Indiana driver's licenses renew every 8 years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Indiana gives you three ways to renew: online through the BMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a BMV branch. Most people can renew online without leaving home, but some drivers must renew in person. The process takes a few weeks by mail or online, and same-day in person. Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires — that's your signal to start.

You'll need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring a document showing your new address. If you're renewing in person, bring these originals; if you're renewing by mail or online, you'll upload images or provide information from them.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana licenses expire every 8 years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and driving record.
  • Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option for most drivers and takes about 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal is available if you have no violations or suspensions and your license has not been lost or stolen, but takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if you're over 75, have had violations, or need to update your photo, and you can often complete it the same day.
  • Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and includes your renewal important date and which method you're may be able to access to use.

Online renewal through the BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License," and log in or create an account. You'll answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether your information is still correct. You'll upload a photo of your current license (front and back) and proof of residency. The system will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and date of birth.

Online renewal costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days. Your new license arrives by mail. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no suspensions or violations, and your license has not been lost or stolen. If you're over 75, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person.

If the online system rejects your process (usually because of a mismatch in your records or a violation the system flagged), you'll receive a notice by mail telling you to visit a BMV branch or call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to resolve it.

Mail renewal for drivers with clean records

Mail renewal is available only if you meet strict conditions: your license is not expired, you have no violations or suspensions in the past 8 years, your license has not been lost or stolen, and you're under 75. If you meet these conditions, your renewal notice will say "Mail Renewal Available."

To renew by mail, complete the renewal form that came with your notice, include a check or money order for $20, and mail both to the address on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Do not send your current license — keep it until your new one arrives. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.

If you have any violations, suspensions, or your license has been lost or stolen, you cannot use mail renewal. The BMV will return your payment and send you a notice directing you to renew in person or online.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if you're over 75, have had violations or suspensions, need to update your photo, or if online or mail renewal was not available to you. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

In-person renewal costs $20 and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken at the branch, and your new license is often issued the same day or within a few days. Some branches are busier than others — you can check wait times on the BMV website before you go. You can also schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line.

If you're over 75, Indiana requires you to renew in person every 4 years instead of every 8 years. Your renewal notice will tell you when your next renewal is due.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The cost is still $20.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you've submitted a renewal. If you're stopped by police, you can show your renewal notice as proof that you've started the process, but it does not protect you from a ticket. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires.

Finding a BMV branch and scheduling an appointment

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. Find the branch nearest you on in.gov/bmv under "Branch Locations." The website shows hours, services offered, and current wait times. Some branches offer limited services — not all can issue licenses, so check before you go.

You can schedule an appointment online through the BMV website. Appointments are free and usually available within a few days. Walk-ins are also accepted, but you may wait longer during busy times. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document showing your new address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you're renewing online or by mail, upload an image of this document. If you're renewing in person, bring the original.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person if your name has changed — you cannot renew online or by mail. The BMV will update your name and issue a new license with your current legal name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 180 days (about 6 months) before your license expires. Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it. If you want to renew early, you can go to a BMV branch in person or start an online renewal through the BMV website.

What if I moved out of state — do I still renew in Indiana?

No. If you've moved to another state and established residency there, you should get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Indiana license. You'll need to surrender your Indiana license when you get your new state's license. If you still live in Indiana, you must renew your Indiana license.

How much does it cost to renew in Indiana?

Renewal costs $20 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees. If you're renewing in person and need to update your photo or address, the cost is still $20.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need your renewal notice to renew. You can go to a BMV branch, call 317-615-7293, or start an online renewal on the BMV website without it. The notice is just a reminder — your license number and expiration date are all you need to begin the process.

Can I renew if my license is suspended?

No. You cannot renew while your license is suspended. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the BMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew. Call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.