Documents and fees required for Indiana license renewal

To renew your Indiana driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card. Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) accepts a limited list of documents for each category, and you must bring originals or certified copies—photocopies do not work. The renewal fee is $28 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

You do not need to pass a written test or vision test during a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than three years, or unless the BMV requests one based on your driving record or age. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will not take a new photo, and your current photo will carry over to your new license.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Indiana license or ID card, one proof of identity document, and one proof of residency document to any BMV branch.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or naturalization papers; a Social Security card alone is not enough.
  • Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days.
  • The renewal fee is $28 for four years or $48 for eight years, paid in cash, check, or card at the BMV.
  • If your license expired more than three years ago, you will need to renew in person and may be asked to take a vision test.

Proof of identity documents Indiana accepts

Indiana requires one document that proves your legal name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book all work. A certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born also works. A military ID card, military dependent ID, or military retiree card is accepted. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Permanent Resident Card (green card) satisfies this requirement.

A Social Security card, school ID, work ID, or credit card cannot serve as your proof of identity, even if it has your name on it. If you do not have any of the accepted documents, you will need to obtain one before you can renew. For example, if you lost your birth certificate, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born; that office's website will tell you the cost and how to order by mail or in person.

Proof of residency documents Indiana accepts

Indiana requires one document showing your current address in the state. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works. A lease agreement or rental agreement with your name and current address also works. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy dated within the last 60 days is accepted. A bank or credit card statement with your name and address dated within the last 60 days will work.

A driver's license, ID card, or passport cannot be used as proof of residency, even if it shows an Indiana address. A post office box address does not count as residency. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some BMV branches will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for an official bill.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Visit any Indiana BMV branch during business hours with your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. Bring originals or certified copies only. Most branches operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours; check the BMV website to find your nearest branch and its schedule before you go.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other cities. You can check real-time wait times on the BMV website before you leave home. The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days; the BMV will mail it to the address on your proof of residency document.

Renewing by mail or online

Indiana allows you to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information on the license. You can also renew online through the BMV website if you meet the same conditions. Both methods cost the same as in-person renewal and take about the same time to arrive.

To renew by mail, read the process form from the BMV website, fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a photocopy of your current license. To renew online, visit the BMV website, enter your license number and personal information, pay the fee by card, and submit. You will not take a new photo for either method, and your current photo will appear on your new license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your Indiana license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a BMV branch. You will be asked to take a vision test and may be asked to take a written test, depending on how long the license has been expired and your age. Bring all the same documents as a standard in-person renewal.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the BMV directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the BMV, or other reasons. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew through the normal process.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Indiana driver's license costs $28. An eight-year license costs $48. These are the only renewal fees; there are no additional charges for processing or handling. You can pay in cash, by check, or by card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) at any BMV branch. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order only. If you renew online, you can pay by card only.

If you are renewing a license that was issued to you at no cost due to a hardship or error, your renewal may also be free. Ask the BMV staff if this applies to you. Some counties offer fee waivers for low-income residents; contact your local BMV branch to learn whether your county has this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I just moved to the state?

Yes, but you must renew in person and bring proof of your new Indiana address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or utility company on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some branches will accept this temporarily.

What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have another proof of identity?

Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born and request a certified copy. You can usually order by mail or in person; the office's website will show the cost and timeline. Once you receive it, bring it to the BMV along with your other documents.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

The BMV mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it as ID during this time.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Not if you renew by mail or online. Your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person and want a new photo, ask the BMV staff; some branches can take a new photo for an additional fee, but it is not required.

What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

CDL renewal has different requirements than standard license renewal. You must renew in person, pass a medical examination, and provide additional documentation. Contact the BMV or visit their website for the specific documents and fees required for CDL renewal.