How to check your suspension status in Indiana
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you check your license status online, by phone, or in person. The fastest method is the online portal at myBMV.com, where you can log in with your driver's license number and date of birth to see whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the BMV at 317-615-7293 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time) and provide your license number. You can also visit any BMV branch in person with your ID.
The online check takes seconds and shows your current status when ready. The phone line may have a wait, especially early in the week. If you're checking because you received a notice in the mail or were stopped by police, have that document handy—it will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Indiana license status online at myBMV.com using your driver's license number and date of birth.
- The BMV phone line (317-615-7293) can confirm your status during business hours if you prefer not to use the online portal.
- A suspension notice from the BMV or a court will state the reason—usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance.
- Restoring your license requires paying what you owe, completing required courses, or filing an SR22 form, depending on why it was suspended.
- You cannot legally drive on a suspended license in Indiana, even if you did not receive a notice.
Why Indiana suspends licenses and what triggers it
Indiana suspends driver's licenses for specific violations, and the BMV will send you written notice before the suspension takes effect—though you may not receive it if your address on file is outdated. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court date, and failure to maintain auto insurance (which triggers an automatic suspension if you're in an accident or cited for driving uninsured).
Other suspension triggers include accumulating too many points on your driving record, a DUI or drug-related conviction, and failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines unrelated to driving. If you were suspended for insurance reasons, you'll need to file an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) with the BMV before you can drive again. The SR22 proves to the state that you now carry the required liability coverage.
Suspensions are different from revocations. A suspension is temporary—you can restore your license by meeting the BMV's requirements. A revocation is permanent unless you petition the BMV to reinstate your license, which is a longer process and not always granted.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you confirm your license is suspended, your next step depends on the reason. If it's for unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the citation or the BMV directly to find out the exact amount owed and where to pay it. You can often pay online through the court's website or the BMV portal, by phone, or in person at a BMV branch.
If you failed to appear in court, you must contact that court to reschedule your appearance or resolve the case. Ignoring a failure-to-appear suspension will not make it go away and may result in additional charges or a warrant.
If your suspension is for insurance reasons, you must obtain auto insurance that meets Indiana's minimum requirements (currently $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage), then file an SR22 form with your insurance company. Your insurer will submit the SR22 to the BMV on your behalf. Once the BMV receives and processes it, your suspension will be lifted—this usually takes 3 to 5 business days.
How long a suspension lasts
The length of a suspension varies by reason. A suspension for unpaid fines ends once you pay in full. A suspension for failure to appear ends once you resolve the court case. An insurance-related suspension typically lasts until you file the SR22, which is usually within days of obtaining coverage.
Some suspensions have a minimum duration set by law. For example, a suspension for a DUI conviction may last 6 months to 2 years depending on whether it's a first or repeat offense. The notice you receive from the BMV or court will state the suspension period and the conditions for lifting it.
Do not assume your suspension has been lifted automatically. After you've paid fines, filed an SR22, or resolved a court case, check your status again on myBMV.com or call the BMV to confirm the suspension has been removed from your record. Processing times vary, and you don't want to drive legally only to discover later that the BMV's records weren't updated.
Driving on a suspended license in Indiana
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Indiana. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. A second or subsequent offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor with penalties up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail. You can be charged even if you were not aware your license was suspended, so checking your status is important.
If you're stopped by police while suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you'll face arrest. Your insurance company may also deny a claim if you were driving on a suspended license at the time of an accident. For these reasons, do not drive until you've confirmed your suspension has been lifted.
Restoring your license after suspension
Once you've met the requirements for lifting your suspension (paid fines, filed SR22, resolved court cases), your license is usually restored automatically. You do not need to visit the BMV or pay a reinstatement fee in most cases. However, if your suspension was for a serious offense like DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse course or other required program before the BMV will restore your driving privileges.
Check your status online or by phone a few days after you've completed the required steps to confirm the suspension has been removed. If it hasn't been lifted within the expected timeframe, contact the BMV or the relevant court to find out what's holding up the process.
What to do if you disagree with the suspension
If you believe your license was suspended in error—for example, you paid a fine but the court didn't report it to the BMV, or you filed an SR22 but the BMV hasn't processed it—contact the BMV or the court directly with proof of payment or filing. Bring documentation such as a receipt, cancelled check, or confirmation email from your insurance company.
If you want to formally contest the suspension, you can request a hearing with the BMV. The process and timeline vary depending on the reason for suspension. Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to ask about your options for disputing the suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. Indiana does not issue restricted or hardship licenses that allow you to drive for work or other essential purposes while suspended. You must use other transportation until your suspension is lifted.
How long does it take for the BMV to process an SR22 and lift my suspension?
Most SR22 forms are processed within 3 to 5 business days of your insurance company submitting them to the BMV. Check your status online after five business days to confirm the suspension has been removed.
What if I moved and didn't get the suspension notice?
The BMV sends notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved without updating your address, you may not have received notice of the suspension. However, the suspension is still in effect. Check your status when ready and take steps to resolve it.
Do I have to pay a fee to restore my license after suspension?
In most cases, no. Your license is restored automatically once you've met the suspension requirements. However, if you need to renew your license at the same time, you'll pay the standard renewal fee.
What happens if I get pulled over while suspended?
You can be arrested and charged with a Class B misdemeanor (first offense) or Class A misdemeanor (repeat offense). Your vehicle may be impounded, and you'll face fines and possible jail time.