Indiana driver license renewal: in-person, by mail, or online
Indiana offers three renewal paths: online through the BMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a BMV branch. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a branch, but some situations require an in-person appointment.
Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. You can renew during this window through any method. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a BMV branch — online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana lets you renew online or by mail if your license is not yet expired and you meet the BMV's requirements for that method.
- Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal costs $20 and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires an appointment booked through the BMV website and costs $20 for a standard license.
- You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address on the license itself.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person appointment.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Indiana BMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the $20 renewal fee by credit or debit card. The process takes about 15 minutes. Your renewed license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you are renewing a standard driver license (not a commercial license), you have not changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and you do not need a new photo. If you want to update your photo, you must go in person.
Online renewal does not include a new photo — your current photo stays on file. If your photo is more than 8 years old and you want a new one, you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal for Indiana residents
Mail renewal is available under the same conditions as online renewal: your license must not be expired, you cannot be changing your name or address, and you do not need a new photo. You request a mail renewal form from the BMV website or by calling 317-615-8200. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail both to the address provided on the form along with a check or money order for $20.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking, so you will not know the exact arrival date. If your license expires before the renewed one arrives, you are technically driving on an expired license. For this reason, mail renewal works best if you renew at least 4 weeks before your expiration date.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you are changing your name or address, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver license. You must book an appointment through the BMV website; walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments are free to book, and you choose your branch and time slot. The appointment itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Pay the $20 renewal fee at the branch by cash, check, or card.
Your renewed license is printed on site and you receive it before you leave. You can drive when ready with the new license. The old license is returned to you marked as void.
What happens if your Indiana license has expired
Once your license expires, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a BMV branch in person. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Indiana, even if you have already scheduled a renewal appointment. The sooner you book an in-person appointment, the sooner you can get a valid license back.
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, the BMV may require you to retake the written test and vision screening in addition to the renewal process. Check with your local branch before your appointment to confirm what documents and tests you will need.
Fees and what they cover
Indiana driver license renewal costs $20 regardless of the method you choose. This fee covers a 4-year renewal for a standard driver license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the cost is higher and varies based on the endorsements you hold. CDL renewal must be done in person. Contact your local BMV branch or the state BMV office for current CDL renewal fees.
Timeline for receiving your renewed license
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | When You Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Online | 7 to 10 business days | Mailed to your address on file |
| 2 to 3 weeks | Mailed to your address on file | |
| In person | Same day | Printed and given to you at the branch |
If you need your license before the standard processing time, in-person renewal is your only option. You walk out with a valid license the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state now?
No. Indiana requires you to be a resident to renew by mail or online. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at an Indiana BMV branch before you leave, or you must transfer your license to your new state. Contact the BMV in your new state about their transfer process.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring the legal document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address along with the name change document.
Do I need a new photo if my current one is very old?
Indiana does not require a new photo at renewal unless your current photo is more than 8 years old. If it is, you must renew in person to have a new photo taken. If your photo is less than 8 years old, you can renew online or by mail and keep the same photo.
What if I lose my license before the renewed one arrives?
If you renewed by mail or online and your license arrives after you lose it, you will need to report the loss and get a replacement. Go to a BMV branch with your proof of identity and Social Security number. A replacement license costs $20 and is printed on site. You can still use your old renewal confirmation email or receipt as proof of a pending license if you are stopped by police.
Can I renew a commercial driver license online or by mail?
No. Commercial driver licenses must be renewed in person at a BMV branch. You must pass a medical examination and provide your current CDL. Contact your local BMV branch to schedule an appointment and confirm the current CDL renewal fee.