Home › License Plate Laws › Indiana

Indiana License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide

Q: What is the Indiana license plate format?

Indiana uses the format 123 ABC for standard passenger plates.

Rear Plate Only

Quick Answer

Indiana requires only a rear license plate.

The Law at a Glance

Statute

Indiana Code §9-18.1-4-4

Mounting

Rear Plate Only

Plate Format

123 ABC

Penalty

Fines vary by jurisdiction.

Plate Design

'Crossroads of America' design.

Recent Changes

Indiana has a pilot program allowing large fleet operators (like UPS) to customize organization-specific plates.

State-Specific Notes

Indiana police plates are white with a badge image and 'POLICE' text.

Plate Design Details

First Issued

January 2017

Plate Style

Screened serial; reflective sheeting

Full Design

Dark blue serial on reflective country scene graphic featuring a covered bridge; expiration date, year, county number, and recycling symbol in corners

Current Format

123A, 123AB, or 123ABC — issued randomly with serial tied to the owner

Letter Exclusions

Indiana issues plates randomly with combinations of 3 numbers and either 1, 2, or 3 letters. 'In God We Trust' plates always have 3 letters and 3 numbers.

Historical Plates Still Valid

Indiana plates are issued randomly based on available serials, not in ascending order. Earlier 'In God We Trust' optional issue (2012–) uses ABC123 format and remains available.

Notable Facts

Indiana has a pilot program allowing large fleet operators (UPS was the first) to customize an Indiana license plate specific to their organization. This is the only state offering corporate fleet vanity plates at scale.

How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in Indiana

atroq frames in Indiana are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits Indiana's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Since Indiana requires only a rear plate, customers typically order single frames.

Design your Indiana-compliant frame

Premium custom license plate frames built for Indiana's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.

Open the Customizer →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Indiana require a front license plate?

No. Indiana is a rear-plate-only jurisdiction. Only a rear plate is required on passenger vehicles, regardless of whether the vehicle has a factory front bracket.

What is the Indiana license plate format?

Indiana uses the format 123 ABC for standard passenger plates.

How often does Indiana change its plate design?

Indiana updates plate designs periodically. Indiana has a pilot program allowing large fleet operators (like UPS) to customize organization-specific plates.

Are decorative license plate frames legal in Indiana?

Yes. Decorative frames are legal in Indiana as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with Indiana display requirements.

What size are Indiana license plates?

Indiana issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.

Discover atroq

Customize a state-compliant frame Browse by your car model Industry-specific solutions Blog: License plate frame guides