Indiana driver's licenses renew every 8 years, and you can renew in person at a BMV branch or online if you meet certain conditions
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues driver's licenses valid for 8 years from the date of issue. When your license approaches expiration, you have two paths: renew online through the BMV website if you're may be able to access, or visit a BMV branch in person. Online renewal is faster and costs less, but not everyone qualifies — your license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired for more than 5 years, and you cannot have certain medical or vision restrictions.
The timing matters. You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, which gives you a long window to plan. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but the process changes depending on how long ago it lapsed. Licenses expired for 5 years or less can be renewed online or in person; licenses expired longer than 5 years require an in-person visit and a new written test.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana licenses last 8 years, and you can start renewing 180 days before expiration through the BMV website or at any BMV branch.
- Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired more than 5 years.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and a completed process form (DL 44), and costs $28 for a standard license.
- If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person and pass a written knowledge test and vision screening.
- New licenses arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you can receive a temporary paper license when ready at a BMV branch.
Online Renewal Through the BMV Website
The Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv offers online renewal if you meet the may be able to access requirements. You must have a valid, non-suspended license that expired no more than 5 years ago, no medical or vision restrictions on your record, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes: log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $20 renewal fee with a debit or credit card, and submit.
After you submit your online renewal, the BMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license when renewing online, so if you need to drive before the new one arrives, you may want to renew in person instead. If your address has changed, update it before you renew online, or contact the BMV to correct it after renewal.
In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch
Visiting a BMV branch gives you more options and lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it expired within 5 years), a document proving your current address, and a completed process form DL 44, which you can read from the BMV website or fill out at the branch. The fee is $28 for a standard driver's license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license, the cost is $35 and you must bring additional documents proving citizenship and identity.
The BMV will check your vision and take a new photo. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you. The vision screening is quick — the BMV tests your ability to see clearly at distance and read text. If you fail the vision test, the BMV may restrict your license or require you to see an eye doctor and bring a report back. Once approved, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns usually have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other cities. You can check current wait times on the BMV website before you go, and some branches offer online appointment scheduling to skip the line.
What to Bring and How Much It Costs
| Renewal Type | Documents Needed | Cost | How Long It Takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online renewal | Valid driver's license number and date of birth; email address | $20 | 7–10 business days by mail |
| In-person renewal (standard) | Current or recently expired license; proof of address; completed DL 44 form | $28 | Temporary license same day; permanent license 7–10 business days |
| In-person renewal (Real ID) | Current or recently expired license; proof of address; proof of citizenship; proof of identity; completed DL 44 form | $35 | Temporary license same day; permanent license 7–10 business days |
| In-person renewal (expired 5+ years) | Proof of identity; proof of address; proof of citizenship; completed DL 44 form | $28 | Written test and vision screening required; 7–10 business days by mail |
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document, a letter from your employer or a government agency with your name and address may work — ask the BMV staff when you arrive.
Renewing a License That Expired More Than 5 Years Ago
If your Indiana license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit a BMV branch in person, and the BMV will require you to pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening before issuing a new license. The written test covers Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the BMV's free online manual at in.gov/bmv, which contains all the questions and answers that may appear on the test.
Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: proof of identity, proof of address, and a completed DL 44 form. The fee remains $28 for a standard license. After you pass the test and vision screening, you receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge.
Real ID Compliance and Your Indiana License
Indiana offers Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering military bases. A Real ID license costs $7 more than a standard license ($35 instead of $28) and requires additional documents: proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of identity (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You do not have to get a Real ID license — a standard license works for driving and state ID purposes — but if you plan to fly domestically, you will need one or a passport.
When you renew in person, tell the BMV staff if you want a Real ID license and bring the extra documents. The process is otherwise the same: vision screening, photo, and temporary license on the spot. Your permanent Real ID license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days and displays a small star in the top right corner.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
If your Indiana driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or at a standard BMV branch visit. A suspension is usually temporary — often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition — while a revocation is more serious and may result from multiple DUI convictions or other serious violations. You must contact the BMV or the agency that imposed the suspension or revocation to find out the reason and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license. If the suspension was due to a medical issue, you may need a doctor's clearance. If it was due to unpaid fines or child support, you must pay what you owe. Contact the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 to ask about your specific situation and what documents you need to bring when you visit a branch to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires. This gives you a long window to renew online or visit a BMV branch without rushing. Renewing early is a good idea if you know you will be busy or traveling when your license is about to expire.
What if I move out of Indiana after I renew?
Your Indiana license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. If you move and want a driver's license from your new state, you will need to explore for one there. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, so check your new state's requirements.
How do I find the BMV branch nearest me?
Visit in.gov/bmv and use the branch locator tool to find hours, wait times, and whether the branch offers online appointment scheduling. You can also call 1-888-692-6841 to ask about a specific branch or to make an appointment.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You cannot renew online if you do not have your license number. Visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity and address. The BMV will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. The cost is $28 for a standard license, which covers both the replacement and renewal.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. The BMV takes a new photo at every in-person renewal. If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license, so you do not get a new photo unless you visit a branch.