Get a replacement license by visiting your local BMV branch with proof of identity and residency

If your Indiana driver's license is lost, you do not have to wait or file a police report first. You can walk into any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, show proof of who you are and where you live, pay a replacement fee, and leave with a temporary paper license the same day. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The process is straightforward because Indiana treats a lost license the same way it treats a damaged one — you are not reapplying for a license, just replacing the card itself. Your driving record and license number stay the same. You do not retake the written or road test.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to any BMV branch.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $28 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Your plastic replacement card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can replace your license in person at any BMV branch during business hours — no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

What documents you need to bring

Indiana requires two pieces of documentation: proof of identity and proof of your current address. Your proof of identity must be a government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, military ID card, or Indiana state ID all work. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID do not count as proof of identity for this purpose.

Proof of address must show your current home and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all satisfy this requirement. If you recently moved and your address has not updated on your ID yet, bring a document showing your new address. A piece of mail from a government agency, insurance company, or financial institution works.

If you do not have a current utility bill or lease, other documents that work include a property tax bill, vehicle registration, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead with your name and address. The document must be original or a certified copy — a photo or screenshot does not count.

Where to go and what to expect

You can visit any BMV branch in Indiana. The BMV website has a branch locator tool where you can enter your county or city and see all nearby locations, hours, and current wait times at some branches. Branches are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. A few branches offer extended evening hours.

You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours with your documents and your fee. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though busy branches during lunch or after work may have longer waits. If you want to avoid a wait, call the branch ahead of time — staff can tell you when they are least busy.

When you arrive, tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. They will verify your identity and address, check your driving record to make sure there are no holds or suspensions, and process your replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic card while you wait for the replacement to arrive.

The replacement fee and what you receive

A standard Indiana driver's license replacement costs $20. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $28. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, you can choose to keep that status or downgrade to a standard license.

You leave the BMV with a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary is valid for 45 days and works everywhere a plastic license works — you can drive, show it as ID, and use it for age verification. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address on file with the BMV. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer if there are postal delays.

If your plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the BMV. They can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if needed. Keep your temporary license until the plastic arrives.

If your license was stolen, not just lost

Indiana does not require you to file a police report to replace a stolen license, though you may want to for your own records. A stolen license is replaced the same way as a lost one — bring your documents to the BMV and pay the replacement fee. The BMV will deactivate your old license number so it cannot be used fraudulently.

If you are concerned about identity theft because your license was stolen along with other documents, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus or freezing your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

What happens if you cannot visit a BMV branch in person

Indiana does not offer mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must appear in person at a BMV branch with your documents and fee. There is no exception for people who are homebound or out of state.

If you are temporarily out of Indiana, you can replace your license when you return. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, which gives you time to travel and come back. If you have moved out of Indiana permanently, you will need to get a license from your new state instead.

If you are unable to visit a branch during regular hours, some branches offer Saturday morning hours or extended evening hours. Call ahead to find a location that fits your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving, showing as ID, and age verification. You do not have to wait for the plastic card to arrive. Keep the temporary until your plastic replacement comes in the mail.

What if I move before my replacement card arrives?

Contact the BMV and update your address before your card ships. If your card is already in the mail to your old address, you can request it be reissued to your new address. Call the BMV or visit a branch to update your address on file.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number or any other documents?

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but the BMV will ask for your number during the replacement process. Bring only your government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Your driver's license number and driving record are already in the system.

Can I get a replacement the same day I report it lost?

Yes. You can visit a BMV branch the same day you realize your license is lost and walk out with a temporary paper license. There is no waiting period. Your plastic replacement arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if my address on file with the BMV is outdated?

Update your address at the BMV before you request your replacement. Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). The BMV will update your record, and your replacement card will be mailed to your new address.