Indiana driver's license renewal: what you need to know
Indiana lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time has passed since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail; online renewals are processed the same day.
Your Indiana license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age and license class. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before that date, and you should start the process at least two weeks before expiration if you plan to renew by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana offers online renewal for most drivers, which is the fastest method and costs $20 for a four-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the BMV.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch is necessary if you need to change your address, update your photo, or renew a commercial driver's license.
- You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
- Indiana does not charge a separate fee for address changes during renewal; the renewal fee covers the new card with updated information.
Online renewal: the fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is available to drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and have not been expired for more than one year. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Visit the Indiana BMV online services portal and select "Renew Your Driver's License." Answer the questions about your driving record and any changes to your address or name. If everything is correct, pay the renewal fee ($20 for four years, $40 for eight years) and submit. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number when ready; save this for your records.
Online renewal does not allow you to update your photo. If your current photo is more than eight years old or you want a new one, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
Mail renewal: when you have time to wait
To renew by mail, request the renewal form from the Indiana BMV website or call 317-615-7293. You can also pick up a form at any BMV branch. The form is titled "process for Driver's License" (Form DL 44).
Complete the form with your current information. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Mail everything to the address listed on the form (typically the BMV's Indianapolis processing center). Do not mail your original license unless you are also requesting a duplicate or replacement card.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your packet. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so send your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks of mailing, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to check the status.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
Visit any Indiana BMV branch with your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you are updating your name or address. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You can also renew in person if you want a new photo before your current one expires.
Processing time at the branch is usually 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Standard driver's license renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. Indiana issues four-year licenses to drivers under 75 and eight-year licenses to drivers 75 and older. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher and varies by endorsement type. Contact your local BMV branch or the state BMV office for CDL renewal pricing. Address changes, name changes, and photo updates are included in the renewal fee; there is no separate charge.
What to do if your license has expired or been suspended
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will be treated as a new applicant and must pass the written test and vision test, though you may be waived from the written test if your license expired within a certain timeframe—ask the BMV staff when you arrive.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the BMV to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. This may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Common mistakes to avoid during Indiana renewal
Do not mail your original license unless you specifically requested a duplicate or replacement. The BMV needs your current license to process the renewal, and mailing it creates a gap where you have no valid ID. If you are renewing by mail, make a photocopy of your license to keep with you.
Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process. If you renew by mail, allow at least three weeks for delivery and processing. If you renew online or in person, you can do it the day before expiration, but unexpected delays can leave you without a valid license.
Do not assume your address is current in the BMV system. If you moved and did not update your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address. Update your address online through the BMV portal before renewing, or bring proof of your current address when you renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest. If you need to update your photo or address, you must visit an Indiana BMV branch in person or contact the BMV to request a mail renewal form and mail it with your current license and payment.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued at the BMV branch. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the BMV to report it.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?
Unpaid traffic fines do not prevent renewal in Indiana. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as failure to pay child support), you cannot renew until that issue is resolved. Contact the BMV or the court to check your status.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Visit a BMV branch in person and request a duplicate license. Once you receive it, you can renew online or by mail. Alternatively, you can renew in person at the same visit and receive both the duplicate and the renewed license.