Understanding Historic and Authentic Model Year License Plates for Your Vehicle Model

For enthusiasts and owners of classic vehicles, especially models from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, maintaining authenticity is paramount. This extends beyond just the vehicle itself to include even the license plates. Indiana offers options for registering historic and collector vehicles with specific license plates, including the prestigious Authentic Model Year License Plates. This guide will clarify the distinctions between these plate types and how they can enhance the historical accuracy and value of your cherished Vehicle Model.

Renewing registrations for Historic, Collector, and Collector – Authentic Model Year vehicles in Indiana is straightforward, offering several convenient methods:

BMV Branch Visit: Renew in person at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch.
Online via myBMV.com: Utilize the online portal at myBMV.com for quick and easy renewal.
Kiosk Renewal: Renew at any BMV kiosk location.
Mail-in Renewal: Follow these steps for renewal by U.S. Mail:
1. Download and review the Renew by Mail Instruction Packet.
2. Complete State Form 56163 as detailed in the packet.
3. Fill out the Collector Vehicle Affidavit – State Form 56166 if applicable.
4. Mail all documents and payment to: Winchester Processing Center, PO Box 100309 West South St, Winchester, IN 47394.
5. Ensure your renewal documents are postmarked by the due date.

To delve deeper into the specifics of each vehicle type and license plate, explore the sections below.

Historic Vehicles

Collector Vehicles

Authentic Model Year License Plates

Historic Vehicles: Celebrating Automotive Heritage

A vehicle model qualifies as historic in Indiana if it is at least 25 years old. Owners of such vehicles can register them with historic license plates, proudly displaying their age and classic status. It’s important to note that historic vehicles are subject to standard registration fees, vehicle excise tax, and any applicable county and municipal vehicle excise taxes.

For detailed information on associated costs, refer to the Vehicle Registration Fees and Taxes guide.

Historic Vehicle Eligibility

Any vehicle model that is at least 25 years old and classified as either historic or collector is eligible for a historic license plate in Indiana. This designation recognizes the enduring appeal and historical significance of these vehicles.

Collector Vehicle & Authentic Model Year License Plates: Elevating Your Classic

For owners seeking a more specialized registration for their cherished vehicle model, Indiana offers the collector vehicle designation. A historic vehicle can be registered as a collector vehicle for a reduced fee if it meets specific criteria:

Age: Must be at least 25 years old, aligning with the historic vehicle age requirement.
Purpose of Ownership: Owned, operated, restored, maintained, or used as a collector’s item, for leisure, or as an investment. This highlights the passion behind owning such a vehicle model.
Limited Transportation Use: Not primarily used for daily transportation. This underscores the collector status and intended use for shows, events, or leisure drives.

To register your vehicle model as a collector vehicle, you must submit a completed Collector Vehicle Affidavit – State Form 56166 when initially registering and annually upon renewal. This affidavit confirms the vehicle’s continued eligibility as a collector item.

License Plate Stickers and Frames: Maintaining Compliance for Your Vehicle Model

Ensure your vehicle model remains compliant with Indiana regulations by properly displaying registration stickers on your license plate. Also, verify that your license plate frame does not obscure any important information, including the stickers. Adherence to these regulations is crucial for all vehicle models, including historic and collector vehicles.

For complete details on proper placement, consult the guide on Required Placement of Stickers and Frames.

Authentic Model Year License Plate: A Touch of Originality for Collector Vehicles

For an additional annual fee, Indiana offers the Authentic Model Year License Plate, allowing collector vehicle owners to showcase a license plate from the same year their vehicle model was manufactured. This adds a unique layer of historical accuracy and visual appeal. The authentic model year plate doesn’t need to be the original plate issued to the vehicle, but it must be an Indiana BMV-issued plate from the vehicle’s model year.

When using an Authentic Model Year License Plate, a Historic license plate is officially registered to the collector vehicle. Owners receive a Certificate of Registration indicating the authentic model year plate number. The authentic model year plate is displayed on the rear of the vehicle model, while the Historic plate and Certificate of Registration must be carried inside the vehicle at all times, along with any renewal year stickers. The Historic license plate itself requires annual renewal.

To utilize an authentic model year license plate, you must present the plate for inspection at any BMV branch. While refurbishment or restoration of the plate is permitted, the BMV reserves the right to reject any plate that doesn’t meet original specifications. Furthermore, the authentic model year license plate must meet the following stringent conditions to be approved for your vehicle model:

Material: Must be made of metal, consistent with plates of the era.
Condition: Must be in good or original condition suitable for display, reflecting the pride of ownership. Letters, numbers, and markings must be clearly legible for official purposes.
Fading: Minimal fading is acceptable, but not to an illegible state, ensuring readability.
Rust: Only minor rust on the face of the plate is permissible, preserving its presentable appearance.
Bending: The plate must not be bent, maintaining its structural integrity and display quality.
Holes: No unplanned holes are allowed, preserving the plate’s original manufactured state.
Year Match: Must precisely match the picture of the plate issued for the vehicle model’s year of manufacture according to BMV records, guaranteeing authenticity.

Indiana Authentic Model Year License Plates 2000 – Present