What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Registration Sticker in Indiana
If your registration sticker was not received in Indiana, it can be an inconvenience, but it may also come with legal consequences if you do not obtain a replacement. Driving without current registration tabs is considered a traffic infraction that you can be ticketed for. There are many reasons that your registration tabs can become lost, but it is always your responsibility to get new ones in order to avoid these consequences.
In the event of a license plate sticker not received, you will need to order a new one through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, otherwise referred to as the BMV or DMV. You can usually replace the sticker online in Indiana, but the BMV offers other convenient options as well. Below, learn when to replace your lost stickers and find out where and how to complete the process.
Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in Indiana
If you are dealing with an IN DMV sticker not received, there are several issues that may explain the cause. In many cases, your stickers will not be delivered if you ordered a replacement or renewal using the wrong address. Many BMV-related letters will be returned to the sender if you have provided the incorrect address with your application. If you have recently moved, make sure you update your information with the BMV to avoid these issues in the future.
It is also possible to have a car sticker not received in Indiana if your letter was lost in the mail due to mishandling, although this is quite rare. Unfortunately, you usually cannot do anything other than order a new sticker if your original is lost in transit.
In some cases, stickers are not sent out if you do not complete the registration renewal process correctly. Entering your old address or using an incorrect address will lead to delays, but so can paying the wrong renewal fee or missing other important information. Always check your application to make sure it is complete before submitting it. Sending in an unfinished application can lead to other issues, such as missing your registration renewal deadline.
Can I legally drive if my Indiana registration sticker was not received?
Driving without a valid DMV registration sticker in Indiana is against the law. If you are pulled over without the proper registration, a law enforcement officer may choose to issue you a ticket even if you have ordered new tabs that were lost in the mail.
Keep in mind that displaying proof of registration means having a license plate on the front and back of your vehicle, as well as renewal stickers. You also must carry a BMV registration card in your vehicle. Be aware that driving with an expired car tag sticker is a traffic infraction that can lead to several consequences, including fines.
Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker Not Being Received in Indiana
You may face high traffic fines in the event of a DMV registration sticker not being received in Indiana if you do not take the necessary steps to correct the issue. When asking where to get Indiana registration sticker replacements, you will find that you only have to pay a small fee in order to get replacement stickers.
However, you should always be aware of your registration renewal deadline. If you did not receive your stickers as a result of applying for a renewal incorrectly, it is possible that your registration was never officially renewed. You may be charged an administrative penalty fee if an error on your application caused you to miss your registration renewal deadline.
Steps to Take If Your Indiana DMV Sticker Was Not Received
If your license sticker was not received in Indiana, there are several ways to remedy the situation. To start, it is helpful to check the status of your renewed registration on the BMV website. Taking this simple step will save time, as it may indicate that your application was processed correctly and your stickers are being delivered. If checking your order online does not show any pending transactions, you will need to order a replacement of your registration stickers by following the steps in the next section.
Note: Drivers who want to check on their registration sticker online will need to create an account on the BMV website if they do not have one already. Existing users can simply log in with their username and password. Creating an account requires that drivers enter their driver’s license number, the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) and their ZIP code, along with other personal information.
How to Order a DMV Sticker Replacement in Indiana
Getting new stickers is an easy process that you can complete online, in person or even at a convenient BMV Connect kiosk. There are several kiosk locations throughout the state. The car plate sticker renewal process will require that you provide information about your vehicle and pay a $9.50 fee.
If you order your stickers at a kiosk, you will be able to print them immediately, while other methods will result in your stickers being delivered in the mail.
Sources
- Registration and Plates from IN.gov
- BMV Connect from IN.gov
- Fee Chart from IN.gov