How to Reinstate Your Suspended Driver's License in Indiana

The Steps to Get Your License Back in Indiana

To reinstate your suspended Indiana driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then handle that reason, then pay a reinstatement fee to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The suspension won't lift on its own — you have to take action. The reason matters because it determines what you do first. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you pay the court. If you were suspended for a DUI conviction, you may need an SR22 form and an ignition interlock device. If you were suspended for medical reasons, you need a doctor's clearance.

Once you've resolved the underlying reason, you contact the BMV, pay the reinstatement fee (which varies by suspension type), and your license becomes active again. Some suspensions require you to retake the written test or driving test before reinstatement is granted. Others do not. The BMV will tell you exactly what applies to your case when you call or visit.

Key Takeaways

You must first determine why your license was suspended by contacting the Indiana BMV or checking your suspension notice.
Different suspension reasons require different actions: paying court fines, obtaining an SR22 form, installing an ignition interlock, or getting medical clearance.
After resolving the reason for suspension, you pay the BMV reinstatement fee and your license is restored.
Some suspensions require you to pass a written or driving test again before the BMV will reinstate your license.
The BMV can be reached by phone at 317-615-7293 or in person at any BMV branch to confirm what you owe and what steps explore to you.

Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Your suspension notice should state the reason. If you no longer have it, call the Indiana BMV at 317-615-7293 and provide your driver's license number. The BMV staff will tell you the suspension type and what you must do to clear it. Common suspension reasons in Indiana include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) conviction, accumulation of points from traffic violations, failure to maintain insurance, or a medical condition reported by a physician.

Write down the exact reason and any case or ticket numbers the BMV gives you. This information is what you'll need to resolve the suspension. If the reason involves a court case, the BMV will direct you to the court that issued the suspension. If it involves insurance, they'll tell you what proof the BMV needs to see.

Handle the Reason for Your Suspension

Each suspension type has a different path to resolution. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the court listed in your suspension notice and pay what you owe. The court will notify the BMV once payment clears. If you were suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you'll need to purchase a policy and obtain proof of coverage (your insurance card or declaration page) to show the BMV.

If you were suspended for a DUI or OWI conviction, Indiana law requires you to obtain an SR22 form (also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility) from your insurance company before the BMV will reinstate your license. The SR22 proves you carry the minimum liability insurance required by law. You'll also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period (usually six months to one year, depending on your conviction). The interlock prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Your insurance company and the BMV can direct you to approved interlock vendors in Indiana.

If your suspension was due to accumulation of points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course. Indiana recognizes certain approved courses that can reduce points on your record. If your suspension was medical in nature, you'll need a letter from your physician stating you are medically fit to drive, and you may need to pass a medical examination through the BMV.

Pay the BMV Reinstatement Fee

Once you've resolved the underlying reason for suspension, you must pay the reinstatement fee to the BMV. The fee amount depends on the type of suspension. Indiana charges different fees for suspensions related to traffic violations, insurance lapses, DUI convictions, and other reasons. The BMV will tell you the exact amount when you call or visit. Fees typically range from $50 to $150, but this varies.

You can pay the reinstatement fee in person at any BMV branch, by mail, or online through the BMV website. If you pay by mail, include a check or money order, your driver's license number, and a note explaining which suspension you're clearing. Mail payments to the address the BMV provides. If you pay online, you'll need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Retesting Requirements for Some Suspensions

Not all suspensions require you to retake a test. However, if your suspension was related to a serious violation like a DUI, or if your suspension lasted longer than one year, the BMV may require you to pass the written knowledge test, the driving test, or both before reinstating your license. The BMV will inform you of this requirement when you contact them about reinstatement.

If a test is required, you'll schedule it at an BMV branch. You can study using the Indiana Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the BMV website. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The driving test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Once you pass, the BMV will process your reinstatement.

What Happens After You Pay the Reinstatement Fee

After you've paid the reinstatement fee and met all other requirements, the BMV processes your case. Reinstatement is usually when ready if you pay in person at an BMV branch — your license becomes valid that day. If you pay by mail or online, processing typically takes five to ten business days. You can check the status of your reinstatement by calling the BMV or visiting the website.

Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive in Indiana. However, if your suspension was for a DUI, remember that you must maintain your SR22 form and keep the ignition interlock device installed for the full period required by law. Failure to maintain these requirements can result in a new suspension.

Reinstating a License Suspended for Failure to Pay Child Support

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you cannot reinstate it through the BMV alone. You must contact the Indiana Child Support Enforcement Division or the court that ordered the suspension and make a payment arrangement or pay the full amount owed. Once the court or enforcement agency confirms that your child support is current or that you've entered a payment plan, they will notify the BMV to lift the suspension.

This process can take longer than other suspension types because it involves coordination between the court, the child support agency, and the BMV. Call the Indiana Child Support Enforcement Division at 1-800-840-8757 to find out what you owe and what payment options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reinstate my license after I pay the fee?

If you pay in person at an BMV branch, your license is reinstated when ready. If you pay by mail or online, processing takes five to ten business days. You can call the BMV to confirm your reinstatement status.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the BMV officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges.

What if I can't afford to pay the reinstatement fee right now?

Contact the BMV to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some courts and agencies may allow you to pay in installments. The BMV can direct you to the appropriate office based on your suspension reason.

Do I need to retake my driving test to get my license back?

Only if your suspension was for a serious violation like DUI or if it lasted longer than one year. The BMV will tell you whether a test is required when you contact them about your specific suspension.

What if my suspension was for a medical reason?

You'll need a letter from your doctor stating you are medically fit to drive. Submit this letter to the BMV along with your reinstatement fee. The BMV may also require you to pass a medical examination or a driving test before reinstating your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.