How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Renew Your Indiana License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a branch.

Your license is valid for four years if you are under 75, or two years if you are 75 or older. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Key Takeaways

Indiana offers online renewal through the BMV website for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who do not need a Real ID.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must include a check or money order and mail documents to the BMV.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to change your address or name.
A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — documents you must show in person.
Renewal fees in Indiana are $20 for a four-year license (under 75) or $10 for a two-year license (75 and older).

Online Renewal Through the Indiana BMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The fee is $20 for drivers under 75 or $10 for drivers 75 and older.

Your renewed license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID.

Mail Renewal: What Documents to Send

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. read the renewal form from the Indiana BMV website or call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to request one by mail. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $20 (or $10 if you are 75 or older), and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes about two weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid running out of time. Include your current license number on the check or money order so the BMV can match your payment to your process. Do not send cash.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to change your name or address. Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website and check its hours. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than two years since expiration), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Proof of your Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The BMV branch will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID Renewal: What You Need to Bring

A Real ID-compliant license has a star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID during renewal, you must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born. The Real ID renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal: $20 for drivers under 75 or $10 for drivers 75 and older.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The BMV will process your renewal as a standard in-person renewal, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Indiana. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. If your license expired more than two years ago, the BMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test before issuing a new license. Check the BMV website or call 317-615-7293 to confirm what you need to bring.

Changing Your Name or Address During Renewal

If you want to change your name or address, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your name change (if applicable). Proof of a name change includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You cannot change your name or address online or by mail. If you change your address but do not renew your license, you can update your address separately at a BMV branch or by mail using the address change form on the BMV website. Address changes are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. read the renewal form from the Indiana BMV website, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. If you need a Real ID or your license has expired, you must visit a BMV branch in person, which means traveling back to Indiana.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Most renewed licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days of processing. Mail renewal takes about two weeks total from the time you mail your process. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired during the renewal process.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. Visit a BMV branch in person and bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The BMV will issue a replacement license and charge the standard renewal fee.

Do I have to get a Real ID when I renew?

No, a Real ID is optional. You can renew with a standard driver's license online, by mail, or in person. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID costs the same as a standard renewal and requires an in-person visit to show proof of citizenship or legal residency.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

The BMV will contact you by mail or phone if there is a problem with your process. Common reasons for rejection include a missing or illegible signature, incorrect payment amount, or missing documents. Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to find out what went wrong and resubmit your process if needed.

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.