How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process

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 through the Indiana BMV website without visiting an office or taking a new photo. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and the state will mail your new license to the address on file.

Your renewal method depends on what type of license you hold and whether you need a new photo. If your license is standard (not a REAL ID), you can renew online or by mail. If you have a REAL ID license or need a photo update, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Key Takeaways

Indiana allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses through the BMV website, and you can start the process up to one year before expiration.
REAL ID licenses and photo renewals require an in-person visit to a BMV branch with proof of identity and residence.
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $20, and the state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
You must pass a vision test at a BMV branch if your last vision screening was more than five years ago.
Indiana does not require you to take a written or road test when renewing, unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Online Renewal for Standard Licenses

If you hold a standard Indiana driver's license (not REAL ID), you can renew online at in.gov/bmv. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The online system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm that your address is correct.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license. You do not upload a photo — the BMV uses the photo from your current license. After you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, the state mails your new license to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch

You must visit a BMV branch in person if you hold a REAL ID license, need a new photo, or your standard license has expired. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

At the branch, you will have your photo taken, pass a vision screening, and pay the renewal fee. The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, the BMV will not renew your license until you see an eye doctor and bring back a vision report.

In-person renewal takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. The BMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

REAL ID Renewal and Photo Updates

Indiana's REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your REAL ID license is expiring, you must renew in person at a BMV branch — online renewal is not available for REAL ID holders.

Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will also have your photo taken and pass a vision screening. The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year REAL ID license.

If you hold a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you can do that in person at a BMV branch. You will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate in addition to your other documents. The fee is the same: $20 for four years.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Indiana license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to visit a BMV branch, pass a written test, pass a road test, and have your photo taken. The process is the same as explore for a license for the first time.

If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it in person at a BMV branch. Bring your expired license along with proof of Social Security number and proof of address. You will not need to take a written or road test, but you will have your photo taken and pass a vision screening.

Vision Screening and Medical Reporting Requirements

Indiana requires a vision screening at every in-person renewal. The BMV will test whether you can see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the BMV branch.

If you fail the vision test, the BMV will not renew your license. You must see an eye doctor or optometrist and bring back a vision report showing that you meet the state's vision standard. The eye doctor will fill out a form that you submit to the BMV.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or diabetes — the BMV may ask you to report it. You are not required to report a condition unless the BMV specifically asks. If the BMV learns of a condition that may make you unsafe to drive, they may require a medical evaluation or restrict your license.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The standard renewal fee for a four-year Indiana driver's license is $20. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit or credit card. If you renew in person at a BMV branch, you can pay by cash, debit card, credit card, or check.

Indiana does not offer a two-year license renewal option. All renewals are for four years. Your new license will expire on your birthday four years after the renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I just moved to another state?

No. You must hold an Indiana address to renew an Indiana license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state. You can keep your Indiana license until it expires, but you cannot renew it.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You must first get a replacement license at a BMV branch, then renew it. Bring your proof of identity and address. The replacement fee is $10, and the renewal fee is $20. You can do both at the same visit.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

The BMV mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293.

Do I have to take a test when I renew my license?

No. Indiana does not require a written or road test for renewal unless your license was suspended or revoked. You will pass a vision screening if you renew in person, but that is not a test you can fail in the traditional sense — if you do not meet the vision standard, you must see an eye doctor before the BMV will renew your license.

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 your license was suspended because of unpaid fines or tickets, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve it.

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.