How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch

Indiana's renewal process depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you want to renew early, and which method works best for your schedule. Most people can renew online through the BMV website without visiting a branch. If you cannot renew online — because your address has changed, your vision has failed the last test, or you have other restrictions — you will need to go in person. Mail renewal is also an option for certain situations, though it takes longer.

Your Indiana license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the front. You can renew it up to one year before that date, which means you have a full year window to get it done. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may require an in-person visit and a new photo.

Key Takeaways

Indiana licenses expire every eight years on your birthday, and you can renew starting one year before that date.
Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes if you have a valid Social Security number and no address changes.
If your address has changed, your vision test result has expired, or you have restrictions that need updating, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
Mail renewal is available but slower; it takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license and a completed form.
Expired licenses can be renewed, but you may need to visit a branch in person and provide a new photo.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You will need your current Indiana license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The BMV website will ask you to confirm your address, vision status, and other information from your current license. If everything matches their records, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.

After you submit your online renewal, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit a branch, and you do not need to provide a new photo — the BMV will use the photo from your current license unless you request a new one.

You cannot renew online if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if your vision test result has expired (more than 12 months old), or if you have certain restrictions or endorsements that need to be updated. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a BMV branch. Bring your current Indiana license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, bring documents showing both your old and new addresses.

At the branch, a BMV employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and may ask you to read an eye chart to confirm your vision is still acceptable. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. You can check wait times on the BMV website before you go. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait if you need to drive when ready.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may be required to pass a written test or road test in addition to the vision check. Contact your local BMV branch to confirm what you will need before you visit.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available if you meet the same requirements as online renewal — your address has not changed, your vision test is current, and you have no new restrictions. You will need to request a renewal form from the BMV or read it from their website. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. You should expect 2 to 3 weeks for the BMV to receive your materials, process your renewal, and mail your new license back to you. If you need your license sooner, online or in-person renewal is faster.

What to bring and what it costs

The renewal fee in Indiana is $24 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash (cash only at BMV branches, not online). If you are renewing online, you will pay the fee as part of the online transaction. If you are renewing in person, you can pay at the branch. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order with your process.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your address has changed, bring documents showing both addresses. If you want a new photo, you can request one at the branch, though there is no extra charge — the photo is included in the renewal fee.

Renewing an expired license

If your Indiana license has expired, you can still renew it, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than a year ago, you may be able to renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than a year ago, you will need to renew in person at a BMV branch.

When you renew an expired license in person, the BMV will take a new photo and may require you to pass a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may also need to pass a written test. Contact your local BMV branch before you visit to find out exactly what you will need.

Requesting a new photo or address change

If you want a new photo on your renewed license, you can request one at any time. If you are renewing online, you cannot request a new photo through that method — you will need to renew in person or call the BMV to ask about other options. If you are renewing in person, straightforward ask the BMV employee to take a new photo when you arrive.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of both your old and new addresses. The BMV will update your address during the renewal process, and your new license will be mailed to your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license was set to expire.

What if I lost my current license?

If you have lost your license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You will need to visit a BMV branch in person to report it lost and explore for a replacement. The BMV will take a new photo and issue you a new license. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your new one to arrive by mail.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

The BMV usually mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Delivery time depends on your address and the postal service, so plan for 10 to 14 days total from the time you submit your process to when it arrives.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a BMV branch?

Appointments are not required, but the BMV recommends checking wait times on their website before you visit. Some branches are busier than others, and you may wait 15 to 30 minutes or longer during peak hours. You can also schedule an appointment online if your branch offers that option.

What happens if my vision test fails during renewal?

If you fail the vision test at a BMV branch, the employee will tell you that you cannot renew your license until your vision meets the state standard. You will need to see an eye doctor, get corrective lenses if needed, and return to the BMV with a new vision test result or proof that you have corrected your vision. Once you have done that, you can complete your renewal.

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.