What you need to do to get a replacement license in Indiana

To replace a lost Indiana driver's license, you must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Indiana does not allow you to renew or replace a license by mail or online. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the branch, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been suspended or revoked. A straightforward replacement means you're getting a new card with the same information and driving record as your lost one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a BMV branch in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Indiana address.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $25 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the branch.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because BMV will ask for it even if you already have a license on file.

Documents to bring to the BMV branch

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Indiana. For identity, the BMV accepts a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form works. The BMV will not issue a license without it.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will be issued under your old name.

Finding a BMV branch and checking wait times

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. The site shows you branch locations, hours, and how long the wait is right now at each location. Some branches are busier than others; branches in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other cities.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted during all business hours, though arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means a shorter wait. Some branches close for lunch, so check the hours before you go.

The replacement fee and what you'll pay

A standard Indiana driver's license replacement costs $20. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $25. Real ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but it is not required for driving. Most people choose standard licenses for replacement.

You pay the fee at the BMV branch when you submit your documents. The BMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you cannot pay the fee on the day you visit, you cannot receive your license that day.

What happens after you pay: temporary and permanent licenses

After you pay and have your photo taken, the BMV will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same driving privileges as your permanent license. You can drive legally with it when ready.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the BMV. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the BMV branch where you applied and provide your receipt number.

Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — you do not need to return it to the BMV.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked (for example, due to unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or too many points), you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a DUI education program, or waiting out a suspension period.

Contact the BMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace your lost license using the standard process above. The BMV can tell you the status of your driving record when you call or visit.

Replacing a license that was stolen versus lost

Indiana treats a stolen license the same as a lost one for replacement purposes. You do not need a police report to replace it. However, if you believe your license was stolen as part of identity theft — for example, someone used it to open accounts or commit fraud — you should file a report with local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. A police report number can help if you need to dispute fraudulent accounts later.

For the BMV replacement itself, straightforward tell the staff that your license was stolen. They will process it as a standard replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Indiana requires you to appear in person at a BMV branch. You cannot replace a lost license online, by mail, or by phone. You must visit a branch with your documents and pay the fee in person.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You must have a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Indiana address. If you just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or bring a bank statement or credit card statement. The BMV can tell you which documents they accept if you call ahead.

How long does the whole process take?

The visit to the BMV branch usually takes 15 to 20 minutes from the time you check in. Your temporary license is ready when ready. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The total time from start to finish is about two weeks.

Do I have to retake the written test or driving test?

No. A replacement license is issued with the same information and driving record as your lost license. You only retake tests if your license was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than a certain period. For a straightforward replacement, no tests are required.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

Tell the BMV staff your new address when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will be mailed to that address. Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to verify it.