Reinstatement fees in Indiana depend on why your license was suspended
Indiana charges a $150 reinstatement fee for most suspensions, but some situations cost more. If your license was suspended for a drug conviction, you pay an additional $250 on top of the base fee — making it $400 total. If you were suspended for refusing a breath test or failing one, the cost is $500. These fees go to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and must be paid before your license is restored.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any other costs you may face, such as court fines, restitution, or insurance requirements like an SR22 form. You also cannot reinstate until you have met all the conditions of your suspension — whether that means completing a substance abuse program, serving a waiting period, or paying child support arrears.
If you are unsure which fee applies to your suspension, contact the BMV directly at 317-615-7293 or check your suspension notice, which should state the reason and the amount owed.
Key Takeaways
- The standard reinstatement fee in Indiana is $150, but drug-related suspensions cost $400 and alcohol-related suspensions cost $500.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee to the BMV, but you cannot reinstate until all suspension conditions are met first.
- Reinstatement fees are separate from court fines, restitution, or insurance costs like SR22 forms.
- Your suspension notice lists the reason for suspension and the exact fee you owe.
- The BMV can tell you the total amount due and what steps remain before you can reinstate.
How to pay your reinstatement fee
You can pay your reinstatement fee in person at any BMV branch, by mail, or online through the BMV website. If you pay online or by mail, include your driver's license number and the reason for suspension so the BMV can match the payment to your record. Payment by check or money order should be mailed to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
In-person payment is fastest because the BMV can process your reinstatement the same day if all other conditions are met. Bring your suspension notice and a valid form of identification. If you are paying by credit or debit card, the BMV charges a processing fee on top of the reinstatement amount.
What happens if you cannot pay the fee right away
Indiana does not offer a payment plan for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full amount before your license is restored. If you cannot pay when ready, you will remain suspended until you do.
Some people in financial hardship have asked the BMV for a fee waiver, but Indiana law does not provide for waivers based on inability to pay. Your only option is to save the money and pay when you can. If your suspension is due to unpaid child support or court fines, you may be able to work with the court or the child support enforcement office on a payment arrangement for those debts separately, but that does not reduce the BMV reinstatement fee.
Reinstatement fees for different suspension reasons
| Reason for Suspension | Reinstatement Fee |
|---|---|
| Administrative suspension (unpaid tickets, failure to appear) | $150 |
| Drug conviction | $400 |
| DUI conviction or refusal of breath test | $500 |
| Failure of breath test (BAC 0.08 or higher) | $500 |
| Habitual traffic violator status | $150 |
| Failure to maintain insurance | $150 |
Other costs beyond the reinstatement fee
The reinstatement fee is only one part of what you may owe. If your suspension was alcohol or drug related, Indiana requires you to carry an SR22 form (proof of financial responsibility) for at least three years. Your insurance company charges a fee to file this form — typically $15 to $25 — and your insurance rates will increase significantly, often by $1,000 or more per year depending on your age and driving record.
If you were convicted of DUI, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This costs $100 to $300 to install and $50 to $100 per month to maintain. Court fines for DUI in Indiana range from $500 to $5,000 for a first offense, and you may owe restitution if anyone was injured.
Some suspensions require you to complete a substance abuse program or defensive driving course before reinstatement is allowed. These programs cost $200 to $500 and must be completed before you pay the reinstatement fee.
How long reinstatement takes after you pay
If you pay your reinstatement fee in person at a BMV branch and all other suspension conditions are met, your license can be restored the same day. You will receive a temporary driving permit on the spot and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If you pay by mail or online, allow 5 to 10 business days for the BMV to process your payment and restore your driving privileges. During this time, you are still suspended and cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your license is restored, you can request a temporary permit at a BMV branch, though you must still have paid your reinstatement fee first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my reinstatement fee refunded if I move out of Indiana?
No. Once you pay the reinstatement fee, it is not refundable even if you relocate. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license from that state, but you cannot recover the money you paid to Indiana.
What if I was suspended in Indiana but now live in another state?
You can still reinstate your Indiana license by mail or online, even if you live elsewhere. However, you will need to follow Indiana's reinstatement process and pay the full fee. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Indiana, but you should contact your new state's DMV to understand how an out-of-state suspension affects your driving privileges there.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if my suspension was a mistake?
If the BMV made an error and your suspension should not have happened, you can request a hearing to challenge it. If you win, the suspension is removed and you do not owe the reinstatement fee. Contact the BMV's hearings section at 317-615-7293 to request a hearing and explain why you believe the suspension was incorrect.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe court fines or child support?
No. Your license will remain suspended until all court-ordered debts are paid or a payment arrangement is made with the court or child support enforcement office. The reinstatement fee is separate from these debts, but you must resolve them before the BMV will restore your license.