Ind. Code ch. 9-32-6

Ind. Code ch. 9-32-6
in effect

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-1 Applications; certificates of registration; plates; fee; service charge

Sec. 1. (a) The following persons licensed under this article may apply for dealer license plates: (1) An automobile auction company. (2) A converter manufacturer. (3) A new motor vehicle dealer. (4) A distributor. (5) A watercraft dealer. (6) A manufacturer. (7) A transfer dealer. (8) A used motor vehicle dealer. (b) The application must include any information the secretary reasonably requires. Upon successful application, two (2) certificates of registration and two (2) metal dealer license plates shall then be issued to the applicant. A person under subsection (a) may apply for and at the discretion of the secretary receive additional dealer license plates as set forth in section 5 of this chapter. (c) Except for license plates issued to transfer dealers, the fee for the first two (2) license plates issued under subsection (b) is as follows: (1) For motorcycle dealer license plates, fifteen dollars ($15). (2) For license plates not described in subdivision (1), forty dollars ($40). (d) The fees for license plates issued to transfer dealers are established under section 2(c) of this chapter. (e) Fees collected under subsection (c) shall be distributed as follows: (1) Thirty percent (30%) to the dealer compliance account. (2) Seventy percent (70%) to the motor vehicle highway account. (f) There is an additional service charge of five dollars ($5) for each set of license plates issued under subsection (b). The service charge shall be deposited in the crossroads 2000 fund. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.11; P.L.151-2015, SEC.44; P.L.174-2016, SEC.53; P.L.120-2020, SEC.46; P.L.182-2021, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-2 Classifications of dealer license plates; fee

Sec. 2. (a) The secretary shall issue dealer license plates under this chapter according to the following classifications: (1) Dealer-new. (2) Dealer-used. (3) Manufacturer. (b) The secretary may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to establish additional classifications of dealer license plates and may prescribe the general conditions for usage of an additional classification. The secretary shall establish the classification of dealer promotional license plates. (c) The fee for a license plate issued under a classification established under subsection (b) is forty dollars ($40). The fee shall be deposited in the dealer compliance account. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.12; P.L.151-2015, SEC.45; P.L.174-2016, SEC.54.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-3 Research and development license plates; issuance; rules; fees; display

Sec. 3. (a) The secretary shall: (1) issue a research and development license plate under this chapter to a manufacturer of a vehicle subcomponent system; and (2) adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to prescribe the general conditions for the: (A) application; (B) issuance; and (C) use; of research and development license plates for manufacturers of vehicle component systems. (b) The fee for a research and development license plate for a manufacturer of a vehicle subcomponent system is twenty dollars ($20). The fee shall be distributed as follows: (1) Thirty percent (30%) to the dealer compliance account. (2) Seventy percent (70%) to the motor vehicle highway account. (c) A research and development license plate for a manufacturer of a vehicle subcomponent system shall be displayed in accordance with subsection (a)(2). As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.55.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-4 Design of dealer license plates and motor driven cycle decals

Sec. 4. (a) The secretary shall determine the color, dimension, and style of the letters and the information required on a dealer license plate issued under this chapter. (b) The secretary may design and issue a motor driven cycle decal to be used in conjunction with a motorcycle dealer license plate upon proper application by a dealer. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.56.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-5 Additional dealer license plates; fees; service charges

Sec. 5. (a) Upon successful application and payment of the fee under subsection (b) and the service charge under subsection (d), an applicant may obtain additional dealer license plates of the same category. The applicant must demonstrate the applicant's need for additional plates by stating the applicant's number of employees, annual sales, and other supporting factors. The secretary shall determine whether the applicant may receive additional plates. (b) The fee for each additional license plate issued under subsection (a) is as follows: (1) For an additional motorcycle dealer license plate, seven dollars and fifty cents ($7.50). (2) For an additional dealer license plate not described in subdivision (1), fifteen dollars ($15). (c) A fee collected under subsection (b) shall be distributed as follows: (1) Thirty percent (30%) to the dealer compliance account. (2) Seventy percent (70%) to the motor vehicle highway account. (d) There is an additional service charge for each additional license plate issued under subsection (a) as follows: (1) For an additional motorcycle dealer license plate, two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50). (2) For an additional dealer license plate not described in subdivision (1), five dollars ($5). A service charge under this subsection shall be deposited in the crossroads 2000 fund. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.13; P.L.174-2016, SEC.57; P.L.120-2020, SEC.47.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-6 Expired

