How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana driver's license renewal steps and timelines

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer, usually 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a BMV branch is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you'll need an appointment.

Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires. Indiana sends a renewal notice to the address on file about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it — you can start the process as soon as the window opens. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you lose the online option and must go in person or by mail.

The cost of renewal is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. You pay when you submit your process, whether online, by mail, or at the BMV. Indiana does not charge extra for standard renewal, but if you need expedited processing or a duplicate license, those services have separate fees.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have not had a suspension or revocation in the past five years.
You can renew starting 180 days before your expiration date, and Indiana sends a notice about 60 days before.
A four-year license costs $24 and an eight-year license costs $36; you pay at the time of renewal.
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail, while in-person renewal at a BMV branch is same-day.
If your license has expired, you must renew by mail or in person — online renewal is not available.

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website

To renew online, go to the Indiana BMV website and select the renewal option. You'll 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 identity and pull up your record. You then review your information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation within the past five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you wear corrective lenses and need to update that information on your license. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person instead.

After you submit your online process, the BMV mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during that time.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the BMV website or call the BMV customer service line at 317-615-7293. You can also pick up an process in person at any BMV branch. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your process. Do not send cash — the BMV only accepts checks or money orders by mail. Include your current license number on the check or money order so the payment is matched to your record. If you're changing your address, include a utility bill or other proof of residency with your process.

Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit a BMV branch and are not may be able to access for online renewal. It's also useful if you need to update information on your license, such as a name change or corrective lens notation, since the form allows you to make those updates.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

To renew in person, you must make an appointment through the Indiana BMV website or by calling 317-615-7293. Walk-ins are not accepted for most services. When you arrive at your appointment, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card.

If you're renewing an eight-year license, you may need to provide a new photo. The BMV takes a new photo at the time of renewal for most eight-year licenses, though some renewals do not require an updated photo — the BMV will tell you when you book your appointment. Four-year licenses typically use your existing photo unless you request a new one.

In-person renewal is when ready. You walk out with your new license the same day. This is the fastest option if you need your license right away or if you're not may be able to access for online or mail renewal. It's also the only option if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, as Indiana may require you to retake the written test or vision test in those cases.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you're moving, you can update your address during renewal. For online renewal, you can change your address in the system before you submit your process. For mail renewal, write your new address on the process form and include proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. For in-person renewal, bring proof of residency to your appointment.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot change it online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will not process a name change without this document.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you may not be able to renew it through the normal process. Indiana's rules on expired licenses vary depending on how long ago it expired. Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit a branch to find out whether you can renew by mail or in person, or whether you need to reapply as a new driver, which includes retaking the written test and vision test.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show proof that you've applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you won't receive a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Real ID compliance and what changed

Indiana driver's licenses are now Real ID compliant by default. This means your license can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You do not need to request Real ID status or pay extra for it — all new and renewed licenses issued since 2020 meet Real ID standards.

To get a Real ID-compliant license, you must provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number when you renew. For online renewal, the BMV verifies this information electronically using your existing record. For mail or in-person renewal, bring documents that show all three: your driver's license or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for residency, and your Social Security card or tax return for your SSN. If you don't have these documents, the BMV can accept alternatives — ask when you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license before the renewal window opens?

No. Indiana only allows renewal starting 180 days before your expiration date. If you try to renew before that window opens, the system will reject your process. You can check your expiration date on your current license or contact the BMV to confirm when your renewal window begins.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You'll need to get a duplicate license first, then renew. Contact the BMV to order a duplicate, which costs about $8 and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. Once you receive it, you can renew using the normal process. Alternatively, visit a BMV branch in person to get a duplicate and renew on the same day.

Do I need an eye exam to renew my Indiana license?

Not for a standard renewal. The BMV does not require a vision test unless you're renewing an eight-year license and need a new photo, or if your license has been expired for a long time. If you wear corrective lenses and need to update that information on your license, you'll need to renew in person or by mail and provide proof from an eye doctor.

How long is my renewed license valid?

Indiana offers four-year and eight-year licenses. When you renew, you choose which term you want. A four-year license costs $24 and an eight-year license costs $36. Both are valid for driving and identification throughout their term.

What if the BMV lost my renewal process?

If you mailed your process and haven't received your new license after 3 weeks, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. They can check whether your process was received and processed. If it was lost, they can help you resubmit or switch to a different renewal method.

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.