How to renew your Indiana driver's license

You can renew your Indiana driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew by mail or online without visiting a branch, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need a new photo.

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

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on whether your license is current and whether you need a new photo.
  • Mail and online renewals cost less than in-person renewals and take about two to three weeks for the new license to arrive.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
  • You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait for the BMV's renewal notice.
  • Indiana charges different fees depending on your age and whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no visit to a BMV branch. You will need the renewal notice the BMV mails you, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process form. The renewal notice includes the process form and instructions; if you have not received it yet, you can read the form from the Indiana BMV website or call the BMV at 317-232-2050 to request one.

Mail your completed form, payment, and renewal notice to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. The fee for mail renewal varies by age: as of 2024, it ranges from about $20 to $30, but confirm the current amount on the BMV website before sending payment.

Renewing online

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current Indiana driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Visit the Indiana BMV website and select the online renewal option to start.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. After you submit payment, the BMV will mail your new license within two to three weeks. Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal. You can renew online up to one year before your expiration date.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address or name and prefer not to do it by mail or online. Bring your current Indiana driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than two years), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

Visit any BMV branch during business hours. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay the renewal fee. In-person renewal costs more than mail or online renewal—typically $30 to $40 depending on your age—but you will receive a temporary license to drive when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.

Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the Indiana BMV website before you go. Some branches allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Indiana driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a BMV branch in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

The BMV may require you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for a very long time, though this is not always the case. Call your local BMV branch or the main BMV line at 317-232-2050 before you visit to ask whether you will need to take the test. If you do, you can study using the Indiana BMV's online practice test.

Fees and payment methods

Indiana renewal fees depend on your age and your renewal method. Mail and online renewals are the least expensive, typically costing $20 to $30. In-person renewals cost more, usually $30 to $40. Fees also vary slightly depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a commercial driver's license (CDL).

For mail renewal, you must pay by check or money order. For online renewal, you can pay by debit or credit card. For in-person renewal, most BMV branches accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but call ahead to confirm what your branch accepts. The BMV website lists current fees for each renewal method and age group.

What to do if you lose your license before it expires

If your Indiana driver's license is lost or stolen before it expires, you cannot straightforward renew it early by mail or online. You must visit a BMV branch in person to report the loss and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and proof of your address, just as you would for an in-person renewal.

The BMV will issue you a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original license. You will pay a replacement fee, which is separate from the renewal fee. Once your replacement arrives, you can renew it by mail or online when the expiration date approaches, using the standard renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana driver's license before I receive the renewal notice from the BMV?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, even if you have not received a renewal notice. For mail renewal, contact the BMV at 317-232-2050 to request an process form. For online renewal, visit the Indiana BMV website and enter your license number and other information to start the process.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?

Mail and online renewals typically take two to three weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is faster: you receive a temporary license to drive when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.

What if my address has changed since I got my current license?

You can update your address during any renewal method. For mail or online renewal, you will enter your new address in the form or online system. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) and the BMV will update it for you.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I want a new photo?

Yes. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Mail and online renewals use your existing photo. In-person renewal includes a new photo taken at the branch.

What happens if my Indiana driver's license expires while I am out of state?

You can renew by mail or online from anywhere, as long as your license is still valid or has been expired for less than two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to visit an Indiana BMV branch in person to renew, which means returning to Indiana or visiting an Indiana BMV office if you are stationed there for military service.