How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

The Basic Path to Renewing Your Indiana License

You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, by mail, or online through the Indiana BMV website — but not all methods work for everyone. The online and mail routes are faster and require no appointment, but they're only open to drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Indiana licenses are valid for eight years. The BMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you have a valid Social Security number on file.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form, and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at any BMV branch is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you may have to pass a written test.
Indiana charges a renewal fee that varies depending on your license type and how long you're renewing it for — typically between $20 and $30 for a standard eight-year renewal.
You do not need an appointment for in-person renewal, but arriving early in the day or on a weekday usually means shorter wait times.

Renewing Online Through the Indiana BMV Website

Online renewal is the quickest method if you're may be able to access. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against BMV records and, if everything matches, issue your new license on the spot.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is only open to drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired less than two years, and you must have a Social Security number on file with the BMV.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to the BMV. read or request the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL 44) from the Indiana BMV website or pick one up at any BMV branch. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of a document that proves your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

Send your packet to the address listed on the form — it's the BMV's Indianapolis processing center. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your process. Like online renewal, mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than two years ago. If your address has changed, include a signed statement explaining the change along with your proof of address.

Renewing In Person at a BMV Branch

Walk into any BMV branch during business hours with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address. Bring a check or credit card for the renewal fee. You do not need an appointment. The BMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot — you'll receive a temporary paper license to drive on when ready, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. In that case, you may also have to pass the written test before the BMV will renew you. The BMV will tell you during your visit whether a test is required based on how long your license has been expired. You can study using the Indiana BMV's online practice test, which covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.

What Documents You'll Need

For any renewal method, have these documents ready:

Your current Indiana driver's license
Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form)
Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
A valid payment method — check, money order, debit card, or credit card, depending on your renewal method

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you're renewing in person and your address has changed, tell the BMV employee — they'll update your record on the spot.

Renewal Fees and Timeline

Indiana's renewal fee depends on your license type and how long you're renewing it for. A standard eight-year renewal for a regular driver's license costs around $20 to $30. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. The BMV website lists the exact fee for your situation.

Online renewal is fastest: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the date the BMV receives your packet. In-person renewal is when ready — you get a temporary paper license to drive on right away, and your plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license before the plastic card arrives, the temporary license is valid for driving.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring all the documents listed above, plus any documents required for a name change if applicable.

The BMV may require you to pass the written test before renewing. Whether you have to take the test depends on how long your license has been expired — the BMV will tell you when you arrive. If a test is required, you can take it the same day. Study the Indiana BMV's online practice test beforehand to prepare. Once you pass the test (or if no test is required), the BMV will issue your new license when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Indiana lets you renew up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The eight-year validity period starts from your renewal date, not your old expiration date.

What if I don't have a Social Security number on file with the BMV?

You'll need to renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your Social Security card or another document proving your number. The BMV will add it to your record, and you can renew online or by mail next time.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the BMV takes a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting a BMV branch instead, but it's not required.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Tell the BMV during your renewal, whether you're renewing online, by mail, or in person. Include proof of your new address with your process. If you're renewing online, update your address through the BMV website before starting the renewal process.

Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the BMV. Contact the BMV directly to find out what you need to do before you can renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.