Indiana lets you renew online if you meet specific requirements

You can renew your Indiana driver's license online through the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or changes since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must visit an Indiana BMV branch in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana's online renewal works only for standard driver's licenses that are currently valid and have not expired more than one year ago.
  • You will need your current Indiana driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
  • The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license, paid during the online transaction.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • If you need to change your address, have had a suspension, or are renewing a CDL, you must visit an Indiana BMV branch in person.

Who can renew online in Indiana

You are may be able to access to renew online if your current Indiana driver's license is still valid (not expired) and you have not had a suspension, revocation, or denial since your last renewal. You also cannot have any address changes, name changes, or corrections to your license information. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. If you hold a CDL, you must visit a BMV branch and bring the required documents, including proof of medical certification if your CDL involves hazardous materials or passenger transport. If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not accept your renewal, and you will need to explore for a new license in person, which involves a written test and vision screening.

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 debit or credit card for the $24.50 renewal fee. You will also need access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection and a web browser.

Do not start the renewal if you are unsure about your Social Security number or if your payment card information has changed. The system will not save your progress if you close the browser, so complete the entire transaction in one session without interruption.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Go to the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv and look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage. Click the link and select "Driver License Renewal" from the menu. You will be taken to a find page where you enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Review the information the system displays — your name, date of birth, address, and license class. If any information is incorrect, stop and visit a BMV branch instead; you cannot correct errors online. If everything is correct, confirm that you have not had any suspensions, revocations, or address changes since your last renewal. Answer the questions about your health and any vision or hearing changes. Enter your payment information (debit or credit card) and review the total fee of $24.50. Submit the payment and you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

What happens after you submit your renewal

Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time. Do not attempt to renew again or contact the BMV unless you have not received your license after 14 days.

If you do not receive your license within 14 business days, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your confirmation number. Have your current license available when you call. The BMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail. Write down or save your confirmation number when ready after renewal — you may need it for follow-up questions.

When you must renew in person instead

Visit an Indiana BMV branch if your license has expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to renew in person if the online system rejects your Social Security number or license number, which usually means there is a mismatch in the BMV database.

Bring your current Indiana driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can find your nearest BMV branch and check hours at in.gov/bmv under "Branch Locations."

Common mistakes that delay or block online renewal

Entering your Social Security number incorrectly is the most common error. The system requires the last four digits only, not the full number. If you enter it wrong three times, the system locks you out temporarily. Wait 24 hours and try again, or visit a BMV branch to complete your renewal.

Attempting to renew when your license has expired more than one year ago will cause the system to reject your request. The BMV website does not clearly state this rule upfront, so many people discover it mid-transaction. If this happens, you must renew in person and take a written test. Closing your browser before you submit payment will also lose all your information, since the system does not save your progress between sessions. Start the renewal only when you have 15 minutes of uninterrupted time and your payment card is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I just moved to Indiana?

No. If you are a new Indiana resident, you must visit a BMV branch in person to get an Indiana license. You cannot renew online because the system requires an existing valid Indiana license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online without your current license number. Visit a BMV branch and request a duplicate license. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, proof of your address, and a form of ID. You can then renew online once you receive the duplicate.

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

No. The BMV uses your photo from your current license for the online renewal. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to visit a branch and request a new one.

Can I renew online if my license expires while I am out of the country?

Yes, as long as your license has not expired more than one year before you renew. You can renew online from anywhere with an internet connection. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in Indiana.

What if the online system says my information does not match?

This usually means your Social Security number or license number was entered incorrectly, or there is a discrepancy in the BMV database. Try again carefully, or contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to verify your information before visiting a branch.