By Shawn Henry 
Indiana drivers are now required to report changes to their vehicle’s exterior color under a new state law that took effect at the start of the year.
Senate Enrolled Act 331, signed by Mike Braun, officially went into effect Jan. 1, 2026, updating Indiana Code 9-18.1-3. The law mandates that vehicle owners notify the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles when a vehicle’s exterior color is altered.
The reporting requirement applies to changes made through repainting a vehicle, installing a vinyl wrap, or removing an existing wrap. Under the law, owners have 30 days from the date of the change to update their vehicle information with the BMV. Failure to do so may result in a warning issued by law enforcement.
The legislation also includes stricter penalties tied to criminal investigations. If a vehicle is used in the commission of a crime and its color is later changed without being reported, the owner could face a Class C misdemeanor charge.
State officials say the law is designed to keep vehicle records accurate and improve identification during traffic stops and investigations. Changes in a vehicle’s appearance that are not reflected in registration records can complicate law enforcement efforts, particularly when color is a primary identifying feature.
Drivers have several options for updating their vehicle information. Color changes can be reported in person at a BMV branch, through a BMV Connect kiosk, or online using a myBMV account. The law does not specify additional fees associated with reporting a color change.
The requirement applies to all registered vehicles in Indiana and does not differentiate between full paint jobs and temporary or partial vinyl wraps. Any modification that alters the vehicle’s listed exterior color must be reported.
With the law now in effect, Indiana drivers who modify their vehicles are encouraged to ensure their registration records are updated promptly to avoid potential enforcement issues.
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