What you pay to renew your Indiana driver's license

An Indiana driver's license renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees as of 2024. You pay this fee when you renew in person at a BMV branch or when you renew by mail.

The eight-year license costs more because it lasts longer and requires a new photo every eight years instead of every four. Most people choose the four-year option because the lower cost outweighs the convenience of not renewing as often.

If you renew online through the Indiana BMV's portal, the fee is the same — $24 or $36 depending on which term you choose. Online renewal is only available if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot be a commercial driver, and your last renewal cannot have been more than eight years ago.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana charges $24 for a four-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal, the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
  • You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, you are not a commercial driver, and your last renewal was within the past eight years.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch takes about 15 to 30 minutes and requires a current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
  • If you renew before your license expires, you get credit for the unused time on your current license.

How to pay when you renew in person

At an Indiana BMV branch, you can pay the renewal fee with cash, debit card, credit card, or check. Most branches accept all four methods, though a few smaller offices may have limits — calling ahead to confirm is safest if you plan to pay by check.

You do not need to bring exact change. The BMV will give you a receipt showing the amount paid and your new license number. Keep this receipt until your physical license arrives in the mail, which usually takes five to ten business days after your in-person visit.

How to pay when you renew by mail

Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the front of the check or money order so the BMV can match it to your process.

Mail your renewal packet to the address listed on the form you receive from the BMV or find on their website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

How to pay when you renew online

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV portal accepts credit cards and debit cards only. You enter your card information directly into the find payment system during the renewal process. The fee is charged when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen.

Online renewal is the fastest method — your new license is mailed within five to seven business days. However, you must meet the may be able to access requirements listed above. If you do not may have access to for online renewal, you will need to renew in person or by mail.

What happens if you renew early

Indiana gives you credit for unused time if you renew before your current license expires. If your license does not expire for another year and you renew now, your new license will be valid for four or eight years from today, not from your old expiration date. You still pay the full renewal fee — there is no discount for renewing early.

Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or because they need a new photo. Early renewal does not hurt you financially; you straightforward get a longer valid period.

Additional fees you might encounter

The $24 or $36 renewal fee is the only charge for a standard license renewal. However, if you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is $15 instead. If you are renewing and also changing your name or address, there is no extra charge — those updates are included in the renewal.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher: $36 for a four-year renewal or $54 for an eight-year renewal. CDL renewals cannot be done online or by mail; you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if it is already expired?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license is still valid. Bring your expired license, a current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal fee remains $24 or $36.

What if I do not have a debit or credit card to pay online?

You can renew in person at a BMV branch and pay with cash, or renew by mail and pay with a check or money order. Both methods take longer than online renewal, but the fee is the same and you have more payment options.

Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if I renew a few months early?

Yes, you pay the full $24 or $36 regardless of when you renew before expiration. However, your new license will be valid for the full four or eight years from the date you renew, so you get the benefit of a longer valid period even though the fee does not change.

Is there a fee to renew online that is different from in-person renewal?

No, the fee is identical — $24 for four years or $36 for eight years. Online renewal is faster, but it does not cost more or less than renewing at a branch or by mail.

What if my payment is rejected when I try to renew online?

Contact your bank to confirm the card is not blocked for online transactions. If the card is fine, try again or renew in person or by mail instead. The BMV does not charge you if the payment fails, so you can attempt renewal again without penalty.