How Indiana driver's license renewal works

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 85 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting a branch.

Your Indiana license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 84, and four years if you are under 21. The BMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

The cost is $28 for a standard eight-year renewal, or $14 for a four-year renewal if you are under 21. If you renew online or by mail, you will pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. In-person renewals also accept cash.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana offers online renewal through the BMV website for most drivers, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $28 for an eight-year license.
  • Mail renewal is available if you do not need a new photo and your license has not been expired for more than five years.
  • You must renew in person at a BMV branch if your license has been expired for more than five years, you are 85 or older, or you need a new photo.
  • The BMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you can start the process up to one year early.
  • Indiana Real ID-compliant licenses require a visit to a BMV branch and proof of citizenship, residency, and identity.

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than five years. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License," and create or log into your BMV account. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

The system will ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information. If anything has changed, you can update it during renewal. You will also choose whether to keep your current photo or request a new one; if you request a new photo, you must visit a BMV branch in person within 30 days to have it taken.

After you submit your information and pay the $28 fee, your renewal is processed when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal if you do not need a new photo

If your license is not expired or has been expired less than five years, and you do not need a new photo, you can renew by mail. Wait for your renewal notice from the BMV, or read the renewal form from in.gov/bmv. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $28 to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, online renewal is faster.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

You must visit a BMV branch in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, you are 85 or older, you need a new photo, or you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and a second form of identity.

Visit the BMV branch during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at in.gov/bmv to avoid long lines. Bring cash, check, or a card to pay the $28 renewal fee.

Real ID renewal and what you need to bring

Indiana Real ID-compliant licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the star and you want one, or if your Real ID license is expiring, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport card), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and two forms of identity or residency proof. One form must show your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement dated within 60 days works.

The Real ID renewal process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the branch. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license for travel and federal building access until your new one arrives.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

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

The BMV will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. The fee remains $28 for an eight-year license. If you do not have your expired license, bring a second form of identity such as a passport or state ID from another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I have moved out of state?

No. Indiana only renews licenses for people who live in Indiana. If you have moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your Indiana license at any BMV branch or by mail.

What happens if I drive with an expired license in Indiana?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Indiana. If you are stopped, you can face a fine. If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it. If it has been expired longer, you will need to visit a BMV branch.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. Mail delivery adds 2 to 5 days depending on where you live. Online and in-person renewals are faster than mail renewal because processing starts when ready.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or unpaid fine?

Indiana does not suspend licenses for unpaid traffic tickets or fines, so you can renew your license regardless of outstanding violations. However, you should resolve any tickets or fines to avoid additional penalties or court action.

Do I need to take a vision test to renew my license in Indiana?

No vision test is required for online or mail renewal. If you renew in person at a BMV branch, staff will ask about vision problems but will not perform a formal test unless you report a significant change in your vision.