How to replace your Indiana driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Indiana driver's license in person at any BMV branch (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen ID can be used for identity theft. The BMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement, but having one on file protects you if someone tries to use your information.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any BMV branch in Indiana with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your replacement fee to get a new license the same day.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
- The replacement fee varies depending on how many years remain on your current license; the BMV will calculate it based on your expiration date.
- You can also renew your license online or by mail if it is not damaged, but a lost or stolen license must be replaced in person.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one form of primary identification and one form of secondary identification, plus proof of your current Indiana address. Primary ID includes a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Secondary ID includes a Social Security card, birth certificate, or marriage certificate.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've moved recently and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement works.
Bring your replacement fee in cash or card. If you're replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card with you if you still have it—the BMV will destroy it.
Replacement fees and what they cover
The replacement fee depends on how long your current license is valid. Indiana driver's licenses are issued for four or eight years depending on your age. The BMV calculates your fee based on the remaining validity of your original license, not the full cost of a new one.
As of 2024, replacement fees typically range from $15 to $30, but the exact amount depends on your specific situation. When you arrive at the BMV, staff will tell you the fee before you pay. If your license was damaged by the BMV's error (for example, a printing defect), you may not owe a fee—ask the clerk.
Getting your temporary and permanent license
After you pay the fee, the BMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 30 days. Write down the number on your temporary license and keep it with you while you drive.
Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address you provide at the BMV, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the BMV to check the status. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed.
Replacing a stolen license and protecting your identity
If your license was stolen, file a report with your local police department. You don't need the police report to get a replacement from the BMV, but having one on file creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen ID for fraud.
Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and ask to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two automatically.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can view your free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you didn't open, report them to the credit bureau and the creditor when ready.
BMV locations and hours
Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can visit any branch to replace your license—you don't have to go to the one closest to your home. Find your nearest branch and hours on the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv.
Many branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours vary by location and some branches close for lunch. During busy times, wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour, so arriving early in the day or mid-week often means a shorter wait.
Online and mail renewal if your license is not damaged
If your license is not damaged—only lost or stolen—you have other options. You can renew your license online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet certain requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and your address must match BMV records.
Online renewal costs less than in-person replacement and takes about five business days. However, if your license was stolen, you may prefer to replace it in person so you can report the theft and receive a temporary license when ready. Mail renewal is also available but takes longer and requires you to mail in documents.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the BMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction.
Contact the BMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your suspension is lifted, you can replace your lost, stolen, or damaged license through the normal process. The BMV can tell you over the phone what documents or payments are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online if it was stolen?
You can renew online if your license meets certain conditions, but in-person replacement is recommended for a stolen license. Replacing in person lets you get a temporary license when ready and report the theft to the BMV in one visit. Online renewal takes longer and doesn't give you a temporary card.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive by day 14, call the BMV to check the status.
What if I moved and my address doesn't match my ID?
Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The BMV will update your address when you replace your license. You don't need to change your address separately.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No, the BMV does not require a police report. However, filing one creates a record if someone tries to use your stolen ID. It also helps if you need to dispute fraudulent accounts later.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No, you must pick up your temporary license in person at the BMV. Your permanent card is mailed to the address you provide, so you don't have to pick that up. If you can't travel to a BMV branch, contact them to ask about other options.