What to do with Alabama plates after moving to Indiana
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Alabama instruction only after the Indiana registration and insurance handoff are safe.
Complete the replacement record
Apply for the Indiana title and registration within 60 days after becoming a resident to avoid the title-transfer administrative penalty.
Provide financial-responsibility information when purchasing the Indiana plate and registration.
Keep proof of the new registration for Alabama insurance notices
After the destination registration is active, you may voluntarily surrender the Alabama plate. Keep the new registration receipt or title; if Alabama sends a mandatory-liability-insurance verification notice, respond through MyDMV with that proof.
Open the official Alabama instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in Indiana
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Alabama plate action
Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.
- 4. End or rewrite the old policy
Ask the insurer to use dates that do not create an uncovered active registration.
Sources for this closeout sequence
- Alabama DOR: Out-of-state registration and plate handlingChecked 2026-07-31 ↗InsuranceExit closeout
- Indiana BMV: New Indiana residentsChecked 2026-07-31 ↗LicenseRegistrationInsuranceInspection / VINTitle / lien