Indiana lets you renew online if you meet basic requirements

You can renew your Indiana driver's license online through the BMV's website if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past few years. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs the standard renewal fee (which varies by how many years you renew for), and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Indiana's online renewal system is run by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) directly. You do not need to visit a branch, take a new photo, or retake a vision test unless your license has expired for more than five years or you are renewing a commercial license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your current license expired within the last five years and you have no active medical holds or serious violations on your record.
  • You will need your current Indiana driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
  • The renewal fee depends on how many years you choose to renew for — Indiana offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year options.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Who can renew online through the Indiana BMV

The Indiana BMV allows online renewal only for standard driver's licenses and identification cards. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have an active medical suspension or restriction, or if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations within a specific timeframe.

You also cannot renew online if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a license that requires a new photo or vision test. If any of these explore to you, you must visit a BMV branch in person.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process: your current Indiana driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). You will also need access to an email address where the BMV can send your confirmation.

Have your license in front of you when you start. The BMV will ask you to confirm information printed on it, such as your address and date of birth. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you can update it during the renewal process.

Steps to renew your license online

Go to the Indiana BMV website and look for the online renewal option. The BMV's renewal portal will ask you to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Once verified, you will see a summary of your current license information.

Review your name, address, and date of birth. If any information is incorrect, you will need to stop and renew in person at a branch instead. If everything is correct, you will choose how many years to renew for — Indiana offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year renewal terms. The fee increases with the length of the renewal period.

Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Indiana charges different fees depending on how long you renew your license for. A one-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal, which costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the BMV website for current pricing before you pay.

Your new license will be valid for the number of years you selected at renewal. If you choose an eight-year term, your next renewal will not be due for eight years. You can renew for a shorter period if you prefer to renew more often, though this costs more per year.

What happens if you do not meet online renewal requirements

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, you must visit a BMV branch in person. This happens most often when your license has been expired for more than five years, when you have a medical suspension, or when you have certain violations on your driving record.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN. You will also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. In-person renewal usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and you can receive a temporary license to drive home the same day.

Tracking your renewed license after you order it

After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number. Save this number — you can use it to check the status of your license on the BMV website. The BMV website has a tracking tool where you enter your confirmation number to see whether your license is being printed, in transit, or out for delivery.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the BMV by phone or through their website. Bring your confirmation number when you reach out. In rare cases, a license is lost in the mail and the BMV will reissue it at no additional charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

Yes. During the online renewal process, you can update your address. The BMV will mail your new license to the new address you provide. Make sure the address is correct before you submit your payment, because you cannot change it after the transaction is complete.

What if I need my license before it arrives in the mail?

You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one. Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. If you need proof of renewal before the physical card arrives, your confirmation email serves as temporary proof.

Can I renew my license online if I have a suspended license?

No. If your license is suspended for any reason — medical, financial, or due to violations — you cannot renew online. You must visit a BMV branch in person, and the suspension must be cleared before you can renew. Contact the BMV to find out how to lift the suspension.

Do I have to renew for the full eight years?

No. You can choose to renew for one year, four years, or eight years. Shorter renewal periods cost less upfront but mean you will renew more often. Choose the term that works best for your situation.

What if the online system rejects my information?

This usually means your identity could not be verified or you do not meet the requirements for online renewal. The system will tell you why. If you believe the information is correct, visit a BMV branch in person with your license and proof of identity, and staff can help you renew.