Indiana lets you renew online if you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Indiana driver license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website without visiting a branch office, as long as your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical holds or outstanding violations on your record. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as renewing in person, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online path — some people must renew at a branch office instead. This guide walks you through who can renew online, what you need before you start, and what to expect after you submit.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical holds, suspensions, or outstanding court orders on your driving record.
- You will need your current Indiana driver license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online renewal.
- The Indiana BMV website is the only official place to renew online; do not use third-party sites that claim to renew your license for you.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a BMV branch office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Who can renew online through the Indiana BMV
The Indiana BMV allows online renewal only for people whose licenses meet specific conditions. Your license must not be expired by more than five years — if it expired six years ago or longer, you cannot use the online system and must renew in person at a branch office.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical hold on your license, an active suspension or revocation, or an outstanding court order related to your driving record. The BMV system checks these automatically when you enter your license number, so you will know right away whether you are blocked from online renewal.
If your license is valid and current, you can renew online even if you are renewing early — Indiana allows you to renew up to 180 days before your expiration date.
What you need to have ready before you start
Gather these items before you go to the Indiana BMV website to renew. You will need your current Indiana driver license number (the 10-digit number on the front of your card), your date of birth, and your Social Security number. Have your email address ready too — the BMV will send you a confirmation and tracking information there.
You will also need a payment method to pay the renewal fee. Indiana accepts debit cards and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you are renewing for; a standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The BMV website will show you the exact fee before you pay.
Do not start the renewal process on a public or shared computer if you can avoid it — you will be entering personal information including your Social Security number.
Step-by-step: how to renew online
Go to the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your License" or "License Renewal." You will be taken to a page that asks whether you want to renew online or schedule an in-person appointment.
Select the online renewal option. The system will ask you to enter your driver license number and date of birth to pull up your record. Once your information is found, you will see a summary of your current license details and the renewal options available to you (usually four-year or eight-year renewal).
Review the information on the screen carefully — make sure your name, address, and other details are correct. If anything needs to be changed (such as your address), you may need to update it before completing the renewal, or you may be directed to do so at a branch office. Answer any questions about medical conditions or changes to your driving record. Then enter your email address and choose your payment method.
After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen and an email confirmation. Save or print the confirmation number — it is your proof that you have renewed. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
Once your renewal is processed, you can continue driving with your current license until your new one arrives. There is no gap in your driving privileges — your old license remains valid during the waiting period.
The BMV will mail your new license to the address on file in your record. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the BMV, the new license goes to your new address. If you have not updated your address yet, the license will go to your old address, and you will need to pick it up or have someone retrieve it for you.
You can track the status of your new license on the Indiana BMV website using your confirmation number and date of birth. The tracking tool shows whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered.
When you cannot renew online and must visit a branch office
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an Indiana BMV branch in person. This happens if your license is expired by more than five years, if you have a medical hold or suspension on your record, or if you need to update information that the online system cannot change (such as your legal name or gender marker).
To renew in person, bring your current Indiana driver license and one document that proves your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). You do not need an appointment at most branches, but wait times vary. Check the BMV website for your local branch's hours and current wait times before you go.
In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your new card to arrive by mail.
Avoiding scams and using only the official BMV website
The only official way to renew your Indiana driver license online is through the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Do not use any other website, app, or service that claims to renew your license for you — these are not affiliated with the BMV and may be scams designed to steal your personal information or money.
The official BMV website does not charge any fee beyond the standard renewal cost, and it does not ask you to read software or use a third-party app. If a website asks for payment before showing you renewal options, or if it asks you to verify your information in an unusual way, stop and go directly to the BMV website instead.
If you are unsure whether a website is official, call the Indiana BMV at 317-232-2050 to confirm before entering any personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license online if I just moved to Indiana?
No. Online renewal is only for people renewing an existing Indiana license. If you are new to Indiana and need to get your first Indiana license, you must visit a BMV branch office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If you have already updated your address with the BMV (online or at a branch), your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you have not updated your address yet, you can do so during the online renewal process if the system allows it. If the system will not let you change your address online, you will need to visit a branch office to renew.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The Indiana BMV mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your renewal. Delivery time depends on your location and the mail carrier. You can track your license status on the BMV website using your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a BMV branch office in person. The branch staff can tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension before you can renew.
What if I need to change my name on my license during renewal?
Online renewal cannot process name changes. If you need to change your legal name, you must renew in person at a BMV branch office and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your new name.