Car collectors can go retro with an authentic model year license plate

July 10, 2026 – In honor of Car Collector Appreciation Day, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is reminding Hoosiers about its Authentic Model Year License Plate Program. Instead of using the historic plate owners are issued, this program allows historic vehicles to display an Indiana vintage license plate from the same year as the vehicle’s model year. If the owner can find a license plate at a garage sale, flea market, online, in their grandma’s basement, or by other legal means, that vintage plate may be used while the vehicle is on the road.

Eligible vehicles for the Authentic Model Year License Plate program must be at least 25 years old and be registered as a historic vehicle.

Owners will be given a historic plate and a Certificate of Registration with the authentic model year license plate number indicated that must be carried in the vehicle.

Authentic Model Year License Plates must be brought to a BMV branch for inspection. The plate may be refurbished. However, it must meet its original specifications and the following criteria:

• Be metal.
• Be in good or original condition.
• Letters, numbers, and markings must be clearly legible.
• Fading must be minimal and not faded to an illegible state.
• May only contain minor rust on the face of the plate.
• May not be bent.
• May not have any unplanned holes.
• Must match the picture of the plate issued for the year of manufacture according to BMV records.

More information on historic plates and the Authentic Model Year License Plate Program, visit the BMV’s website here.