How to Replace Your Indiana Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Replace Your Indiana License

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Indiana driver's license, you must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity and residency. Indiana does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. You will need to complete a new process, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at the branch, and you can receive a temporary license to use when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.

The state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. If your license is damaged but you still have it, you can exchange it at any BMV branch without reapplying. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local law enforcement or the Indiana State Police, though this is not required by the BMV to issue a replacement.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a BMV branch in person with a valid ID and proof of Indiana residency to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, as the BMV will verify your identity against state records before issuing a replacement.
The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $28 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the branch when you explore.
You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to your address on file.
If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report to protect yourself against identity theft, though the BMV does not require one to issue a replacement.

Documents and Information You Must Bring

Bring one primary form of ID and one secondary form of ID, plus proof of your current Indiana address. Primary ID options include a valid passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a primary ID, you can use two secondary forms instead — secondary ID includes a Social Security card, birth certificate, or state ID card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Indiana address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your address on file with the BMV is outdated, bring proof of both your old address and your new address so the BMV can update your record.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. The BMV uses this to verify your identity against state and federal records. Have this number ready when you arrive, or bring a Social Security card or tax document that shows it.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at in.gov/bmv. The site lists all branch locations, hours, and phone numbers. You can visit any BMV branch in the state — you do not have to go to the branch in your home county.

Indiana BMV branches operate on a first-come, first-served basis at most locations, though some branches now offer online appointment scheduling through the BMV website. Check your local branch's page to see if appointments are available. If your branch does not offer appointments, arrive early in the day or on a weekday to avoid long wait times. Branches are typically busiest on Saturdays and late afternoons.

If you cannot reach a branch easily, you can call the BMV customer service line at 1-888-692-6841 to ask about branch hours, services, or to schedule an appointment if your location offers them.

Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a standard Indiana driver's license is $20. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025), the fee is $28. You pay the fee in cash, debit card, or credit card at the BMV branch when you submit your process. The BMV does not accept checks or online payment for in-person replacements.

If you are replacing a damaged license and still have the card in your possession, the replacement is treated as an exchange and costs the same fee. There is no additional charge if you request a REAL ID upgrade at the time of replacement, though you will need to provide the extra documentation that REAL ID requires (a certified birth certificate or passport, plus proof of Social Security number).

What Happens After You explore

When you complete your process at the BMV branch, you will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, identification, and age verification. Keep it with you at all times while you wait for your permanent card.

Your new plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your card arrives, contact the BMV to update your mailing address. You can call the BMV customer service line or visit a branch in person to request a mailing address change.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. The temporary license is no longer valid after your permanent card is received.

If Your License Was Stolen

Filing a police report is not required by the Indiana BMV to issue a replacement license, but it is a good step to protect yourself against identity theft. You can file a report with your local police department or the Indiana State Police. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit to prevent someone from opening accounts in your name. These steps are separate from the BMV replacement process but are worth considering if you are concerned about identity theft.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Do not assume you can renew your license online or by mail if it is lost or stolen — Indiana requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch. Do not bring expired documents as proof of residency; the BMV requires documents dated within the last 60 days. Do not forget your Social Security number or a document showing it; the BMV cannot complete your process without it.

Do not wait to replace a stolen license if you are concerned about identity theft. The sooner you report it and receive a new license with a different number, the sooner you reduce the risk of fraud. Do not lose your temporary paper license before your permanent card arrives; you will need it for driving and identification during those 7 to 10 days.

If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card with you to the BMV branch. The BMV will take it as part of the exchange process. If you have lost the damaged card, you can still explore for a replacement, but you will need to explain what happened to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at any BMV branch or only at my home county branch?

You can visit any BMV branch in Indiana to replace your license. You do not have to go to the branch in your home county. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can provide an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. The BMV will verify this number against state and federal records before issuing your replacement license.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the BMV branch. Once your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid and should be destroyed.

What if my permanent license does not arrive after 10 business days?

Contact the BMV customer service line at 1-888-692-6841 to check the status of your license. If there is a delay, the BMV can reissue your license or investigate what happened to your original order. Your temporary paper license remains valid during this time.

Do I need to file a police report to get a replacement license?

No, a police report is not required by the BMV to issue a replacement license. However, filing a report with local police or the Indiana State Police is recommended if your license was stolen, as it creates an official record and can help protect you against identity theft.

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.