What to do if you've lost your Indiana driver's license

If you've lost your Indiana driver's license, you'll need to report it to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and request a replacement. The BMV can issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original — you don't have to start over. You can handle this in person at a BMV branch, by mail, or online through the BMV's website, depending on which method works best for your situation.

The fastest route is usually online if your license hasn't expired and you still have your Social Security number and date of birth handy. If your license has expired or you need the replacement quickly, an in-person visit to your local BMV branch will get you a new card the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can report a lost license and request a replacement online, by mail, or in person at any Indiana BMV branch.
  • If you replace your license online or by mail, the new card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days; in-person replacement takes one day.
  • You'll pay a replacement fee (the amount varies depending on how much time remains on your current license) and may need to provide a new photo if you're replacing in person.
  • Reporting your lost license to the BMV protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently, and you should also consider reporting it to local police if you believe it was stolen rather than misplaced.

Replace your license online through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV allows you to request a replacement license online if your current license is still valid (not expired). Go to the BMV's official website, select the option to report a lost or stolen license, and follow the prompts. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. You'll also need to pay the replacement fee using a credit or debit card.

Once you submit your request online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the BMV. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your mailing address before ordering, you can update it through the same online system.

Replace your license by mail

You can also request a replacement by mailing a form to the BMV. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the BMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if the BMV requests it. Mail delivery and processing typically take 2 to 3 weeks total, so this method is slower than online or in-person replacement. Keep a copy of what you mail for your records.

Replace your license in person at a BMV branch

For the fastest replacement, visit any Indiana BMV branch in person. Bring your Social Security card (or another document with your Social Security number), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the replacement fee. If you don't have your Social Security card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other official document with your number on it.

You'll need to have a new photo taken at the branch, so plan to look presentable. The BMV will issue your replacement license on the spot, and you can leave with it the same day. If you're unsure what documents your local branch requires, call ahead — requirements can vary slightly by location.

What the replacement fee costs

The replacement fee for a lost or stolen Indiana driver's license depends on how much time is left on your current license. If your license expires within one year, the fee is lower than if it has several years remaining. The BMV will calculate the exact amount based on your expiration date when you request the replacement.

You can pay by credit card (online or in person), debit card, check, or money order. If you're replacing in person, ask the BMV branch which payment methods they accept, as some smaller branches may have limited options.

Report your lost license to police if it was stolen

If you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider filing a report with your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You don't need a police report to get a replacement from the BMV, but having one on file protects you if the license is used for identity theft.

When you report it to police, have your license number ready if you know it. If you don't, the police can look it up using your name and date of birth. Keep a copy of the police report number for your records — you may need it if fraudulent activity occurs later.

What happens to your old license number

When you request a replacement for a lost license, the BMV will issue a new card with the same license number as your original. You don't get a new number, and your expiration date stays the same. This means your replacement license is valid for the same length of time your original would have been.

The BMV will deactivate your old license in their system once the replacement is issued, so the lost card can't be used even if someone finds it. If you later find your original license after getting a replacement, you can destroy it or return it to any BMV branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

If you replace your license in person at a BMV branch, you receive your new license the same day, so no temporary document is needed. If you order online or by mail, the BMV does not issue a temporary license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can print a receipt from your online order to show law enforcement if stopped, though it is not a legal driving document.

What if I find my original license after I've ordered a replacement?

Once you've reported your license lost and ordered a replacement, the original is deactivated in the BMV system. If you find it later, you can destroy it or turn it in to any BMV branch. You'll keep the replacement license you received.

Do I need to update my address at the same time I replace my license?

You can update your address online or in person when you replace your license, but it's not required. If your address has changed, updating it at the same time is convenient. If you're replacing by mail, you can include a note with your new address, or update it separately through the BMV website later.

How do I know if my license was stolen versus just lost?

If you've searched thoroughly and can't find it, or if you lost it in a public place where someone could have taken it, it's reasonable to assume it might have been stolen. Filing a police report is a precaution that costs nothing and protects you if the license is used fraudulently. You don't need proof that it was stolen to report it to police.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you're replacing in person, you must be present to have your photo taken and receive your license. If you're ordering online or by mail, the license will be sent to your address on file, so you don't need to be present. If you've moved and need it sent elsewhere, update your address before ordering.