Check your Indiana license status through the BMV website or by phone
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you look up your driver license status online without visiting an office. You can check whether your license is valid, suspended, or restricted by using the BMV's online license status tool on their website, or by calling their customer service line. The online method is fastest — you get an answer in seconds — and you'll need your driver license number or Social Security number to start.
The BMV website tool shows you the current status of your license as of that moment. If your license is suspended or has restrictions, the tool will tell you the reason and, in some cases, what you need to do to restore it. This is different from ordering an official copy of your driving record, which costs money and takes longer to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- The BMV online license status tool is free and gives you an when ready answer about whether your Indiana license is valid, suspended, or restricted.
- You will need either your driver license number or your Social Security number to use the online tool.
- If your license is suspended, the tool will show the reason — unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, medical suspension, or another cause — and sometimes what steps restore it.
- If the online tool does not work or you need more detail, you can call the BMV customer service line or visit a local BMV branch in person.
Steps to check your license status online
Go to the Indiana BMV website and locate the "License Status" or "Check License Status" tool. This is usually found under a section for drivers or in the main navigation menu. Click on the tool and you will be asked to enter either your driver license number or your Social Security number, plus your date of birth. The system will then display your current license status.
The status will show as one of these: valid and unrestricted, valid with restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, the reason will appear on the screen — for example, "suspended due to unpaid traffic fines" or "suspended due to failure to pay child support." Write down or screenshot this information, because you may need it if you contact the BMV or a court.
What different license statuses mean
A valid and unrestricted license means you can legally drive in Indiana with no conditions. A valid with restrictions status means your license is good but you must follow certain rules — the most common restriction is that you must wear corrective lenses while driving. You can still drive legally as long as you follow the restriction.
A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, and driving with a suspended license is a crime in Indiana. Suspensions are temporary and usually tied to a specific cause: unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a medical condition the BMV flagged, or a conviction for a traffic offense. Once you address the cause — pay the fines, resolve the child support issue, or complete a required program — you can petition to have the suspension lifted.
A revoked license is more serious than a suspension. Revocation is usually permanent or long-term and results from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offenses. Revoked licenses require a formal reinstatement process through the BMV, which may include a new written test, driving test, or waiting period.
An expired license means your renewal date has passed. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, but renewal is straightforward — you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch, depending on your age and how long it has been expired.
Why your license might be suspended in Indiana
Indiana suspends driver licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support ordered by a court, and medical suspensions (when the BMV learns you have a condition that affects safe driving). Other reasons include conviction for driving under the influence, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain required insurance after an accident.
Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of DUI, the BMV suspends your license when ready. Others happen after a notice period, giving you time to pay a fine or resolve the issue. The online status tool will tell you the reason, which helps you understand what you need to do next.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, confirm the reason using the online status tool or by calling the BMV. Then take action based on that reason. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay what you owe, or set up a payment plan. If it is due to child support, contact the Indiana Child Support Enforcement office or the court that ordered support. If it is a medical suspension, you may need to provide a doctor's statement or take a medical exam before the BMV will lift it.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, contact the BMV to request reinstatement. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once payment is made or the issue is resolved; others require you to file a formal petition. The BMV will tell you which applies to your situation. You can call the BMV, visit a branch in person, or check their website for the specific reinstatement process for your type of suspension.
Checking your license status by phone or in person
If you cannot use the online tool, you can call the Indiana BMV customer service line. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. The phone line will connect you to a representative who can look up your status and explain what it means. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the BMV is.
You can also visit any BMV branch in person to check your status. Bring your driver license or state ID. A BMV employee can look up your status on the spot and answer questions about what you need to do next. This option takes longer than the online tool but may be helpful if you need to discuss your situation with someone or if you have questions the online tool does not answer.
Understanding your driving record versus your license status
Your license status and your driving record are two different things. Your license status tells you whether you are legally allowed to drive right now — valid, suspended, expired, or revoked. Your driving record shows your history: every ticket, accident, conviction, and point you have accumulated. The online status tool shows only your current status, not your full record.
If you need to see your complete driving record — for example, to show an insurance company or a potential employer — you must order an official copy from the BMV. This costs money and takes a few days to arrive. The free online status tool is meant only to answer the question "Can I legally drive today?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to check my license status online?
The online tool gives you an when ready answer as soon as you enter your information and click search. You should see your status within seconds. If the website is slow or down for maintenance, try again in a few minutes.
What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I did not know about it?
This can happen if you missed a notice in the mail or did not know a fine or court order existed. Contact the BMV or the court or agency listed as the reason for suspension to understand what happened and what you owe. Many suspensions can be lifted once the underlying issue is resolved.
Can I drive if my license is suspended while I am working on reinstatement?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Indiana and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. You must wait until your license is officially reinstated before you drive. Some people pursue a work permit or hardship license, but these are not automatic — you must petition the BMV or a court.
Do I need to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. Your license cannot be renewed while it is suspended. You must have the suspension lifted first, and then you can renew if your license is also expired. The BMV will guide you through the order of steps when you contact them about reinstatement.
What if the online tool does not recognize my driver license number?
Try using your Social Security number instead of your license number. If the tool still does not work, your license number may be entered incorrectly, or the BMV system may be temporarily down. Call the BMV customer service line or visit a branch in person to check your status.