road improvement grants.
2026 county wheel tax categories:
High-rate counties:
- Adams County: $25.00 flat rate
- Floyd County: $30.00 (implemented January 1, 2026)
- LaGrange County: $15.00
- Allen County: $12.50
Standard flat-rate counties:
- 67 counties: $7.50 standard wheel tax
- Recent additions: DeKalb County ($7.50 minimum, effective 2026), Wayne County ($7.50 minimum)
Percentage-based surtax counties:
| County | Surtax Formula | Minimum Fee | Example (on $350 excise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown | 35% of excise tax | $15.00 | $122.50 ($350 × 0.35) |
| Steuben | 40% of excise tax | $25.00 | $140.00 ($350 × 0.40) |
| Noble | 30% of excise tax | $30.00 | $105.00 ($350 × 0.30) |
| Daviess | 20% of excise tax | $12.50 | $70.00 ($350 × 0.20) |
| Dubois | 20% of excise tax | $8.00 | $70.00 ($350 × 0.20) |
| Wells | 12% of excise tax | $7.50 | $42.00 ($350 × 0.12) |
Group percentage counties (20% of excise, $7.50 minimum):
Gibson, Howard, Jay, Marion, Parke, Perry, Posey, Sullivan
Zero wheel tax counties:
Approximately 36 Indiana counties currently impose no wheel tax, though this number is decreasing as counties adopt taxes to qualify for Community Crossings matching grants.
The calculator’s county dropdown automatically applies the correct formula—flat rate or percentage-based—when you select your residence.
How Much Are Car Sales Taxes and Additional Fees in Indiana?
Beyond annual registration, Indiana vehicle purchases include one-time fees and state sales tax administered by the Indiana Department of Revenue and BMV.
Complete vehicle purchase cost breakdown:
| Fee Type | Amount | When Applied | Collected By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Sales Tax | 7% of purchase price | At time of sale | Dealer or BMV (private sales) |
| Title Fee | $15.00 | Per ownership transfer | BMV |
| Annual Registration (Year 1) | $12-$532+ excise + county + $15 BMV | Registration/renewal | BMV |
| Expedited Title | $25.00 | Optional – faster processing | BMV |
| Late Title Penalty | $30.00 | If title not transferred within 31 days | BMV |
| Temporary Permit | $18.00 | Optional – allows driving before plates | BMV |
| Duplicate Title | $15.00 | When lost/damaged | BMV |
Sales tax calculation example:
- Vehicle purchase price: $35,000
- Indiana sales tax (7%): $2,450
- Title fee: $15
- First-year registration (2026 model, Marion County):
- Excise tax: $469
- Marion County surtax (20%): $93.80
- BMV fee: $15
- Registration subtotal: $577.80
- Total first-year cost: $3,042.80
Important sales tax rules:
Indiana applies 7% sales tax on the net purchase price after trade-in credits but before manufacturer rebates. Buying from a dealer includes sales tax in transaction; private party sales require you to pay sales tax when registering at your local BMV branch.
Online registration options:
Indiana residents can complete new vehicle registration at myBMV.com if the sale date is less than 60 days old and the vehicle is not leased. Renewals can be processed online, at BMV Connect kiosks, by mail, or in person.
Emissions testing requirement:
Lake and Porter County residents must pass emissions testing before registration. All other Indiana counties have no emissions testing requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I renew my Indiana vehicle registration?
Indiana requires annual registration renewal based on the first four letters of your last name. The BMV assigns renewal months alphabetically—surnames beginning with A-B typically renew in different months than M-N surnames. Check your current registration card for your specific renewal date or use the calculator’s last name selector to identify your renewal schedule group.
Can I get a refund if I sell my vehicle mid-year?
Indiana allows registration credits when transferring plates to a replacement vehicle within the same renewal period. You cannot receive cash refunds for unused registration time, but credits apply toward your new vehicle’s registration fees. Submit transfer requests through myBMV or at any BMV branch.
Do used vehicles cost less to register than new vehicles?
Yes—Indiana’s excise tax decreases annually as vehicles age. A $30,000 MSRP vehicle pays $350 when new (year 0), $304 at one year old, $265 at two years old, declining to $36 by year 9. Vehicles 10+ years old maintain consistent minimum rates regardless of further aging.
Are electric vehicles more expensive to register in Indiana?
Electric vehicles pay an additional $150 annual supplemental fee, while hybrids pay $50 extra, enacted under 2017 legislation to offset reduced fuel tax revenue. A 2026 Tesla Model 3 ($40,000 MSRP) in Hamilton County pays: Excise tax: $469, County wheel tax: $7.50, BMV fee: $15, EV supplemental fee: $150, Total year 1: $641.50 (compared to $491.50 for identical gas vehicle)
What happens if I register late?
Indiana imposes a $15 administrative penalty for late registration renewals. Additionally, operating an unregistered vehicle on public roads can result in traffic citations and potential fines. Renew online at myBMV.com up to 60 days before expiration to avoid penalties.
How do I register a vehicle purchased from another state?
New Indiana residents have 60 days to register out-of-state vehicles. Submit the out-of-state title, proof of Indiana residency, insurance verification, and payment for title fee ($15), sales tax (7% if not previously paid), and registration fees at any BMV branch.
Do counties charge different registration fees?
Yes—counties implement varying wheel tax rates from $0 to $50 for passenger vehicles, with some counties calculating percentages of state excise tax (12%-40%) instead of flat rates. The calculator includes all 92 Indiana counties with current 2026 rates.
Can I register my vehicle online?
New vehicle registrations qualify for online processing at myBMV.com if purchased within the last 60 days and not leased. Renewals can be completed online for most passenger vehicles under 26,000 lbs without additional form requirements. Lake and Porter County residents must complete emissions testing before online registration.
Indiana Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator / Chart 2026
Estimate Indiana vehicle registration fees, excise tax, county wheel tax and BMV charges in seconds with our Indiana Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator.
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Application Category: Finance