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 to a BMV branch. The state charges a fee that depends on how long your new license will be valid — typically $20 to $28 for a standard license valid four years. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a driving test unless your license has been expired for more than three years, or unless the BMV finds a problem with your documents.

Indiana accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. Your current driver's license or ID card counts. So do a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of those, you can use a certified birth certificate paired with a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring the originals — photocopies do not work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Indiana address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows an Indiana address.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) to any BMV branch.
  • The renewal fee is $20 to $28 depending on license validity length, and you pay at the BMV when you renew.
  • You do not need a new photo or driving test unless your license expired more than three years ago or the BMV flags a document issue.
  • You can renew online through the Indiana BMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes in the past four years.

Online renewal: when it works and when you must go in person

Indiana lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you meet a few conditions. You cannot have had a suspension, revocation, or denial in the past four years. You cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal. You also cannot have certain medical conditions flagged in the BMV system. If all of those explore to you, you can renew through the Indiana BMV website without visiting a branch.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about the same time to process. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You must renew online at least 30 days before your license expires if you want the new card before the expiration date.

If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, or if you prefer to renew in person, you must visit a BMV branch. Bring the same documents listed above. You will get a temporary license on the spot and receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal — bring your documents and fee to a BMV branch or renew online if you meet the conditions. You do not need to retake the written or driving test.

If your license has been expired for three years or longer, the BMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You must visit a BMV branch in person, bring the same identity and residency documents, pass the written test, and pass a driving test. You will also need to pay the standard license fee plus any applicable reinstatement fees if your license was suspended or revoked.

Address changes and name changes

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must provide proof of your new Indiana address when you renew. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. You cannot renew online if you have changed your address, so you must visit a BMV branch.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring legal proof of the name change along with your identity and residency documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is required. You cannot renew online with a name change; you must go to a BMV branch in person.

Special situations: suspensions, reinstatement, and high-risk status

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Indiana BMV to find out the reason for the suspension and what you must do to have it removed. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a set period; others require you to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver safety course, or provide proof of insurance.

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court, you must resolve that issue before the BMV will renew your license. If the suspension was due to a medical condition, you may need to provide a doctor's statement saying you are safe to drive.

If you are required to carry an SR22 form (proof of financial responsibility), you must maintain that insurance throughout your license renewal. When you renew, your insurance company will file the SR22 with the BMV automatically, or you may need to bring proof that the policy is active. Check with your insurance agent before you go to the BMV.

Where to renew and how long it takes

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the branch nearest you and check its hours on the Indiana BMV website. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the day usually means a shorter wait.

If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, you will not receive a temporary license, so make sure you renew at least 30 days before your current license expires.

If your license is expiring soon and you have not yet renewed, do not wait until the last day. Visiting a BMV branch takes time, and if your documents are incomplete, you may have to return. Renewing early gives you time to gather any missing paperwork and avoid driving with an expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state?

No. Indiana requires proof of current residency in the state to renew a driver's license. If you have moved out of Indiana, you must transfer your license to your new state or let it expire. You cannot renew an Indiana license from another state.

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

Bring your proof of identity and residency to a BMV branch. You do not need the physical license card to renew — the BMV can look up your record in the system. You will pay the standard renewal fee plus a $10 replacement fee for the lost card.

Do I need to renew my license if it is still valid but I changed my address?

You do not have to renew early, but you should update your address with the BMV. You can change your address online through the Indiana BMV website without renewing your license. When your license does expire, you will renew it with your current address on file.

How much does it cost to renew an Indiana driver's license?

The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may owe an additional reinstatement fee. Pay the fee at the BMV branch when you renew in person, or online if you renew through the website.

What if the BMV rejects my documents?

The BMV will tell you which document does not meet their requirements and what you need to bring instead. Common issues include residency documents that are too old (older than 60 days) or identity documents that are expired. Ask the BMV staff what alternative documents you can use, and return with those documents.