How to Get a Real ID Driver License in Indiana

What a Real ID Indiana driver license is and why you need one

A Real ID driver license is an Indiana driver license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Indiana's standard driver license does not meet these federal standards. If you have a regular Indiana license and want to fly domestically or visit a federal courthouse, military base, or nuclear facility, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport, passport card, or military ID.

The Real ID license looks like a standard Indiana driver license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs the same as a regular license renewal and lasts eight years.

Key Takeaways

A Real ID Indiana driver license has a gold star and is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025.
You must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, Indiana residency, and lawful status to get a Real ID license.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) processes Real ID applications at all license branches; you cannot renew by mail if you want a Real ID.
The process takes about 30 minutes in person, and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
A passport, passport card, or military ID can be used instead of a Real ID license for federal travel and building access.

Documents you need to bring to the BMV

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires four categories of documents to issue a Real ID license. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised or embossed seal from the vital records office that issued it.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. A tax return with your full SSN printed on it also works.

Proof of Indiana residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A cell phone bill does not count.

Proof of lawful status: A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or visa. If you are a non-citizen, you must show a document proving you are authorized to work or live in the United States.

how the process works in person at a BMV branch

You must explore for a Real ID license in person at an Indiana BMV branch. There is no online or mail-in option for Real ID.

First, gather all four categories of documents listed above. Bring your current Indiana driver license or ID card if you have one. Go to any BMV branch during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

At the branch, tell the clerk you want a Real ID license. They will verify your documents, check your information against state and federal databases, take a new photo, and collect the fee. The process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your Real ID license is printed and mailed to you.

Your Real ID license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the BMV to check the status.

Cost and renewal timeline

A Real ID Indiana driver license costs the same as a standard driver license renewal. As of 2024, that is $28 for an eight-year license for drivers under 75, and $16 for a four-year license for drivers 75 and older. Fees may change; check the BMV website for current pricing.

Your Real ID license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued (or four years if you are 75 or older). You can renew it by mail if you do not need to update your photo or address, but if you want to keep the Real ID designation, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring the same four categories of documents again.

If your Real ID license is lost or stolen, you can replace it in person at any BMV branch. Bring your current documents and pay a replacement fee, which is typically $10 to $15.

Who cannot get a Real ID license in Indiana

You cannot get a Real ID license if you do not have proof of lawful status in the United States. This includes people who are in the country without authorization, on an expired visa, or without a valid work permit.

If you are a non-citizen, you must have one of these documents: a valid passport with a U.S. visa, a permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document (EAD), an I-94 arrival/departure record, or a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document. If you do not have one of these, you can still get a standard Indiana driver license, but it will not have the gold star and will not meet federal Real ID requirements.

You also cannot get a Real ID license if you have an active suspension, revocation, or disqualification on your driving record. You must resolve any suspension or revocation before explore.

Alternatives to a Real ID license for federal travel

If you do not want to get a Real ID license or cannot meet the requirements, you have other options for domestic air travel and federal building access.

A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for all domestic flights. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but serves the same purpose for air travel. You explore for both through the U.S. State Department, not the BMV.

A military ID issued by the Department of Defense is also accepted for domestic flights and federal building entry. If you are active duty, retired, or a dependent, you can get a military ID through your branch or at a military installation.

A trusted traveler program card such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST is accepted by TSA for domestic flights. These programs cost between $85 and $180 and require a background check and interview.

What happens if you fly without Real ID after May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept a standard Indiana driver license for domestic air travel. If you arrive at the airport with only a regular license and no other acceptable ID, TSA can still allow you to board if you pass additional identity verification, but this process takes extra time and may cause you to miss your flight.

TSA recommends having a Real ID license, passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card before you travel. If you are unsure whether your license is a Real ID, look for the gold star in the upper right corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID license by mail?

No. If you want to keep the Real ID designation, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status again. You can renew a standard driver license by mail, but the renewal will not include the Real ID gold star.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Indiana?

No. A standard Indiana driver license is legal for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

The BMV will not accept an uncertified birth certificate. You must order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

Can I use a photo from my old license instead of taking a new one?

No. The BMV takes a new photo for every Real ID license process. You cannot use a photo from a previous license or bring your own photo.

What if I have a name change since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The BMV will update your name and issue a Real ID license with your current legal name.

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.