How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Renewing Your Indiana License: The Basic Steps

You can renew your Indiana driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Most people renew by mail or online without visiting an office. The method you use depends on whether your license has expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Indiana licenses are valid for eight years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal method you can use. If you have lost your license, changed your name, or need to correct information, you will have to renew in person at a BMV branch instead.

Key Takeaways

You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation and what the renewal notice says you are allowed to do.
The BMV mails a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires; check that notice to see which methods are open to you.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not moved.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your materials, so send your renewal packet early if your license is close to expiring.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to take a written test and vision test in person at a BMV branch.

Renewing Online Through the Indiana BMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest method and requires no visit to a BMV branch. You go to the Indiana BMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The fee is paid during the online process.

Online renewal is only open to you if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. If either of those conditions is not true, the BMV website will tell you that you must renew by mail or in person. Once you submit your online renewal, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery takes about two weeks.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have not moved. The BMV sends you a renewal notice with a packet that includes a prepaid envelope. You fill out the form in the packet, sign it, and mail it back with your current license and the renewal fee. The fee amount is listed on the renewal notice.

The BMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your packet, processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal notice. If you are close to your expiration date, mail renewal is riskier than online renewal because of the time it takes; consider renewing online instead if that option is open to you.

Renewing in Person at a BMV Branch

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you have moved and need to update your address, if you have lost your license, if you have changed your name, or if the renewal notice says you are not allowed to renew by mail or online. You will also need to renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Bring your current license (or a state ID if your license is lost), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. The fee for an eight-year renewal is set by Indiana and does not vary by branch. You will take a vision test at the branch. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will also take a written test about Indiana traffic laws.

Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. You can check the wait time for your nearest branch on the Indiana BMV website before you go. Some branches allow you to make an appointment online, which can shorten your wait.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a regular renewal. You will not need to take any tests. However, you should not drive with an expired license; renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.

If your license has been expired for two years or longer, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a BMV branch in person. You will take a vision test and a written test on Indiana traffic laws. The written test is the same test that new drivers take. You can study for it using the Indiana Driver's Manual, which is free on the BMV website.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The fee for an eight-year license renewal in Indiana is set by state law. The exact amount does not change based on where you renew or which method you use. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card or credit card. If you renew in person at a BMV branch, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.

Some BMV branches may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license on the same day (for example, if your license was lost and you need a temporary one while you wait for the new one to arrive). Ask about this fee when you visit the branch.

Updating Your Address or Other Information

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address before or during the renewal process. If you are renewing by mail or online, you cannot change your address through the renewal form; you must renew in person at a BMV branch instead. The branch will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will not renew your license by mail or online if your name has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you are renewing by mail or online, renew well before your expiration date so your new license arrives in time. If your license has already expired, go to a BMV branch in person to renew when ready.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal takes about two weeks for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your packet, plus mail time to get there and back. In-person renewal at a BMV branch is fastest; you receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.

What if I renew online but then move before my new license arrives?

Contact the BMV as soon as possible with your new address. You can call the BMV customer service line or visit a branch in person. They can update your address so your new license is sent to the correct location. If the license has already been mailed, the post office may be able to forward it.

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

If you renew by mail or online, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a branch, they will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you will need to renew in person instead.

What if my renewal notice says I cannot renew by mail or online?

The notice will tell you why. Common reasons are that your address has changed, your license has been expired too long, or there is a problem with your record. Go to a BMV branch in person with the documents listed on your notice. A BMV staff member can explain what you need to do to complete your renewal.

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.