Yes, you can renew your Indiana driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Indiana allows online renewal through its BMV Online Services portal, but only for standard license renewals — not for the first time you get a license, not after a suspension, and not if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must have a valid Social Security number on file, a current email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver qualifies. If you have had a medical suspension, a conviction-related suspension, or any other restriction placed on your license, you cannot renew online — you must visit a BMV branch in person. The same applies if your address has changed and you need to update it, or if you want to change your name on the license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is valid and not expired more than five years ago, and you have no active suspensions or restrictions.
- You will need your current Indiana license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the renewal online.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at a BMV branch after an online renewal.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you have any suspension or medical restriction, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
- The online renewal fee is the same as the in-person fee, which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for (typically $20 to $30 for a four-year renewal).
Who can and cannot renew online in Indiana
You can renew online if all of these are true: your current license is valid and not suspended, your license expired five years ago or more recently, you have a Social Security number on file with the BMV, and you have no medical restrictions or conviction-related suspensions. You also cannot have changed your name or address since your last license was issued.
You must renew in person at a BMV branch if any of the following explore: your license has been expired for more than five years, you have an active suspension (medical, conviction-related, or administrative), you need to update your address, you need to change your name, you want to add or remove organ donor status, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you are unsure whether you have a suspension, call the BMV at 888-692-6841 before you attempt to renew online.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Go to the Indiana BMV Online Services website at in.gov/bmv and select "Renew Your License" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your current license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your record and confirm whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.
If you are may be able to access, the system will display your current information and ask you to confirm or correct it. Review your name, address, and date of birth carefully — if anything is wrong, stop and renew in person instead. Next, you will choose how many years to renew for: Indiana offers two-year, four-year, or eight-year renewals. The fee depends on the length you choose. Enter your credit or debit card information to pay the fee, and the system will generate a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after 14 days, contact the BMV at 888-692-6841 with your confirmation number.
Fees and payment methods for online renewal
Indiana charges different fees depending on how long you renew your license for. A two-year renewal costs $20, a four-year renewal costs $30, and an eight-year renewal costs $60. These are the same fees charged at BMV branches for in-person renewal. The online system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
There is no additional fee for renewing online — you pay only the license renewal fee itself. Some people mistakenly believe online renewal costs more, but it does not. If the system asks you for any fee beyond the standard renewal amount, stop and contact the BMV to report the issue.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete your online renewal, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You cannot pick it up at a branch or have it held for you — mailing is the only option for online renewals. The new license is valid as soon as you receive it, even though your old license may still be valid for a few more days.
You should keep your old license until the new one arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your new license has not arrived yet, your old license is still valid proof that you have renewed. Once your new license arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it for your records.
What to do if you do not meet the online renewal requirements
If you have a suspension, your license expired more than five years ago, or you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Find your nearest branch at in.gov/bmv and check the hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a valid form of identification such as a passport or military ID.
If you have a medical suspension, you will also need to bring medical documentation or a letter from your doctor clearing you to drive. If you are renewing after a conviction-related suspension, you may need to provide proof that you have completed any required programs or paid any fines. Call the BMV before your visit to confirm what documents you need for your specific situation.
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing online
The most common mistake is attempting to renew online when you have an active suspension. The system will reject your renewal, and you will have wasted time. Check your suspension status before you start by calling 888-692-6841 or visiting the BMV website.
Another mistake is entering the wrong information during the online process. If your address or name is incorrect in the system, do not try to fix it online — stop and renew in person instead. Submitting an online renewal with wrong information can delay your new license or cause it to be mailed to the wrong address.
A third mistake is not saving your confirmation number. Write down or screenshot the confirmation number the system gives you at the end of the process. If your license does not arrive within 14 days, you will need this number to contact the BMV and track your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, as long as it expired no more than five years ago. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. The BMV considers licenses expired more than five years to be too old for online renewal.
What if I moved to a new address since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The BMV will update your address and issue your new license.
Can I renew online if I have a medical suspension?
No. Any active suspension — medical, conviction-related, or administrative — disqualifies you from online renewal. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and provide documentation that the suspension has been lifted or that you have completed any required steps to restore your driving privileges.
How long does it take to receive my license after I renew online?
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after 14 days, contact the BMV at 888-692-6841 with your confirmation number. Do not assume it is lost until at least two weeks have passed.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a BMV branch. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. Some CDL renewals also require a medical examination.