Renew Your Indiana License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Indiana lets you renew your driver license through three routes: online at myBMV.com, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a BMV branch. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and the new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. A standard passenger license (Class D) can be renewed online or by mail if it expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C) and motorcycle endorsements always require an in-person visit.
Indiana charges $24 for a four-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal, paid at the time you submit your request. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through myBMV.com is the fastest and cheapest option for most people, taking about 10 minutes and costing $24 for four years or $36 for eight years.
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago, you have not changed your name or address, and you have no medical restrictions to report.
- Mail renewal is available under the same conditions as online renewal, but takes longer and requires printing and mailing documents yourself.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch with a valid ID and proof of residency.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after approval, regardless of which renewal method you choose.
Online Renewal Through myBMV.com
Go to myBMV.com and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Indiana driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in or create an account. The system will pull your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you can proceed when ready.
Review your personal information on the screen — name, address, date of birth, and any medical conditions. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you must renew in person instead. If everything is correct, choose your renewal term (four years or eight years) and pay the fee with a debit card or credit card. Indiana does not accept checks or cash online.
After payment, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal by Sending Documents to BMV
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must have expired less than two years ago, and you cannot have changed your name, address, or medical status. read the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the BMV website, or call 1-888-692-6841 to request it by mail.
Complete the form by hand in black or blue ink. Sign and date it. Make a copy of the front and back of your current Indiana driver license, and enclose both pages with your form. Write a check or money order for $24 (four years) or $36 (eight years) payable to "Indiana BMV." Do not send cash.
Mail everything to:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles PO Box 68329 Indianapolis, IN 46268-0329
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. There is no way to track a mail renewal once you send it, so keep a copy of your form and the check number for your records. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed on the form.
In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you have changed your name or address, you need a new photo, or you hold a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement. Bring your current Indiana driver license (or expired license if you no longer have it), a valid government-issued photo ID if your license is expired, and proof of your current address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 30 days. Your name must match the name on your address proof. If you recently moved and have not received a bill at your new address yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement instead.
Find your nearest BMV branch at myBMV.com under "Locations." Many branches accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the branch's hours and whether it takes appointments before you go. Bring your documents, pay the $24 or $36 fee in cash, check, or card, and sit for a new photo. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired More Than Two Years
Indiana treats a license expired more than two years as a new process, not a renewal. You cannot use the online or mail route. You must go to a BMV branch in person with your expired license, a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the branch. The branch will take a new photo and issue you a new license on the spot if you pass. You pay $24 or $36 depending on the term you choose. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes, so you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a valid photo ID, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days).
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you also must renew in person. Bring your current license, a valid photo ID showing your new name (or a court order or marriage certificate if your ID still shows your old name), and proof of your current address. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name and address.
Medical Conditions and License Restrictions
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as diabetes, seizure disorder, or vision problems — you must report it when you renew. Online and mail renewal ask whether your medical status has changed. If you answer yes, you cannot complete the renewal online or by mail; you must go to a BMV branch.
At the branch, the BMV may place restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or hand controls required) or may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor. Some conditions may result in a suspension or denial of renewal. If you are unsure whether your condition requires reporting, call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 before you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my new license to arrive?
Yes. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, even if your current license has expired. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.
What if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Contact the BMV when ready at 1-888-692-6841 with your confirmation number and new address. The BMV can redirect your license to your new address if you call before it ships. If it has already shipped, you may need to go to a BMV branch to update your address.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support debt?
Indiana can suspend your license for unpaid child support, certain criminal convictions, or unpaid traffic fines. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it. Contact the BMV or the agency that issued the suspension to resolve the issue first.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
A four-year renewal is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year renewal is valid for eight years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your new license.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Go to a BMV branch and report it lost. You can get a replacement license on the spot for $10. When your renewed license arrives by mail, you can use it instead, or you can keep the replacement.