Renew Your Indiana License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Indiana lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at myBMV.IN.gov, by mail, or 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 Real ID. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a branch. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.
The online renewal is fastest and costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a BMV branch takes about 30 minutes and costs the same amount, but you will need to bring original documents and proof of residency.
Indiana does not require you to renew on your expiration date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you can plan ahead and avoid the rush. However, if your license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail routes — you must go to a BMV branch in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at myBMV.IN.gov is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes, but only works if your license expired less than five years ago and you do not need a Real ID upgrade.
- Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 44, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your current or expired license, and is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago.
- Indiana charges $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license, and you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
- Real ID upgrades must be done in person and require an original birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of residency.
Online Renewal Through myBMV.IN.gov
Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than five years ago, you do not need a Real ID, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. You will need your current or recently expired license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay by debit or credit card.
After you complete the online form and payment, the BMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a transaction number — save this in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact the BMV.
If the online system rejects your request, it will tell you why — usually because your license has been expired too long, your address changed, or you need a Real ID. In that case, you must use the mail or in-person route instead.
Mail Renewal With Form DL 44
To renew by mail, read or request Form DL 44 from the BMV website or call 317-615-7293. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $20 (four-year license) or $30 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
The BMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your packet, processing takes about two weeks, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after that. Total time is usually two to three weeks. Include a note with your phone number or email if you want the BMV to contact you if there is a problem with your process.
Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than five years ago and you do not need a Real ID. If either condition does not explore, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch
Visit any BMV branch with your current or expired license, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted.
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a Real ID, or if your address has changed since your last renewal. The branch will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
Wait times vary by branch and time of day. Branches are typically less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. You can check wait times for your local branch on myBMV.IN.gov before you go. No appointment is required, but some branches offer online check-in to reduce your wait.
Real ID Upgrade Requirements
If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person. Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. Indiana Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses ($20 for four years, $30 for eight years) but require additional documents.
Bring your original birth certificate, original Social Security card, current or expired driver's license, and two proofs of residency. Proofs of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. Photocopies are not accepted.
The BMV will verify your documents and take a new photo. Your Real ID license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card.
Fees, Payment Methods, and License Validity
Indiana driver's licenses cost $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. Online and mail renewal accept debit cards, credit cards, or checks and money orders (mail only). In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
Your new license is valid for the term you choose — four or eight years from the issue date. Indiana does not charge different fees based on age, gender, or license type (standard versus Real ID). If you renew before your current license expires, your new expiration date is calculated from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting a branch. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring all required documents, including proof of residency and a valid photo ID.
An expired license cannot be used to drive legally. If you are stopped by police, you may face a citation. Renew as soon as possible by visiting a BMV branch — this is the fastest way to get a valid license back in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license online if I moved to a new address?
No. Online renewal only works if your address has not changed since your last renewal. If you moved, you must renew by mail or in person. In-person renewal is faster if you need to update your address.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
The BMV mails your new license after you complete the online form and payment. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a transaction number to track your renewal.
What happens if I mail my renewal form and the BMV finds a problem?
The BMV will contact you using the phone number or email you provided on the form. If they cannot reach you, they may return your payment and ask you to renew in person instead. Include your contact information on the form to avoid delays.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Indiana license?
Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. You can renew with a standard license or upgrade to Real ID at the same time. Real ID requires in-person renewal and additional documents like your original birth certificate and Social Security card.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?
Yes, but only in person at a BMV branch. You must bring your expired license, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency. The BMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot.