What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Indiana, you will need to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Indiana requires you to appear at a BMV office. The process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

The permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary license is your legal proof of licensure. If you lose the temporary before the permanent arrives, you will need to return to the BMV again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a BMV branch in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you will pay at the BMV office when you explore.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you also need to report the license as stolen (for example, if it was taken from your wallet), you can ask the BMV staff to note that during your visit.
  • Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one unless you request a renewal at the same time.

Documents to Bring to the BMV

Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card. The BMV staff will tell you on the phone if you are unsure whether your documents may have access to.

You also need proof that you live at your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring both the old document and the new one to explain the change.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You do not need to bring the old license itself — the BMV can look up your record by name and date of birth.

Finding Your Nearest BMV Branch and Making an Appointment

Indiana BMV branches are located in most counties. You can find the one nearest you on the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. The website lists hours, phone numbers, and whether each branch takes walk-ins or requires an appointment.

Many BMV branches now use an online appointment system. You can book a time slot on the website, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 minutes or less. If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, branches accept those too, but wait times can be 45 minutes to over an hour during busy times. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your branch requires an appointment.

Some branches are busier than others. If your local branch has a long wait, you can visit a different one in a nearby county — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.

What Happens at the BMV Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff you are replacing a lost license. They will give you a number or direct you to a window. Have your documents ready.

At the window, the BMV staff will verify your identity and address, look up your driving record, and ask you to confirm that the information on file is correct. They will ask whether you want to update your address, height, or other details. If your old license had restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), those will carry over to your new license unless you tell the staff otherwise.

You will then have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for the next several years. After the photo, you will pay the $20 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The staff will give you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. Keep this in your wallet until your permanent license arrives.

The Temporary License and Waiting for Your Permanent Card

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and is a legal form of identification. You can drive with it, and police will accept it as proof of licensure. Write the expiration date on it so you do not forget when it expires.

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file at the BMV. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you moved recently and updated your address at the BMV, the license will be mailed to your new address. If you did not update your address, it will go to your old one, and you will need to pick it up or have someone retrieve it for you.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the BMV branch where you applied. They can check the status and remail it if needed. Do not wait longer than 30 days — if your temporary expires before the permanent arrives, you will need to return to the BMV for another temporary.

If Your License Was Stolen, Not Just Lost

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, tell the BMV staff when you explore for the replacement. They can add a note to your record. This does not prevent someone from using a stolen license, but it creates a record that you reported it missing.

You may also want to file a police report, especially if you believe the license could be used for identity theft. A police report gives you documentation if fraudulent activity appears on your credit report later. The BMV staff can tell you whether your local police department takes reports for stolen IDs.

Replacing Your License If You Also Need a Renewal

Indiana driver's licenses expire every 8 years. If your license was lost and it was also close to expiration, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. Tell the BMV staff that you want to do both.

The renewal fee is $20, so replacing and renewing together costs $40 total. Your new license will have a new expiration date 8 years from the date you explore. This is often worth doing if your old license was expiring within the next year, because it saves you a trip to the BMV later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Indiana requires you to appear in person at a BMV branch to replace a lost license. You must bring valid ID and proof of address. There is no online or mail-in option for replacements.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease for proof of address?

You can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of those, call your local BMV branch and ask what documents they will accept — some branches have flexibility for people in unusual situations.

Do I have to go to the BMV branch in my county?

No. You can visit any BMV branch in Indiana, even if it is in a different county. Some branches have shorter wait times, so you can choose based on convenience.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

If you move after explore for the replacement, contact the BMV branch where you applied and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address so the license is sent to the right place. Do this as soon as you move to avoid the license being sent to your old address.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

The replacement fee is $20. You pay this at the BMV office when you explore. If you are also renewing your license at the same time, the total is $40.