Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic requirements

You can renew your Indiana driver's license through the BMV's online system without visiting a branch office, but only if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years. You'll need a valid email address, your current license number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can renew online. If your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have certain medical or legal restrictions, you'll need to renew in person at a BMV branch instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you haven't changed your name, address, or medical status since it was issued.
  • You'll need your current license number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee during the online process.
  • Indiana's BMV online renewal system processes your request when ready, but your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to change your address or name, or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Who can renew online in Indiana

Your license must still be valid or expired for fewer than two years. If it expired more than two years ago, the BMV requires you to renew in person and may require you to retake the written test.

You also cannot renew online if you need to change your mailing address, your legal name, or your gender marker on your license. Any change to the information printed on your license requires an in-person visit. Similarly, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving or a court-ordered restriction on your license, you must renew at a branch office.

If you're unsure whether you may have access to, the BMV's online system will tell you during the first step—it checks your license status before letting you proceed.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online renewal:

  • Your current Indiana driver's license number
  • A valid email address where you can receive confirmation
  • A debit card or credit card for the renewal fee
  • Your Social Security number (the system will ask for it to verify your identity)

The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. Indiana's BMV website shows the exact fee before you pay, so you'll know the total cost before you submit payment.

Steps to renew online

Go to the Indiana BMV's online renewal portal at in.gov/bmv and look for the "Renew Your License Online" option on the homepage. Click it to start.

The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth. It then checks whether your license is in the system and whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you don't meet the requirements, the system will tell you and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.

If you're may be able to access, the next screen shows your current information as it appears on your license. Review it carefully—this is your chance to catch any errors before your new license is printed. If something is wrong, stop and renew in person instead; the online system cannot make corrections.

Enter your email address and choose how long you want your new license to be valid (four years or ten years). Then enter your payment information. Indiana accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The system processes the payment when ready and shows you a confirmation number on screen—save or print this for your records.

What happens after you submit

You'll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This email contains your confirmation number and tells you what to expect next. Your new physical license is printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives. There's no waiting period or temporary permit—your renewal is active as soon as the BMV processes it online, even though the card itself is still in the mail.

If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the BMV using the confirmation number from your email. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed.

When you must renew in person instead

Visit a BMV branch office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have medical conditions or legal restrictions that affect your driving privileges. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to change your photo, update your gender marker, or add or remove organ donor status.

To renew in person, find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website, check their hours, and bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment. Some branches accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online first. Call ahead or check the branch's page to see what's required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended, revoked, or has any legal restriction, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. The online system will reject your request and direct you to contact the BMV directly.

What if I entered the wrong payment information?

If your payment was declined, the system will tell you when ready and let you try again with a different card. If you already paid but made a mistake with your email address or other information, contact the BMV with your confirmation number to see if they can correct it before your license is printed.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

How long is my new license valid after I renew online?

You choose during the online process: either four years or ten years. The fee is different for each option, and the BMV shows you the cost before you pay.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.