How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Indiana 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 photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a branch.

Indiana licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration and up to six months after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a BMV branch in person and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

Indiana driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew starting one year before that date.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $24 for a four-year license, and works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the BMV.
If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and may need to pass the written test again.
You need a new photo every eight years; if your current license photo is older than that, you must renew in person.

Renew Online Through the BMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no visit to a branch. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and create or log into your account. 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).

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, your license photo is less than eight years old, and you have no medical conditions that need to be reported. The fee is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

If any of these conditions do not explore to you — for example, you moved to a new address or your photo is too old — you must renew by mail or in person instead.

Renew by Mail

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address. read and print the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL 44) from the BMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $24 (four-year license) or $36 (eight-year license).

Send your packet to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned to you. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of the BMV receiving your process.

If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use mail renewal — you must renew in person so the BMV can verify your new address. The same applies if your photo is eight years old or older.

Renew In Person at a BMV Branch

Visit a BMV branch if your license is expired, you have changed your address, your photo is eight years old or older, or you have a medical condition to report. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been expired for six months or less), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $24 or $36.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you will need to pass the written test before you can renew. The BMV may also ask you to pass a vision screening. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive home.

Your new license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. Find your nearest BMV branch and check its hours on the Indiana BMV website before you go.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Six Months Ago

If your license has been expired for longer than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person. The BMV will require you to pass the written test again before issuing a new license. You do not have to retake the road test unless the BMV has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive.

Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. You will also need to show your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. If you do not have a current address document, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a lease and a utility bill.

Renewing With a New Address or Updated Information

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal will not work. For mail renewal, fill out Form DL 44 completely and include proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). For in-person renewal, bring the same proof document to the BMV branch.

If you need to change your name, gender marker, or medical information, you must renew in person. Bring the appropriate supporting documents — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example. The BMV will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information.

License Fees and What You Get

A four-year Indiana driver's license costs $24. An eight-year license costs $36. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts debit or credit cards, mail renewal accepts checks or money orders, and in-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit, or check.

Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from your current birthday (or four years, depending on which you chose). The photo on your license will be updated if you renew in person; if you renew online or by mail, your photo stays the same unless it is eight years old or older, in which case you must renew in person to get a new photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal works if your license is not expired and your address has not changed. If you have moved out of state, you must renew by mail and include proof of your new address, or visit an Indiana BMV branch in person if you are back in the state.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must visit a BMV branch in person to report it lost and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and address. A replacement license costs $24 or $36 depending on the term you choose.

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

Online and mail renewals take seven to ten business days after the BMV processes your request. In-person renewals are faster: you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days.

Do I need to renew my license in person if my photo is old?

Yes. Indiana requires a new photo every eight years. If your current license photo is older than eight years, you must renew in person at a BMV branch to have a new photo taken. Online and mail renewal will not work.

What if I want to change my address but my license is not expiring soon?

You do not have to wait for your license to expire to update your address. Visit a BMV branch and request an address change. The fee is $7.50, and you will receive an updated license with your new address. You can also update your address when you renew.

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.