How to reach the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to request a license suspension
You can contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to request a license suspension through phone, mail, or in person at a branch office. The fastest method is calling the BMV's customer service line at 317-615-7293 (Indianapolis area) or 1-888-692-6841 (statewide toll-free). Have your driver's license number and full name ready when you call. If you prefer written correspondence, you can mail a signed request to the BMV's main office in Indianapolis, though this takes longer to process.
The BMV does not suspend licenses on request for most reasons — suspension is typically ordered by a court, imposed by the BMV for unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears, or triggered by a conviction. If you want your license suspended for a specific reason (such as avoiding driving during a medical condition or personal circumstance), you should first understand what type of suspension you need and whether the BMV can grant it, because some requests require court involvement or a physician's statement instead.
Key Takeaways
- Call the BMV at 317-615-7293 (Indianapolis) or 1-888-692-6841 (statewide) to ask about suspension options; have your license number ready.
- The BMV cannot suspend your license on personal request alone — suspension is usually ordered by a court or triggered by unpaid fines, child support arrears, or a conviction.
- If you need to stop driving due to a medical condition, you may need a physician's statement or a court order rather than a BMV suspension request.
- In-person visits to a BMV branch allow you to speak directly with staff about your specific situation, which is often faster than phone calls during busy hours.
- Written requests by mail take two to four weeks to process and should include your full name, license number, and reason for the suspension request.
When the BMV can suspend a license on your request
The BMV has limited authority to suspend a license based on a person's own request. Indiana law does not provide a general "voluntary suspension" option — the BMV suspends licenses in response to specific legal triggers: unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, a conviction for certain offenses, or a medical condition documented by a physician. If you want your license suspended for a reason outside these categories, the BMV will likely direct you to a different process.
If you have a medical condition that makes driving unsafe, contact your doctor about obtaining a statement recommending license suspension or restriction. You can then submit this to the BMV along with a written request. The BMV may place a medical restriction on your license or suspend it pending clearance from a physician. This is different from a voluntary suspension and requires medical documentation.
Phone contact information and what to expect
The BMV's statewide customer service number is 1-888-692-6841. If you are calling from the Indianapolis area, you can also reach the main office at 317-615-7293. Both lines handle general inquiries, including questions about suspensions. Call during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
When you call, have your driver's license number, full legal name, and date of birth ready. Explain clearly why you are requesting a suspension — for example, "I want to know if I can request a suspension due to a medical condition" or "I have unpaid fines and want to know the suspension status." The representative will tell you whether your request falls within BMV authority and what documents or next steps are required. If your request requires court involvement, they will direct you to the appropriate court or agency.
Mailing a written suspension request
You can submit a written suspension request to the BMV's main office in Indianapolis. Address your letter to: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Include your full legal name, current address, driver's license number, date of birth, and a clear statement of why you are requesting suspension. If you have supporting documents (such as a physician's statement or court order), include copies, not originals.
Written requests take two to four weeks to process. The BMV will mail a response to the address you provide. If your request is approved, you will receive written confirmation of the suspension effective date. If it is denied, the letter will explain why and may suggest an alternative process. Keep a copy of your request and any response for your records.
Visiting a BMV branch office in person
You can visit any Indiana BMV branch office to discuss a suspension request face-to-face. This is often the fastest way to get a clear answer about whether your request is possible and what documents you need. Bring your driver's license, proof of address (utility bill or lease), and any supporting documents (medical statement, court order, or evidence of unpaid fines). A staff member can review your situation when ready and tell you the next step.
BMV branch offices are located throughout Indiana. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offering limited Saturday hours. Arrive early or during mid-week to avoid peak wait times. You do not need an appointment for general inquiries, though some services require one.
Suspension due to unpaid fines or child support
If your license is suspended or you want to know the status of a suspension related to unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears, contact the BMV directly. The BMV maintains records of all active suspensions and can tell you the exact amount owed and the agency responsible for lifting the suspension. For unpaid fines, you must pay the court that issued the fine; the court then notifies the BMV to remove the suspension. For child support arrears, you must contact the Indiana Child Support Bureau or your local child support enforcement office.
Do not assume a suspension will be lifted automatically once you pay. After you pay the fine or arrears, contact the issuing court or child support office to confirm they have reported the payment to the BMV. The BMV typically removes the suspension within five to ten business days of receiving notice from the court or support office, but you should verify this by calling the BMV again or checking your status online.
Medical suspensions and physician documentation
If you need a suspension due to a medical condition, the BMV requires a statement from a licensed physician in Indiana. The statement should describe the condition, explain why it makes driving unsafe, and recommend suspension or restriction. You can obtain this form from your doctor's office or request it from the BMV when you call. Once you have the physician's statement, submit it to the BMV along with a written request for suspension.
The BMV will review the medical documentation and may suspend your license, place restrictions on it (such as daylight driving only), or request additional information from your physician. The process typically takes two to three weeks. If your condition improves, you can request reinstatement by submitting a new physician's statement clearing you to drive. Medical suspensions are not permanent unless the condition is permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a suspension to avoid paying insurance or to lower my rates?
No. The BMV does not suspend licenses for insurance-related reasons, and suspending your license does not lower your insurance rates. If you want to stop driving temporarily, contact your insurance company about a policy suspension instead. A BMV suspension is a legal action with consequences for driving privileges and is not a tool for managing insurance costs.
What happens if I drive while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Indiana. You can face fines, jail time, and additional suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or child support, driving while suspended can result in additional charges and make it harder to resolve the original debt.
How long does a suspension last?
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines are lifted once the fine is paid and the court notifies the BMV. Suspensions for child support arrears are lifted when arrears are paid or a payment plan is established. Medical suspensions last as long as the condition prevents safe driving. Court-ordered suspensions have a specific end date set by the court. Call the BMV to find out the exact duration of your suspension.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Indiana offers a hardship license (called a "work permit") in some suspension cases, but not all. Hardship licenses are most commonly available for suspensions related to unpaid fines or child support if you can show financial hardship and a need to drive for work or essential purposes. Contact the BMV or the court that issued the suspension to ask whether a hardship license is an option in your case.
Do I need a lawyer to request a suspension?
No. You can contact the BMV directly and request a suspension without legal representation. However, if your suspension is related to a court case or criminal charge, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your options and whether suspension is the best course of action.