How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail; online renewal is when ready if you meet the requirements.

Your Indiana license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration, though the BMV recommends starting at least two weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.

Key Takeaways

Indiana offers online renewal for drivers whose licenses are still valid and who have not changed their address, name, or other key information in the past four years.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $20 for a standard eight-year license; you must send your current license with the process.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if you need to update your address, change your name, or if your license has been expired for more than two years.
You will need proof of identity and proof of residence for in-person renewal; a utility bill or lease counts as proof of residence.
Indiana does not charge a separate fee for address changes or name changes during renewal.

Online Renewal: When You Can Use It

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option if you meet all the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your address in the past four years, your name has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $20 for a standard eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you have changed your address, name, or photo since your last renewal, or if your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot use online renewal and must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need to make changes to your address, name, or other information. The BMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a prepaid envelope and an process form.

To renew by mail, sign the process form, include your current license, and mail both to the address shown on the notice. Do not fold or bend your license. The fee is $20, and it is already paid if you received the renewal notice. If you did not receive a notice, you can request an process form from the BMV website or call 317-615-7293.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the BMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at a BMV branch is faster.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch

Visit a BMV branch in person if your address or name has changed, your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you want your license processed when ready. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is.

You will receive your new license on the same day you explore, though it may take a few minutes to print. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID. Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days and showing your current address.

The fee for in-person renewal is $20 for a standard eight-year license. If you need to change your address or name, there is no additional charge. You can find your nearest BMV branch and check hours on the Indiana BMV website.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your license has been expired for 30 days or less, you can still renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements. If your license has been expired for more than 30 days but less than two years, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and you may be required to pass a written test and vision test. The BMV treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and answer questions about your driving history.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a receipt from the BMV or a confirmation email), but this does not prevent you from being cited.

Address and Name Changes During Renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot update your address online; you must renew by mail or in person.

For mail renewal with an address change, include a letter with your process explaining your new address, or call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to request an address-change form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days).

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of identity showing your new name (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residence. There is no additional fee for a name change.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Indiana driver's license is $20. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

For online renewal, you can pay with a debit or credit card on the BMV website. For mail renewal, the fee is usually prepaid on the renewal notice the BMV sends you. If you did not receive a notice and are renewing by mail, you can include a check or money order payable to "Indiana BMV" with your process.

For in-person renewal at a BMV branch, you can pay with cash, debit, credit card, or check. Some branches may have different payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I have moved out of state?

No. Indiana requires you to have a valid Indiana address to hold an Indiana driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can surrender your Indiana license to any BMV branch or mail it to the BMV.

What happens if I renew online but then change my address before my new license arrives?

Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 as soon as possible with your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system, and your license will be sent to the new address. If your license has already been mailed, you may need to pick it up at a BMV branch or request a replacement.

Do I need to take a new photo for license renewal?

No, unless you are renewing in person and your current photo is more than eight years old or you request a new photo. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you renew in person, the BMV will take a new photo as part of the process.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or your license has been suspended for a separate reason (such as failure to pay child support), the BMV will not process your renewal until the suspension is lifted.

How long does it take to receive my license if I renew by mail?

The BMV processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your process. Mailing time is not included in this estimate, so allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for delivery. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a BMV branch to receive it the same day.

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.