As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.14. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.62-2014, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-6.5 Expiration of dealer license plates and dealer designee license plates; renewal fees

Sec. 6.5. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), dealer license plates and dealer designee license plates issued to licensed dealers under this article are valid from the issue date through the expiration date as follows: (1) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters A through B expire February 1 of each year. (2) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letter C expire March 1 of each year. (3) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters D through F expire April 1 of each year. (4) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters G through H expire May 1 of each year. (5) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters I through J expire June 1 of each year. (6) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters K through L expire July 1 of each year. (7) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters M through N expire August 1 of each year. (8) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters O through P expire September 1 of each year. (9) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters Q through R expire October 1 of each year. (10) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letter S expire November 1 of each year. (11) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters T through V expire December 1 of each year. (12) Dealer license plates of a person whose business name begins with the letters W through Z expire January 1 of each year. (b) Dealer license plates issued to a person whose business name begins with a nonalpha character expire November 1 of each year. (c) A dealer designee license plate is valid from the issue date through the expiration date as provided in subsection (a) or (b). (d) The fee to renew the license plates issued under section 1 of this chapter is as follows: (1) For motorcycle dealer license plates, fifteen dollars ($15). (2) For dealer license plates not described in subdivision (1), forty dollars ($40). (e) Fees collected under subsection (d) shall be distributed as follows: (1) Thirty percent (30%) to the dealer compliance account established by IC 9-32-7-1. (2) Seventy percent (70%) to the motor vehicle highway account under IC 8-14-1. (f) There is an additional service charge of five dollars ($5) for the renewal of each set of license plates issued under section 1 of this chapter. The service charge shall be deposited in the crossroads 2000 fund. (g) The fee to renew each additional license plate issued under section 5 of this chapter is as follows: (1) For an additional motorcycle dealer license plate, seven dollars and fifty cents ($7.50). (2) For an additional dealer license plate not described in subdivision (1), fifteen dollars ($15). (h) Fees collected under subsection (g) shall be distributed as follows: (1) Thirty percent (30%) to the dealer compliance account established by IC 9-32-7-1. (2) Seventy percent (70%) to the motor vehicle highway account under IC 8-14-1. (i) There is an additional service charge for the renewal of each additional license plate issued under section 5 of this chapter, as follows: (1) For an additional motorcycle dealer license plate, two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50). (2) For an additional dealer license plate not described in subdivision (1), five dollars ($5). (j) The service charge under subsection (i) shall be deposited in the crossroads 2000 fund. (k) The fee to renew a license plate issued under section 2(b) of this chapter is forty dollars ($40). The fee shall be deposited in the dealer compliance account established by IC 9-32-7-1. (l) The fees collected under subsection (m) shall be distributed as follows: (1) Forty percent (40%) to the crossroads 2000 fund. (2) Forty-nine percent (49%) to the dealer compliance account established by IC 9-32-7-1. (3) Eleven percent (11%) to the motor vehicle highway account under IC 8-14-1. (m) The fee to renew a dealer designee license plate issued under IC 9-32-6.5-1 is twenty-one dollars and thirty-five cents ($21.35). (n) In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency that prevents the secretary from processing a license plate renewal, the secretary may issue an order extending dealer and dealer designee license plate expiration dates for not more than twelve (12) additional months. As added by P.L.62-2014, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.58; P.L.179-2017, SEC.43; P.L.86-2018, SEC.150; P.L.10-2019, SEC.48; P.L.284-2019, SEC.8; P.L.120-2020, SEC.48; P.L.182-2021, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-7 Use restrictions of license plates; display

