What a duplicate license is and when you need one
A duplicate driver's license in Indiana is an exact replacement of your current license with the same number, expiration date, and restrictions. You order a duplicate when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — not when you want to renew it or change information on it.
The duplicate keeps your original license number and all the details that were on the card you lost. Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) prints and mails it to you. The process is faster and cheaper than a full renewal because the BMV is not re-examining your information or taking a new photo.
If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and keep that report number. If your address or name has changed since you got your current license, a duplicate will not fix that — you would need a replacement with corrections instead, which is a different transaction.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs less than a renewal and keeps your same license number and expiration date.
- You can order a duplicate online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch.
- Online orders usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days; mail and in-person orders may take longer.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and have that report number ready when you order.
- A duplicate does not change your address, name, or any other information — it is an exact copy of your current card.
Ordering a duplicate online through the BMV website
The fastest way to get a duplicate is through the Indiana BMV's online system at myBMV.com. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You also need a valid email address because the BMV will send you a confirmation and tracking information there.
Log in to your myBMV account (or create one if you do not have one yet). Select "Order a Duplicate License" from the menu. Answer the questions about why you need a duplicate — lost, stolen, or damaged — and review the fee. Indiana charges a flat fee for duplicates that is lower than a renewal fee. Pay by debit card or credit card, and the BMV will process your order when ready.
After you pay, you will see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email with the same number. Keep this number. The BMV will print your duplicate and mail it to the address on file with your current license. Most online orders arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery can take longer depending on mail service.
Ordering by mail or in person at a BMV branch
If you do not want to order online, you can mail a request to the BMV or visit a branch in person. For mail orders, you will need to fill out a form (available on the BMV website) and include a copy of your current license or another form of ID. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the BMV website. Processing time for mail orders is typically 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives your envelope.
At a BMV branch, bring your current license or another photo ID and tell the clerk you need a duplicate. You will fill out a short form, pay the fee in cash or card, and receive a receipt. The duplicate will be mailed to your address on file — you do not receive it at the branch. Branch visits are useful if you want to confirm your information is correct before ordering, or if you do not have online access.
To find a BMV branch near you, use the branch locator on the BMV website. Hours vary by location, and some branches are busier than others. Calling ahead can help you avoid a long wait.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a report with your local police department first. You do not need to wait for the police report to be complete — you can order your duplicate right away — but you should have the report number or a case number ready. Some people include this information when they order online in the "comments" section, though it is not required.
Having a police report on file protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud. It also creates an official record in case questions come up later. Keep a copy of the police report for your own records.
Fees and payment methods
Indiana's duplicate license fee is set by state law and does not vary. The fee is lower than the cost of a renewal because you are not paying for a new photo or a new examination of your driving record. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash (cash only if you order in person at a branch).
If you order online, payment is processed when ready and your order begins printing. If you mail a check, the BMV will not process your order until the check clears, which can add several days. Paying by card online is the fastest option.
Tracking your duplicate and what to do if it does not arrive
When you order online, you receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this number to check the status of your duplicate on the BMV website. If you ordered by mail or in person, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number that you can also use to track.
If your duplicate does not arrive within the expected timeframe, check the tracking status first. If the status shows it was mailed but you have not received it after 14 days, contact the BMV by phone or through the website to report it. The BMV can reissue your duplicate or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. Keep your confirmation number handy when you call.
The difference between a duplicate and a replacement with corrections
A duplicate is an exact copy of your current license. If you need to change your address, name, or any other information, you cannot use a duplicate order — you need a replacement with corrections instead. A replacement with corrections costs more and takes longer because the BMV has to verify the new information.
If you are unsure whether you need a duplicate or a replacement, the BMV website has a tool to help you decide. You can also call the BMV or visit a branch and ask a clerk. Ordering the wrong type means you will have to start over, so it is worth checking first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a duplicate license right away, or do I have to wait for it to arrive?
You cannot use a duplicate until it arrives in the mail. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from myBMV.com or request one at a BMV branch. The temporary is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification.
What if my address has changed since I got my current license?
A duplicate will be mailed to the address on file with your current license, not your new address. If you have moved, you should order a replacement with corrections instead, which updates your address. Or you can order a duplicate now and update your address later through myBMV.com.
Do I need a new photo for a duplicate license?
No. A duplicate uses the same photo from your current license. The card will look identical to your original except for the printing date on the back. If you want a new photo, you need to renew your license, not order a duplicate.
How much does a duplicate license cost in Indiana?
Indiana charges a flat fee for duplicates that is lower than a renewal fee. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the BMV website or call the BMV for the current price. Fees are the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person.
Can someone else order a duplicate for me?
No. You must order your own duplicate using your license number and personal information. If you cannot order online yourself, you can visit a BMV branch in person and a clerk can help you fill out the form, but you have to be there to provide your ID and sign the request.