How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Renewing Your Indiana Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Indiana driver's license through three routes: online at the Indiana BMV website, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. Online renewal is the fastest and most common choice — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by post in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a BMV branch takes the same amount of time to process but you walk out with your renewed license the same day.

You are not required to renew in person unless your license has been expired for more than three years, you need to change your name or address, you want to add or remove the Real ID star, or you cannot renew online for another reason. Most people renew online without ever visiting a branch.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is available if your license is not expired by more than three years and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works the same way — you send in your current license and payment, and the BMV mails your new license back to you.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required only if your license has been expired for more than three years, you are changing your name or address, or you want to add or remove Real ID status.
Your new license will be valid for four or eight years depending on which term you choose, and the cost is $20 for four years or $28 for eight years.

Online Renewal Through the Indiana BMV Website

To renew online, go to the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) and select the "Renew a License" option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against BMV records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.

Once you have confirmed your information, you will choose your license term (four or eight years) and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The BMV will send your new license by mail 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 your license expired more than three years ago, if you have changed your name or address and cannot update it online, or if you want to add or remove the Real ID star on your license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: Sending Your License and Payment by Post

To renew by mail, print the renewal form from the Indiana BMV website or request one by phone at 317-232-2894. Fill out the form, include your current driver's license, and send both along with your payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order — the BMV does not accept credit or debit cards by mail.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delays. You should expect your new license to arrive 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives your process. If you are close to your license expiration date, online renewal is a safer choice.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than three years or if you need to change your name or address. You also cannot add or remove Real ID status by mail.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch

To renew in person, visit any Indiana BMV branch with your current driver's license and payment. Bring a document that proves your current address if you have moved since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the BMV website for branch hours and current wait times before you go.

At the branch, a BMV staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will choose your license term (four or eight years) and pay the fee. You will receive your new license on the spot — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you have moved and cannot update your address online, or if you want to add or remove the Real ID star. It is also your only option if you cannot renew online or by mail for any other reason.

What to Bring and How Much It Costs

For any renewal method, you will need your current Indiana driver's license. If you are renewing in person and have moved, bring a document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. Online and in-person renewals accept debit or credit card payment. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. There are no additional fees for standard renewal, but if you are adding Real ID status, the cost is the same — there is no extra charge.

Real ID Status: Adding or Removing the Star

Indiana driver's licenses can display a gold star in the upper right corner, which means they meet Real ID standards and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license has the star and you want to keep it, your new license will automatically have it — you do not need to do anything.

If your current license does not have the star and you want to add it, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address. The BMV will verify this information and issue your new license with the Real ID star.

If your current license has the star and you want to remove it, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. When you renew online or by mail, straightforward do not request Real ID status. If you renew in person, tell the BMV staff member you do not want the Real ID star.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Three Years

If your Indiana driver's license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to visit a BMV branch in person, pass the written test and road test, and pay the full fee for a new license rather than the lower renewal fee.

To avoid this, renew your license before it expires or within three years of expiration. If your license has already been expired for more than three years, contact the Indiana BMV at 317-232-2894 to learn what you need to do to get back on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license faster, renew in person at a BMV branch and you will receive it the same day.

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last three years. If it expired more than three years ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the BMV will use your current photo from your existing license. If you renew in person at a BMV branch, the staff member will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo if you renew online or by mail.

What if I have moved since my last renewal?

If you renew online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew by mail, include your new address on the renewal form. If you renew in person, bring a document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have changed your name. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring a document that proves your name change, such as a 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.