Sec. 7. (a) Unless otherwise provided, dealer license plates may be used only on motor vehicles being held for sale or resale in the dealer's inventory. Dealer license plates may be placed only on motor vehicles in the dealer's inventory for the following reasons: (1) Usual operation of the dealer's business. (2) Movement of the dealer's inventory. (3) As permitted by rules adopted by the secretary. (b) Dealer license plates may not be used to avoid payment of applicable taxes. (c) The license plates referenced in subsection (a), when not in use, must be stored at the dealer's established place of business. (d) This subsection does not apply to tractors, dump trucks, trucks with a rear-mounted forklift, or trucks with a mechanism to carry a rear-mounted forklift or implement. While in use, dealer license plates must be displayed on the motor vehicle. The license plate must be displayed in the following manner: (1) On the rear of the motor vehicle. (2) With all text, numbers, and stickers fully visible and not obstructed or obscured by any part of the motor vehicle or other foreign materials, such as a plate frame or cover. (3) Securely fastened in a horizontal position at a height of at least twelve (12) inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the license plate. (e) A person that violates this section commits a Class A infraction. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.17; P.L.217-2014, SEC.164; P.L.5-2015, SEC.31; P.L.151-2015, SEC.46; P.L.174-2016, SEC.59; P.L.120-2020, SEC.49; P.L.182-2021, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-8 Repealed

As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.18; P.L.151-2015, SEC.47; P.L.174-2016, SEC.60. Repealed by P.L.120-2020, SEC.50.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-9 Repealed

As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.19. Repealed by P.L.151-2015, SEC.48.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-10 License plate use prohibited on leased vehicles

Sec. 10. (a) Dealer license plates may not be used on a motor vehicle that: (1) is required to be registered; and (2) has a fee charged by dealers to others for the use of the motor vehicle. (b) A person who violates this section commits a Class A infraction. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.62-2014, SEC.20; P.L.217-2014, SEC.165; P.L.5-2015, SEC.32; P.L.174-2016, SEC.61.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-11 Interim license plates; violation

Sec. 11. (a) The secretary may issue an interim license plate to the following persons licensed under this article: (1) An automobile auction company. (2) A converter manufacturer. (3) A new motor vehicle dealer. (4) A watercraft dealer. (5) A manufacturer. (6) A used motor vehicle dealer. (b) The secretary shall prescribe the form of an interim license plate issued under this section. An interim license plate must bear the assigned registration number and provide sufficient space for the expiration date as provided in subsection (c). (c) A dealer may provide a person with not more than one (1) interim license plate issued by the secretary at the time the dealer: (1) sells or leases a motor vehicle to the person; or (2) allows a person that buys a motor vehicle to take delivery of the motor vehicle before the sale of the motor vehicle is fully funded; whichever occurs first. The dealer shall, in the manner provided by the secretary, affix on the plate in numerals and letters at least three (3) inches high the date on which the interim license plate expires. (d) An interim license plate authorizes a person to operate the motor vehicle until the earlier of the following dates: (1) Forty-five (45) days after the date of sale or lease of the motor vehicle to the person. (2) The date on which a regular license plate is issued. A person that violates this subsection commits a Class A infraction. (e) A motor vehicle that is required by law to display license plates on the front and rear of the motor vehicle is required to display only a single interim license plate. (f) An interim license plate shall be displayed: (1) in the same manner required in IC 9-18-2-26 (before its expiration) or IC 9-18.1-4-3; or (2) in a location on the left side of a window facing the rear of the motor vehicle that is clearly visible and unobstructed. The plate must be affixed to the window of the motor vehicle. (g) The dealer must provide an ownership document to the person at the time of issuance of the interim license plate that must be kept in the motor vehicle during the period an interim license plate is used. (h) All interim license plates not issued by the dealer must be retained in the possession of the dealer at all times. (i) The fee for an interim dealer license plate is three dollars ($3). The fee shall be distributed as follows: (1) Forty percent (40%) to the crossroads 2000 fund established by IC 8-14-10-9. (2) Forty-nine percent (49%) to the dealer compliance account established by IC 9-32-7-1. (3) Eleven percent (11%) to the motor vehicle highway account under IC 8-14-1. (j) The secretary may issue an interim license plate to a person that purchases a motor vehicle from a dealer if the dealer has not timely delivered or transmitted the certificate of title for the motor vehicle under IC 9-32-4-1. (k) The secretary may design and issue to a dealer a motor driven cycle decal to be used in conjunction with an interim license plate upon the sale of a motor driven cycle. (l) A new motor vehicle dealer may issue an interim license plate for use on a new motor vehicle that the new motor vehicle dealer delivers to a purchaser on behalf of a manufacturer or another new motor vehicle dealer if: (1) there is a written courtesy agreement between the new motor vehicle dealer delivering the motor vehicle and the new motor vehicle dealer or manufacturer that sold the motor vehicle being delivered; and (2) the new motor vehicle is transported directly from the manufacturer to the new motor vehicle dealer delivering the new motor vehicle to the purchaser. A person that violates this subsection commits a Class C infraction. (m) A person that fails to display an interim license plate as prescribed in subsection (f)(1) or (f)(2) commits a Class C infraction. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.217-2014, SEC.166; P.L.188-2015, SEC.129; P.L.174-2016, SEC.62; P.L.198-2016, SEC.626; P.L.27-2018, SEC.20; P.L.137-2018, SEC.8; P.L.120-2020, SEC.51; P.L.20-2022, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-12 Interim plates; false or fictitious information; alteration

