What Are Specialty License Plates in Indiana?

Specialty license plates in Indiana are alternative plate designs issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that go beyond the standard state plate. They typically support a specific organization, charity, university, military branch, or cause, with a portion of the fee going directly to that group.

Indiana currently offers more than 100 specialty plate designs, making it one of the more diverse states in terms of plate variety. Whether you want to show pride in your alma mater or support wildlife conservation, there's likely a plate for you.

Categories of Indiana Specialty Plates

The Indiana BMV organizes specialty plates into several main categories:

  • Collegiate plates — Indiana University, Purdue, Notre Dame, Ball State, and many more.
  • Military plates — Available for veterans, active-duty service members, Purple Heart recipients, and Gold Star families.
  • Organizational plates — Support groups like the Indianapolis Colts, Riley Children's Foundation, or the Indiana State Police Youth Camp.
  • Environmental plates — Including the popular "In God We Trust" and environmental conservation designs.
  • Special group plates — For firefighters, EMS personnel, Amateur Radio operators, and more.

How to Apply for a Specialty Plate in Indiana

Getting a specialty license plate in Indiana is straightforward. You can apply:

  1. Online through the Indiana BMV's myBMV portal.
  2. In person at any Indiana BMV branch.
  3. By mail using the appropriate application forms.

Some plates require proof of eligibility. For example, military plates require documentation of service, and certain organizational plates require membership verification. Collegiate plates generally don't require you to be a student or alumnus.

Costs and Fees

Specialty plate fees in Indiana typically include:

  • A standard registration fee
  • An administrative fee (around $15)
  • A group-specific contribution (often $25) that goes to the sponsoring organization

Total additional cost usually runs between $40 and $50 on top of your normal registration. Personalizing a specialty plate with custom letters or numbers adds a small extra fee.

Specialty Plates vs. Vanity Plates in Indiana

People sometimes confuse specialty plates with vanity plates. Here's the difference:

  • Specialty plates feature a unique design supporting a specific group or cause.
  • Vanity plates (called personalized plates in Indiana) let you choose custom letter and number combinations.

The good news? You can combine both — most Indiana specialty plates allow personalization, so you can have a Purdue plate that also reads "BOILRUP" if the combination is available.

Restrictions and Indiana License Plate Laws

Indiana license plate laws prohibit any combination that is considered offensive, misleading, or duplicative. The BMV reviews all personalized requests, and applications can be denied. Additionally:

  • Plates must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
  • Plates must be clearly visible and unobstructed.
  • Expired or altered specialty plates can result in fines.

If you spot a specialty plate that seems suspicious — perhaps on an abandoned vehicle or one involved in illegal parking — you can perform a license plate lookup to learn more or leave a message for the owner.

Popular Indiana Specialty Plates

Some of the most commonly seen specialty plates in Indiana include:

  • In God We Trust — One of the state's most popular plates, available at no additional cost beyond standard registration.
  • Indianapolis Colts — Supports the Colts Youth Foundation.
  • Indiana University and Purdue — Longtime favorites among alumni.
  • Environmental Trust — Funds state environmental programs.
  • Disabled Veteran — Provides recognition and certain parking privileges.

You can browse examples of Indiana plates and their owners on PlateQuery's Indiana directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone get a collegiate specialty plate in Indiana?

Yes. Most collegiate specialty plates in Indiana do not require you to be a current student or alumnus. Anyone can purchase and display them.

How long does it take to receive a specialty plate?

If ordered online or by mail, expect delivery in about 2–3 weeks. In-person orders at a BMV branch may take slightly less time.

Can I transfer a specialty plate to a new vehicle?

Yes. Indiana allows specialty plates to be transferred to another vehicle you own, as long as registration and fees are current.

What happens if my specialty plate is lost or stolen?

Report it to your local police and the Indiana BMV immediately. You can then request a replacement, typically for a small fee.

How PlateQuery Can Help

Whether you're proud of your new Indiana specialty plate or you've spotted one that raised concerns — like a vehicle blocking your driveway or a possible bad driver — PlateQuery makes it easy to look up license plate information and communicate with vehicle owners. You can claim your own plate profile to share your story, or leave a respectful message about a plate you encountered on the road. It's a modern, safe way to connect drivers without exchanging personal details.