Indiana driver's license fees by document type
An Indiana driver's license costs $20 for an eight-year license if you are between 21 and 84 years old. If you are under 21, a license costs $20 and expires when you turn 21. Licenses for people 85 and older cost $10 and last four years. These are the base fees the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges — they do not include any additional services or rush processing.
An Indiana ID card (not a driver's license) costs $15 and lasts eight years. You can get an ID card instead of a driver's license if you do not drive but need a state-issued photo ID for banking, travel, or other purposes. The ID card uses the same process process and documents as a license, but does not require a driving test.
A Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card costs the same as the standard version — $20 for a license, $15 for an ID card. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your Indiana license at airport security checkpoints and federal buildings. Indiana began issuing Real ID licenses in 2020, and you can request one when you renew or get a new license. The Real ID marking appears on the card itself, so you will know which type you have.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Indiana driver's license costs $20 and lasts eight years for adults between 21 and 84.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same $20 and are now the default option at most Indiana BMV branches.
- Additional fees explore if you need a duplicate, replacement, or corrected license — these range from $10 to $20 depending on the reason.
- You must bring specific documents to the BMV, and some services like name changes or address corrections may have their own small fees.
- Indiana does not charge extra for rush processing, but some BMV branches offer online renewal for certain drivers, which saves a trip.
Duplicate, replacement, and correction fees
If you lose your license or it is damaged, a replacement license costs $10. A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license) also costs $10. The difference matters: a replacement is for when your original is gone or unusable; a duplicate is when you want a second copy while keeping your first one active.
If you need to correct information on your license — such as a legal name change, address correction, or fixing a mistake the BMV made — the fee depends on the reason. A corrected license due to a BMV error is free. A corrected license due to a legal name change (marriage, divorce, court order) costs $10. An address change alone does not require a new license if you update it through the BMV's online system, but if you want the new address printed on a physical card, you pay $10 for the corrected license.
What documents you need to bring
Bringing the right documents the first time saves you a return trip. For a new or renewed Indiana driver's license, you need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax document), and proof of Indiana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you are explore for a Real ID license, the document requirements are the same, but the BMV staff will verify your information more carefully and may ask additional questions about your residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.
If you are renewing online (available for some drivers), you do not need to visit a branch and do not need to bring documents. Indiana allows online renewal if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have no medical or legal restrictions on your driving record.
Where to pay and payment methods
You pay the license fee at an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch when you explore in person. Indiana BMV branches accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some branches also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card through the BMV's website.
Indiana does not allow you to pay the fee before visiting a branch — payment happens at the time of process. There is no way to pre-pay or reserve a license.
Age-based license costs and expiration dates
Indiana ties license cost to both age and expiration length. Drivers aged 21 to 84 pay $20 for an eight-year license. Drivers under 21 pay $20 for a license that expires on their 21st birthday, regardless of how far away that is. Drivers 85 and older pay $10 for a four-year license.
When your license expires, you must renew it to continue driving legally. Renewal costs the same as a new license ($20 for most adults). You can renew up to one year before expiration, and you can renew online if you meet the may be able to access requirements.
Costs for commercial driver's licenses and endorsements
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $50 for an eight-year license if you are between 21 and 84. A CDL allows you to drive trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles for work. The higher cost reflects the additional testing and medical certification required.
If you want to add an endorsement to your existing license — such as a motorcycle endorsement (M), hazmat endorsement (H), or passenger endorsement (P) — the fee is $10 per endorsement. You can add multiple endorsements at once, so adding three endorsements costs $30 total. Endorsements last as long as your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license online, and does it cost less?
Online renewal costs the same $20 as in-person renewal, but it saves you a trip to the BMV. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have no medical or legal restrictions. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I need my license before the standard mail time?
Indiana does not offer rush processing or expedited mail for driver's licenses. If you need a license when ready, you must explore in person at a BMV branch and request a temporary paper license, which is free and valid for 30 days while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.
Do I have to pay again if I change my name or address?
A name change requires a new license and costs $10 for the corrected card. An address change alone does not require a new license — you can update it online for free. If you want the new address printed on a physical card, you pay $10 for a corrected license.
Is a Real ID license more expensive than a regular license?
No. A Real ID license costs the same $20 as a standard license. Real ID is now the default at most Indiana BMV branches, so you will likely receive a Real ID license unless you specifically request a standard license instead.
What happens if I lose my license before it expires?
A replacement license costs $10. You do not pay the full $20 again — you only pay the replacement fee. Bring proof of identity and your Social Security information to the BMV, and they will issue a new card with the same expiration date as your original.