Check your Indiana license status through the BMV website or by phone

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you check whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid through their online system or by calling their customer service line. You do not need to visit an office in person to find out your status — both methods take a few minutes and give you an when ready answer.

The fastest way is the BMV's online license status lookup at in.gov/bmv. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and in many cases why. If you prefer to speak with someone, call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time).

Key Takeaways

  • The Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv has a free online tool to check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
  • You can also call the BMV customer service line at 1-888-692-6841 to speak with someone who can tell you your status and the reason for any suspension.
  • A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet the BMV's requirements, such as paying a reinstatement fee or clearing the underlying violation.
  • If your license is suspended, the BMV notice you received in the mail explains what caused it and what steps you must take to restore it.
  • Driving on a suspended license in Indiana is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.

What the online BMV lookup tool shows you

When you use the BMV's online status checker, the system displays your current license status in one of four categories: valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is suspended or revoked, the tool usually shows the reason — for example, failure to pay a traffic fine, a DUI conviction, unpaid child support, or a medical condition reported to the BMV.

The online tool does not always provide the full details of what you need to do to restore your license. If you need more information about reinstatement steps or fees, the phone line is more helpful because a representative can walk you through the specific requirements for your situation.

Common reasons for suspension in Indiana

Indiana suspends licenses for many reasons, and understanding why yours was suspended is the first step toward fixing it. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court for a traffic violation, a DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) conviction, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, and unpaid child support.

Medical suspensions also occur when the BMV receives a report from a doctor or law enforcement that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely. If you believe your suspension was made in error, or if you have completed the requirements to lift it, you can contact the BMV to request a review or reinstatement.

How to reinstate a suspended license

Reinstatement steps depend on why your license was suspended. For suspensions due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the amount owed to the court or the agency that issued the ticket. For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to complete a substance abuse program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and pay a reinstatement fee.

Once you have met the requirements, you can request reinstatement through the BMV. Some reinstatements happen automatically once payment is received; others require you to submit paperwork or visit a BMV branch. The BMV notice you received when your license was suspended should list the exact steps and any fees involved. If you no longer have that notice, call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 to ask what you need to do.

Reinstatement fees and costs

Indiana charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license, though the amount varies depending on the reason for suspension. A standard reinstatement fee is typically between $50 and $100, but some suspensions carry higher fees. DUI-related suspensions, for example, often include additional costs for the substance abuse program and ignition interlock device installation.

You may also owe the original fine or court costs that led to the suspension. The BMV notice or a call to the BMV can tell you the total amount due. Some courts allow payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

What happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving on a suspended license in Indiana is a criminal offense. A first offense is typically a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a fine up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail. You will also face an additional suspension on top of the original one.

Law enforcement can stop you for any traffic violation and will discover your suspended status when they run your license. Even a minor violation like a broken taillight can lead to an arrest if your license is suspended. The safest course is to avoid driving until your license is restored.

Temporary driving permits and hardship licenses

In some cases, Indiana allows you to obtain a hardship license or work permit while your license is suspended. A hardship license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs even though your license is suspended. You must show the BMV that the suspension causes genuine hardship and that you have a specific need to drive.

To request a hardship license, contact your local BMV branch or call 1-888-692-6841. The BMV will review your situation and tell you whether you are may be able to access. Not all suspension reasons allow a hardship license — for example, DUI suspensions have stricter rules — so ask the BMV directly whether your situation qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn about my license is suspended?

The online BMV tool gives you an answer when ready. If you call the BMV, a representative can usually tell you your status within a few minutes during business hours. The BMV phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.

What if I lost the BMV notice that says my license is suspended?

Call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 and provide your driver's license number and date of birth. A representative will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you must do to restore your license. You can also check the online status tool, though it may not show all the details you need.

Can I get a hardship license if my license is suspended for unpaid fines?

Possibly, but it depends on the circumstances. Contact the BMV or your local BMV branch to explain your situation. The BMV considers whether you have a genuine need to drive and whether you are making an effort to resolve the underlying violation. DUI suspensions have stricter rules and are less likely to result in a hardship license.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee in person at a BMV branch?

Not always. Some reinstatement fees can be paid online or by mail, depending on the reason for suspension. Call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 to ask how to pay for your specific situation. If you must visit a branch, you can find locations and hours at in.gov/bmv.

What if my license was suspended by mistake?

Contact the BMV when ready at 1-888-692-6841 or visit your local BMV branch with documentation showing the error. For example, if you paid a fine but the court did not report it to the BMV, bring proof of payment. The BMV can request a review and may lift the suspension once the error is corrected.