How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana driver's licenses renew every 8 years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a BMV branch

Indiana gives you three ways to renew: mail your documents to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), use the online renewal portal on the BMV website, or visit a branch in person. Which route works depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether you want to update your address or photo. Most people who have no changes to report can renew online or by mail without leaving home.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you're may be able to access for — not everyone can use every option. If you've moved, changed your name, or your license has been suspended or revoked, you'll need to renew in person at a BMV branch.

Key Takeaways

Indiana licenses are valid for 8 years from the date of issue, and your renewal notice arrives roughly 60 days before expiration.
Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no changes to report.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, the renewal notice, and payment to the BMV; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if you've had a name change, moved to a new address, or want an updated photo.
You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

Online renewal through the BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against BMV records and, if everything matches, issue your new license.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online as long as your license is still valid, you haven't changed your name, and your address on file is current. If any of those things have changed, the online system will tell you that you need to renew in person instead.

Mail renewal with your current license and renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail and prefer not to go online, you can renew by mail. Send your current license, the renewal notice, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the BMV can contact you if there's a problem with your process.

Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your envelope, so send it at least two weeks before your license expires. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you don't receive it within 15 business days of mailing, contact the BMV to confirm they received your documents.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if you've changed your name since your last license was issued, if you want to update your address, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit any BMV branch during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many branches are less busy early in the morning or mid-week. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and what to expect

Indiana renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you're renewing for. A standard 8-year renewal costs less than an initial license. The exact fee is listed on your renewal notice and on the BMV website. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card, credit card, or check. At a branch, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. That requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. If your license expired less than 6 months ago, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process.

What to do if you don't receive your renewed license

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of the BMV processing your renewal. If you renewed online or by mail, that clock starts when the BMV receives your process, not when you send it. If more than 15 business days have passed and you haven't received your license, contact the BMV to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready.

If your license was lost or stolen in the mail, the BMV can issue a replacement. You'll need to report it and may need to visit a branch in person. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the BMV whether they can issue a temporary license or paper permit.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Indiana license up to 6 months before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip and want your new license to arrive before you leave, or if you straightforward want to get it done early. The renewal process is the same whether you're renewing early or waiting until closer to the expiration date.

Your new license will be valid for 8 years from the date it's issued, not from the date your old license expired. This means if you renew 6 months early, your new license won't expire until 8 years after you receive it, giving you a longer window of validity overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

If your license expired less than 6 months ago, you can renew it using the standard renewal process. If it expired more than 6 months ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and a road test. Contact the BMV or check the website to confirm how long your license has been expired.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

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 a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You'll have a new photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. The BMV processes online renewals quickly, so this is usually the fastest option. If you don't receive it within 15 business days, contact the BMV to check the status.

Do I need to take a test to renew my license?

No. Renewal is not the same as explore for a new license. You do not take a written test or road test to renew. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you'll need to explore for a new license instead, which does require both tests.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a BMV branch so they can verify your new address with proof (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The online system will tell you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal if your address has changed.

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.