Sec. 12. (a) A dealer may not knowingly or intentionally: (1) issue an altered interim license plate or an interim license plate with false or fictitious information; (2) alter a dealer license plate or use a dealer license plate that is false or fictitious; or (3) create, issue, display, or use an interim license plate or a reproduction of an interim license plate not issued by the secretary. (b) A dealer that violates this section commits a Class A infraction As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.217-2014, SEC.167; P.L.151-2015, SEC.49; P.L.174-2016, SEC.63.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-13 Operation of motor vehicle displaying altered interim license plate

Sec. 13. (a) A person who knowingly or intentionally operates a motor vehicle displaying: (1) an interim license plate issued under section 11 of this chapter that is altered or reproduced; or (2) a license plate that purports to be an interim license plate issued under section 11 of this chapter; commits a Class C misdemeanor. (b) A person that knowingly and with the intent to defraud obtains an altered interim license plate described in subsection (a) commits a Class C misdemeanor. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.217-2014, SEC.168; P.L.174-2016, SEC.64.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-14 Record relating to use of interim license plates by a dealer; availability to investigating employee of secretary of state

Sec. 14. (a) A record directly related to the use of interim license plates by a dealer must be: (1) made available to an investigating employee of the secretary: (A) upon demand; and (B) during reasonable business hours; and (2) provided: (A) at the established place of business of the dealer; (B) electronically; or (C) by mail. (b) A dealer shall produce the records in the manner requested by the investigating employee of the secretary. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.120-2020, SEC.52.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-16 Replacement license plate or registration card

Sec. 16. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), if a license plate or registration card issued under this article or under IC 9-31-3-19 (before its repeal) is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the dealer or transport operator may apply for a replacement license plate or registration card in the form and manner prescribed by the secretary. (b) If a license plate is stolen, the secretary may not issue a replacement license plate until the dealer or transport operator to whom the license plate was issued: (1) has notified: (A) the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction where the theft occurred; or (B) the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the address of the dealer's established place of business; and (2) presents to the secretary on a form prescribed by the secretary a report completed by the law enforcement agency that was notified under subdivision (1). As added by P.L.174-2016, SEC.66. Amended by P.L.179-2017, SEC.44; P.L.284-2019, SEC.9; P.L.182-2021, SEC.10; P.L.20-2022, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 9-32-6-17 Alternate dealer license plates; rules

Sec. 17. (a) If the secretary is not able to comply with the provisions of this article relating to furnishing dealer license plates, interim license plates, or temporary license plates because of a materials shortage or any other reason that makes the secretary unable to provide the license plates, the secretary may issue an alternate license plate to a dealer licensed under this article. (b) The secretary may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to provide the type and number of alternate plates that will be furnished, qualifications for requesting the plates, limitations on the use of the plates, and the manner in which the plates must be displayed. (c) Compliance with a rule adopted under this section satisfies the provisions of this chapter relating to the display of license plates. As added by P.L.179-2017, SEC.45.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/9Fetched: 10/17/2026

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