How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Renew Your Indiana License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at myBMV.com, 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 new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a branch — but if your license expired more than five years ago or you need a Real ID, you must go in person.

The online and mail routes take about two weeks from submission to receipt. In-person renewals are usually processed the same day. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, except for Real ID licenses, which take longer because they require document verification at the branch.

Key Takeaways

Indiana offers online renewal at myBMV.com for most standard driver's licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than five years.
You need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to renew online; no documents must be mailed in advance.
Mail renewal requires the same information plus a completed form, and takes about two weeks from mailing to receipt of your new license.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a Real ID, or you want to change your photo without waiting.
The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the time of renewal regardless of method.

Online Renewal at myBMV.com

Online renewal is the fastest route for most people. Go to myBMV.com, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your current license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address and other details.

You can renew online only if your license is not yet expired or expired less than five years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or photo — those changes require a mail form or in-person visit. If the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead.

After you submit your information and pay the renewal fee ($24 for four years or $36 for eight years) by debit or credit card, you receive a confirmation email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal Using Form DL-44

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-44 (process for Indiana Driver's License) from the BMV website or call 1-888-692-6841. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. You do not need to include your current license or other documents — just the completed form and your payment.

Mail the form and a check or money order for $24 (four-year license) or $36 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not mail cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want to track the package. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the BMV receives your form.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is available only if your license is not yet expired or expired less than five years ago. If you need to change your photo, address, or name, you must renew in person at a BMV branch instead.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch

Visit a BMV branch if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a Real ID, you want to change your photo, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have the current one), 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 60 days).

If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two proofs of address if one of your documents does not show your current address. Real ID processing takes longer because the BMV must verify your documents against state and federal databases.

The BMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days for standard licenses, or 2 to 3 weeks for Real ID licenses. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.

Renewal Fees and License Duration

Indiana offers two renewal terms: four years for $24 or eight years for $36. You choose which term when you renew, whether online, by mail, or in person. The eight-year license costs more but means you renew less often. Both are standard driver's licenses with the same legal standing.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay at the time of submission. If you renew in person, you pay at the BMV branch counter. Accepted payment methods are debit card, credit card, or check (by mail only). The BMV does not accept cash by mail.

What to Do If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person and complete a full process, not just a renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

The BMV will take a new photo and process your process as if you were explore for the first time, even though you held a license before. This takes longer than a standard renewal and may require additional verification. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID Endorsement and Renewal

If your current license has a gold star in the upper right corner, it is a Real ID license. Real ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. If you do not have a Real ID and want one, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

To get a Real ID during renewal, bring your current or expired license, a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your address on your birth certificate or passport does not match your current address, bring a second proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Real ID licenses take 2 to 3 weeks to arrive by mail because the BMV must verify your documents against state and federal records. Standard licenses without the Real ID endorsement take 7 to 10 business days. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your Real ID arrives, request a temporary paper license at the branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes. Indiana does not require you to be in the state to renew. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere, as long as your license expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a BMV branch in person, which means traveling to Indiana.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my license within two weeks?

Contact the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 or check your renewal status at myBMV.com using your license number and date of birth. Mail delays can happen, especially during high-volume periods. The BMV can reissue your license or issue a temporary paper license if needed.

Do I need to take a new written test or vision test to renew?

No. Renewal does not require a written test or vision test, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You only need to provide your current information and pay the fee. If you renew in person, the BMV will take a new photo.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. Online renewal uses the address already on file. To change your address, you must renew by mail using Form DL-44 or renew in person at a BMV branch. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is processed the same day.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

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.