Renewing Your Indiana License: The Basic Path
Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. Most people can renew online without visiting an office, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you can't renew online — because your license is expired by more than five years, your name has changed, or you need to update your address — you'll need to renew in person at a BMV branch. This takes longer but follows a straightforward process with no test required for standard renewals.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website takes 10 minutes and works if your license expired within the last five years and you haven't changed your name.
- The cost is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card during the online process.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license expired more than five years ago, your name changed, or you need to update your address.
- Indiana does not require a written test or road test for standard license renewals, only for new drivers or when reinstating a suspended license.
Renewing Online Through the Indiana BMV Website
Go to in.gov/bmv and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You'll enter your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, phone number, and emergency contact information. Make any corrections needed, then review the vision requirements statement — Indiana requires you to confirm that you can see well enough to drive safely.
After you review your information, you'll pay the renewal fee ($20 or $30 depending on the license term you choose) using a debit or credit card. The system will give you a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process, and the new license will go to your updated address.
You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need your license sooner — for example, if you're traveling and need it for identification — you can visit a BMV branch in person to request expedited service, though this costs extra.
When You Must Renew in Person at a BMV Branch
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, your legal name has changed since your last renewal, or you need to update your address and prefer to do it in person. You also must renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement) or if the BMV system flags your record for any reason during an online attempt.
To renew in person, visit any BMV branch with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring your payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is the same as online: $20 for four years or $30 for eight years.
The BMV staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is printed at the branch and you can take it with you when ready. No written test or road test is required for a standard renewal.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years
If your Indiana license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must visit a BMV branch in person with the same documents listed above. The BMV will treat this as a renewal rather than a new license process, so you won't need to take a written or road test — the five-year rule applies only to the online option, not to in-person renewals.
Bring your expired license if you still have it, along with proof of your Social Security number and current address. The BMV staff will process your renewal the same way as a current license holder, and you'll receive your new license when ready. If you've lost your expired license, you can still renew; just let the staff know.
Changing Your Name or Address During Renewal
If your legal name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current or expired license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
If you're renewing online and only need to update your address, you can do that during the online process without visiting a branch. The new license will be mailed to your updated address. If you're renewing in person, you can update your address at the same time you renew your license.
License Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
Indiana charges $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. Both online and in-person renewals cost the same. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card. If you renew in person at a BMV branch, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you request expedited service at a BMV branch — for example, if you need your license the same day — there is an additional fee. The standard processing time for mail delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Some BMV branches offer walk-in service, but wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the BMV website for your local branch's hours is a good idea.
What to Do If You Can't Find Your Current License
If you've lost your current license and need to renew, you can still renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of your current address. The BMV staff will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You won't need the physical license itself to renew.
If you want to renew online but have lost your license, you'll need your license number to start the process. If you don't remember it, you can call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 to look it up, or visit a branch in person to renew instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one to arrive?
Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you've submitted your renewal online or in person. You can drive on it while your new license is being mailed to you. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 business days?
Visit a BMV branch in person and ask about expedited service. Some branches can print your license on the spot if you renew in person, or they may offer rush mail delivery for an additional fee. Call your local branch or check in.gov/bmv for details on what's available in your area.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license in Indiana?
No. Standard license renewals do not require a written test or road test. Tests are only required for new drivers, when you're reinstating a suspended or revoked license, or when you're adding a new endorsement like a motorcycle rating.
What if my address changed but I'm renewing online?
You can update your address during the online renewal process. Enter your new address when prompted, and your new license will be mailed to that address. Make sure the address is correct before you submit your payment.
How long is my renewed license valid?
Indiana licenses are valid for either four years or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. You pay $20 for four years or $30 for eight years. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.