Indiana Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is fastest if you meet the requirements; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is same-day if you go to a BMV branch.
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past eight years, and you do not need a new photo. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person or by mail. If you want a new photo or are changing your address, you can still renew online, but the photo update requires an in-person visit within 30 days after your online renewal is approved.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you have not renewed online in the past eight years.
- Mail renewal costs $20 and takes two to three weeks; you will receive your new license by post.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch costs $20 and is same-day; bring your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.
- If your license is expired, you cannot renew online and must go to a BMV branch or use mail renewal instead.
Online Renewal Through the Indiana BMV Website
To renew online, go to the Indiana BMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $20. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
After you submit your information, the BMV will verify your details and send you a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can use it while you wait for the new one.
If you need a new photo or want to update your address during online renewal, you can do so, but you will then need to visit a BMV branch in person within 30 days to have your photo taken. Without an in-person photo visit, your renewal will not be complete.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Timeline
To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the Indiana BMV website or call 317-232-2050. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Indiana BMV, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Include your current driver's license with your process. If you are changing your address, include a proof of residency document dated within the past 60 days—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope.
Your new license will arrive by mail. Your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to use it during the processing period. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the BMV at 317-232-2050 to check the status.
In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch
Visit any BMV branch to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address if you are changing it (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The fee is $20, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You will have your photo taken at the branch. Your new license is printed on site and you can take it with you the same day. Processing time at the branch is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. Check the BMV website for branch hours and locations near you.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you want to update your address and have it reflected on your new license when ready.
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 digits of Social Security number, valid payment method | $20 | 7–10 business days by mail |
| Current license, completed process, proof of residency (if changing address) | $20 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency (if changing address) | $20 | Same day |
Renewing Before Your License Expires
Indiana allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. The expiration date on your new license will be eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date. This means if you renew early, your new license will expire later than your old one would have.
Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel, if you want to update your photo or address, or if you prefer not to wait until the last minute. There is no penalty for renewing early, and you will not lose any validity time on your current license.
If Your License Is Expired
If your Indiana driver's license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a BMV branch or by mail. In-person renewal is faster—you will have your new license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
An expired license is still a valid form of identification for non-driving purposes (voting, banking, boarding a domestic flight), but you cannot legally drive with an expired license. Renew as soon as you can if you need to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license if I have moved out of state?
No. Indiana requires you to have a current Indiana address to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must surrender your Indiana license and obtain a license from your new state. You cannot renew an Indiana license remotely if you no longer live in Indiana.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The branch will issue you a replacement license, which counts as your renewal. The fee is $20.
How long is my new Indiana license valid?
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your new license will expire eight years after you renew, regardless of when your old license expired.
Can I change my name or address during renewal?
Yes. If you are renewing in person, tell the BMV staff and bring proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). If you are renewing by mail, include the proof with your process. If you are renewing online, you can update your address, but you will need to visit a BMV branch within 30 days for a new photo.
What if I need my license before the mail renewal arrives?
Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to use it while you wait. If you need a new license faster, visit a BMV branch in person for same-day renewal instead.