How to Renew Your Indiana Driver License

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

Indiana lets you renew your driver license through three routes: by mail, online through the BMV website, or at a branch office. Which one you use depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew by mail or online and never visit a branch — but you must go in person if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you need to change your photo, or if you have a Real ID designation you want to keep.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method works for your situation. If you do not receive one, you can still renew, but you will need to know your license number and the expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Indiana sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration; use it to renew by mail or online if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address.
Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option and costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and a signed form; do not send cash.
In-person renewal at a branch is required if your license expired more than three years ago, you need a photo update, or you hold a Real ID and want to keep it.
Real ID licenses cost $5 more than standard licenses and require proof of citizenship and residence at the branch.

Online Renewal Through the Indiana BMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most straightforward option if your license is current (not expired) and you have not changed your legal name or address. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee.

You pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. Once approved, the BMV mails your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal works for standard licenses and Real ID licenses. If you want to add Real ID to a standard license during renewal, you cannot do it online — you must visit a branch in person with proof of citizenship and residence.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

If you prefer to renew by mail, use the renewal notice the BMV sent you. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail the packet to the address printed on the notice.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you have moved, update your address before you mail the renewal form, or call the BMV at 317-615-8200 to change it over the phone.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license has been expired for more than three years. It also does not work if you need to change your photo, update your name, or add Real ID. For any of those situations, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at an Indiana BMV Branch

Visit a branch office if your license expired more than three years ago, if you need a new photo, if you want to add or keep Real ID, or if you have changed your legal name. Bring your current license (or expired license if it is less than three years past expiration), 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 adding or renewing Real ID, you also need proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document — and a second form of ID.

The branch will take a new photo, process your renewal on the spot, and issue a temporary license you can use when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Most branches do not require an appointment, but wait times vary. Check in.gov/bmv to find the branch nearest you and see current wait times.

Renewal Fees and License Duration

Indiana charges different fees based on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $20 for a standard license or $25 for Real ID. An eight-year license costs $30 for a standard license or $35 for Real ID. The renewal notice you receive will show which option applies to you based on your current license type.

When you renew online or by mail, you choose the duration at the time of renewal. At a branch, the clerk will ask which duration you prefer. There is no advantage to choosing one over the other except cost — the eight-year license is more expensive but means you will not need to renew again for eight years.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the methods above. If it expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a branch. The BMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, so you will need to bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you have sent in a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you submitted a renewal, but that does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

Real ID and Renewal

Indiana Real ID licenses are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it by mail or online — your Real ID status carries over automatically. If you have a standard license and want to add Real ID during renewal, you must go to a branch in person.

At the branch, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document), proof of Social Security number, and two forms of ID. One of those forms can be your current driver license. The Real ID license costs $5 more than a standard license for the same duration.

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 obtain a license from that state. If you moved temporarily but still live in Indiana, update your address with the BMV before renewing by calling 317-615-8200 or visiting a branch.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, go to in.gov/bmv and enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail renewal, call 317-615-8200 and ask the BMV to mail you a renewal form, or visit a branch to renew in person.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Indiana. Once your license expires, you must stop driving until the new one arrives. If you renew online or by mail, your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before then, renew in person at a branch to get a temporary license when ready.

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

No. Renewal does not require any test. You only take written and driving tests when you first obtain a license or when your license is suspended or revoked. Renewal is a straightforward process of confirming your information and paying the fee.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, unpaid tickets do not prevent renewal. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before the BMV will renew it. Call 317-615-8200 to check your suspension status, or visit a branch to learn what you need to do to clear it.

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.