How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana license renewal basics

In Indiana, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. Most people renew online through the Indiana BMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. You do not need to take a new written or road test unless your license was suspended, revoked, or you have medical restrictions that need updating.

Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires. Indiana will not process a renewal request before that window opens, even if you submit it early. You can renew up until the day your license expires, but waiting until the last week creates unnecessary stress — the online system occasionally experiences delays, and mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person at a BMV branch, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail later. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the Indiana BMV website starting 180 days before your license expires, and most renewals take about 10 minutes.
Online renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license, and you do not need to visit a branch or take any tests.
If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
You cannot renew if your license was suspended or revoked — you must visit a BMV branch and may need to complete additional requirements.

Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most common method. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update your address, emergency contact, and organ donation preference.

You will need a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. Once you submit payment, you are finished. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have medical restrictions that require a doctor's statement. It is also not available if you need to change your name, update your address to a different state, or add a Real ID designation. In those cases, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no visit to a BMV branch. Request a renewal form by calling the Indiana BMV at 317-615-7293 or by visiting a branch in person. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20 (four-year) or $28 (eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the form.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your envelope, plus the time for mail to travel both ways. If you mail your renewal two weeks before your license expires, there is a real risk it will not arrive in time. Mail renewal makes sense only if you are renewing well in advance or if you cannot access the online system.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Visit any Indiana BMV branch with your current driver's license, 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). Bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

The branch will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal costs the same as online ($20 for four years, $28 for eight years) and is necessary if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you need to make changes that the online system cannot handle.

Wait times at BMV branches vary widely depending on location and time of day. Branches are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Saturdays and after 3 p.m. on weekdays. Some branches allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

The BMV will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving privileges. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical issues. Some suspensions are automatic and lift on their own after a set period; others require you to take action — paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or submitting a medical evaluation.

Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Indiana and carries fines and possible jail time. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Indiana BMV at 317-615-7293 or check your status on the BMV website.

Real ID and license renewal in Indiana

Indiana offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for federal building entry or domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.

If you are renewing a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you cannot do it online. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring additional documents: your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of address. The Real ID upgrade costs the same as a standard renewal ($20 for four years, $28 for eight years).

If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, you can renew it online and keep the Real ID designation. The online system will ask whether you want to maintain Real ID status, and you can say yes without visiting a branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different state?

No. You must renew in person at an Indiana BMV branch if you have moved out of state, because your address change requires verification. Bring your current Indiana license, proof of your new address in the other state, and your Social Security documents. The BMV will update your address and issue your renewal.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew online if your license is lost. Visit a BMV branch with your Social Security documents and proof of address. The branch will issue a replacement license and renew it in one transaction. The cost is $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license — the same as a standard renewal.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving until your permanent plastic license arrives by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not rely on the temporary license for more than two weeks. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Indiana BMV at 317-615-7293.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?

If your medical condition requires restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or hand controls), you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and a statement from your doctor if your condition has changed. The BMV will update your restrictions and issue your renewal.

What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?

If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still considered to have a valid license as long as you can show proof that you submitted your renewal request. Keep your confirmation email or receipt. Driving with an expired license is not a violation if you have proof of a pending renewal, but it is safer to renew earlier to avoid any confusion with law enforcement.

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.