How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana License Renewal: The Basic Process

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew online or by mail and never visit a BMV office.

Your Indiana license is valid for eight years. The BMV sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you your renewal code — a number you need to renew online or by mail. If you do not receive the notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and the BMV mails a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $20 for a standard license; you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of the change.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $20; in-person renewal is when ready but requires a visit to your local BMV office.
You will need a new photo every eight years, so you cannot renew online or by mail if your current license photo is more than eight years old.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the quickest and cheapest option if your information has not changed. The fee is $20, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires. You will need your renewal code (from the notice the BMV mailed you), your driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. The system will ask you to confirm your address, name, and other personal information. Once you submit your renewal, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if your address or name has changed, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. It is also not available if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18 or if you need a new photo.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal works much like online renewal but takes longer. You will receive a renewal form in the notice the BMV sends you. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Indiana BMV, and mail both to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your address and name must not have changed, and you cannot have a CDL or a suspended or revoked license.

Keep a record of when you mail your renewal. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the BMV to confirm they received your form. Mailing delays are rare, but it is worth checking rather than driving on an expired license by accident.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch

You must renew in person if your address or name has changed, if you have a CDL, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18. In-person renewal also applies if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need a new photo because your current license photo is more than eight years old.

Visit your local BMV branch with your current driver's license, proof of your new address (if applicable), and proof of your name change (if applicable). Acceptable address proofs include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will take a new photo, process your renewal on the spot, and issue your new license when ready. The fee is $20.

Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. Many branches are busier on weekday afternoons and Saturdays. Some branches allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Indiana BMV website, which can save you time. Check your local branch's hours and appointment availability before you go.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

For online or mail renewal, you need only your renewal code and your driver's license number. The fee is $20 in both cases.

For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and $20. If your address has changed, bring proof dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a CDL, you will also need to pass a medical examination and bring the completed medical certificate form (MCSA-5875) from a certified medical examiner.

The $20 fee covers an eight-year license. Indiana does not charge extra for a standard license versus an enhanced license, though an enhanced license (which allows entry to Canada by land) costs more and requires additional documents.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired or About to Expire

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address if it has changed, and $20. The BMV will issue a new license on the spot. Driving on an expired license is illegal, so do not delay.

If your license expires while you are waiting for your online or mail renewal to arrive, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal. Print or save a copy of your online confirmation, or keep the envelope your mail renewal was sent in. If a police officer stops you, show them the proof of your pending renewal along with your expired license.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the BMV may treat your renewal as a new process rather than a renewal. Contact your local BMV branch to ask whether you can renew or whether you need to explore for a new license, which requires a written test and a driving test.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is trying to renew online or by mail when your address or name has changed. The system will reject your renewal if the information does not match the BMV's records. If you have moved or married, go to a BMV branch in person and bring proof of the change.

Another mistake is losing your renewal notice and not knowing your renewal code. You can still renew online or by mail without the code — just use your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead. The BMV website will walk you through it.

Do not send cash in the mail. The BMV will not process a renewal that includes cash, and you will not get it back. Use a check or money order instead. Write your driver's license number on the check so the BMV can match it to your renewal.

If you are renewing a CDL, do not forget the medical certificate. The BMV will not process a CDL renewal without it, and you cannot get one from the BMV itself — you must visit a certified medical examiner first. Plan ahead if your medical certificate is about to expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen at any time. Renewing early is a good idea if you are about to travel or if you know you will be busy when your license is close to expiring.

What if I moved out of state but still have an Indiana license?

You cannot renew an Indiana license if you no longer live in Indiana. You must get a license in your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still an Indiana resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address on file is still in Indiana.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you get your new license the same day. You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your current license photo is more than eight years old or you choose to get a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo.

What if the BMV lost my renewal form in the mail?

If you mailed your renewal and your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact your local BMV branch. They can check whether they received your form. If they did not, you can submit a new one or renew in person. Keep a record of when you mailed your renewal so you know when to follow up.

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.