How to Get and Renew an Indiana Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Indiana Driver's Licenses

Indiana issues a standard driver's license valid for four years from your birthday in the year of issue. The state also offers a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star) that works for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering military bases. Both types require the same documents and follow the same renewal process, but Real ID has one additional step at the BMV counter.

You can obtain or renew your license in person at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. Indiana does not offer online renewal for standard licenses, though you can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. The process takes about 15 minutes at the BMV, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

Indiana driver's licenses are valid for four years and expire on your birthday in the expiration year.
You must appear in person at a BMV branch for your first license or if your current license is expired; mail renewal is only available for unexpired licenses that meet specific conditions.
Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to every BMV visit.
Real ID licenses require one additional document (a birth certificate or passport) beyond the standard requirements and cost the same as a regular license.
Indiana charges $20 for a four-year license and $15 for a duplicate; fees do not vary by license type.

Documents You Must Bring to the BMV

Indiana requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot get a license without all three, and the BMV will not issue a temporary license if you are missing any required document.

Proof of identity means one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (not a hospital record), a passport card, a military ID, or a previous Indiana driver's license or ID card. If you are renewing an expired license, your expired license counts as proof of identity.

Proof of residency must show your current Indiana address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government check. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice or court document) also works. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN from the IRS.

Getting Your First Indiana License or Renewing an Expired License

If you are getting your first Indiana license or your current license has expired, you must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus your completed process form (Form DL-43, available at the BMV or online). You will also need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test unless you hold a valid license from another state.

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may be waived from the written test. Bring that license with you. The vision screening takes about two minutes and tests your ability to read a chart at a distance. If you wear corrective lenses, wear them during the test.

The BMV will take your photograph and fingerprints at the counter. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the BMV to report it.

Renewing an Unexpired License by Mail or in Person

You can renew your license by mail if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, you are at least 18 years old, your address has not changed since your last license was issued, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

To renew by mail, complete Form DL-44 (available online or by calling the BMV) and mail it to the address shown on the form along with your current license and a check or money order for $20. Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the BMV receives your process. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.

If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within 60 days), and your completed Form DL-44. You do not need to bring proof of identity or proof of Social Security number if your current license is valid, because the BMV already has that information on file. You will receive a temporary paper license and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.

Getting a Real ID-Compliant License

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025. Indiana issues Real ID licenses at no extra cost — they cost the same $20 as a standard license. You can request a Real ID license when you get your first license, renew, or replace a lost or damaged license.

To get a Real ID license, bring all the standard documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or ITIN) plus one additional document proving your date of birth and citizenship. Acceptable documents are a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A hospital birth record does not count; you must have a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born.

If you already have a standard Indiana license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any BMV branch by bringing your current license, the additional birth or citizenship document, and $20. You do not need to bring proof of residency or proof of Social Security number again.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit any BMV branch and bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or ITIN. You will complete Form DL-43 and pay $15 for a duplicate. You will receive a temporary paper license and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and request a report number. While not required by the BMV, a police report can help protect you if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently. Bring the report number to the BMV if you have one.

Indiana BMV Locations and Hours

Indiana has BMV branches in every county. You can find your nearest branch and current hours on the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv). Most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations offer limited Saturday hours. A few branches operate by appointment only, so check ahead before you visit.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other large cities. If you want to avoid a wait, visit early in the morning on a weekday or call ahead to ask about current traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?

Your license is still expired and you cannot legally drive in Indiana or any other state. You must renew it before you return to Indiana. If you are out of state and your license expires, you can mail in your renewal process (Form DL-44) along with your expired license and payment, or you can renew in person at any BMV branch when you return to Indiana.

Do I need an appointment at the BMV?

Most Indiana BMV branches accept walk-ins, but a few operate by appointment only. Check the BMV website or call your local branch before you visit. Some branches also offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Indiana allows you to renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Renew in person or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your name change along with your standard documents (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number or ITIN). The BMV will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.

How do I correct information on my license if it is wrong?

Visit a BMV branch with proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate for your date of birth or a utility bill for your address). The BMV will issue a corrected license. If the error was the BMV's mistake, there is no fee; if you requested the change, you pay $15 for a duplicate.

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.