Indiana driver's license renewal: the basic path

In Indiana, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. Most people renew online through the Indiana BMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have certain medical conditions.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice includes a renewal code you will need to start the online process. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew online by entering your driver's license number and date of birth on the BMV website.

Indiana licenses expire on your birthday. If you renew before the expiration date, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew the same way, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, renewal code, and a valid payment method.
  • Indiana licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date or any time after it expires.
  • A four-year license costs $20 and an eight-year license costs $28; you choose the length when you renew online.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and may need to retake the written test.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal.

Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website

Go to the Indiana BMV website and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You will need your current driver's license number, your renewal code (from the notice the BMV mailed you), your date of birth, and a valid payment method—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

During online renewal, you will confirm your address and choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. You will also answer a few health and safety questions (for example, whether your vision has changed or whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving). If you answer yes to any of these questions, the BMV may ask you to visit a branch in person or provide a medical form from your doctor.

Once you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you need to update your address, you can do that during the online renewal process.

Renewing by mail

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the Indiana BMV. Your renewal notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for $20 (four-year license) or $28 (eight-year license) and mail it with your renewal notice to the address printed on the envelope.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the BMV receives your payment. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least 30 days before your license expires. Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records until your new license arrives.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have certain medical conditions, or if the BMV asks you to come in after your online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

At the branch, you will pay the renewal fee, answer health and safety questions, and have your photo taken. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will also take the written test. Most BMV branches do not require an appointment, but wait times vary. You can check wait times on the Indiana BMV website before you go.

Your new license is printed on the spot at most branches, though some locations mail it to you instead. Ask the staff member which applies at the branch you visit. If your license is printed there, you can drive legally as soon as you leave.

What happens if your license expires

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Indiana or any other state until you renew it. If you are stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. However, you can still renew your license after it expires using any of the three methods above—online, by mail, or in person.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, the BMV treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to renew in person, take the written test, and provide proof of your Social Security number and address. This process takes longer than a standard renewal.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

When you renew online or in person, you choose how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs $20 and an eight-year license costs $28. The only difference is the expiration date; both licenses work the same way.

An eight-year license saves you money over time because you renew less often. A four-year license is useful if you expect your address, name, or other information to change soon, or if you prefer to renew more frequently. Think about your situation over the next few years and choose the option that makes sense for you.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Indiana

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a valid medical certificate (CDLIS Medical Certificate) if your CDL requires one.

At the branch, you will answer health and safety questions, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Depending on your CDL class and endorsements, you may need to take a written test or a road test. The staff at the BMV branch will tell you what is required for your specific license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in Indiana to renew. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Indiana BMV branch, even if you do not live there anymore. Just bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your information and let you proceed. If you prefer to renew by mail, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 and ask them to mail you a new notice.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. Mail delivery times vary by location, so plan for an additional 3 to 5 business days. If your license expires before it arrives, you cannot legally drive until the new one reaches you.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or the BMV asks you to provide one. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, the BMV takes a new photo at the branch.

What if my name or address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online renewal. If your name changed, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name and photo.