How to learn about your Indiana license is suspended right now
You can check your Indiana driver license status online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website without paying a fee. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "License Status Check," and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you cannot access the online tool or need to speak with someone, call the BMV at 317-615-7293. Have your driver license number ready. The phone line can confirm your status and, if your license is suspended, tell you the reason and what you need to do to restore it. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays.
A third option is to visit an Indiana BMV branch in person. Bring your driver license or state ID. Staff can print your driving record, which shows your current status and the suspension reason. This is useful if you need documentation for your employer or insurance company. Find your nearest branch at in.gov/bmv under "Locations."
Key Takeaways
- The BMV online status check at in.gov/bmv is free and shows your license status in seconds using your license number and birth date.
- If your license is suspended, the reason will be listed — common causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension before the BMV will restore your license; straightforward waiting does not lift most suspensions.
- Driving on a suspended Indiana license is a criminal offense that can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension period.
Common reasons your Indiana license might be suspended
Indiana suspends licenses for specific violations and unpaid obligations. The most frequent reason is failure to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered fine. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay by the important date, the court reports this to the BMV and your license is suspended automatically.
A second major cause is failure to appear (FTA) in court. If you were cited and did not show up on your court date, the judge issues a bench warrant and the BMV suspends your license. This suspension stays in place until you appear in court and resolve the case.
Other suspension triggers include unpaid child support (reported by the Indiana Child Support Enforcement Division), unpaid vehicle registration fees, a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI), reckless driving, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Some suspensions are temporary; others remain until you take specific action.
What to do if your license is suspended
Your first step is to confirm the reason by checking your status online or calling the BMV. Write down the exact reason — this determines what you must do next.
If the suspension is due to an unpaid fine or court cost, contact the court that issued the ticket. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Once the court receives payment, it notifies the BMV, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days.
If you failed to appear in court, you must go to the court in the county where the ticket was issued and resolve the case. Bring your driver license and any paperwork from the original citation. The judge may require you to plead guilty or not guilty, pay a fine, or complete other conditions. Once the case is resolved, the court reports this to the BMV and your suspension is removed.
If the suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Indiana Child Support Enforcement Division at 1-800-840-8757. They can set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Once you make an agreed payment or reach a settlement, they notify the BMV and your license is restored.
Reinstating your license after suspension is lifted
Once you have resolved the underlying reason — paid the fine, appeared in court, or settled child support — the BMV is notified electronically. In most cases, your suspension is lifted automatically within one to three business days, and you can drive legally again.
You do not need to visit the BMV or pay a reinstatement fee for most suspensions in Indiana. However, if your suspension was for a serious offense like DWI or reckless driving, you may be required to complete a driver safety course or pay a reinstatement fee before your license is restored. The court or BMV will notify you of any additional requirements.
To confirm your license has been reinstated, check your status online again at in.gov/bmv or call the BMV. Some people choose to request a new physical license card at the same time, though this is not required — your old card remains valid once the suspension is lifted.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license in Indiana
Driving with a suspended license in Indiana is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested on the spot. The charge is typically a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, 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, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. Additionally, your suspension period is extended — often by six months to one year — and you may face additional court costs and fees.
Your insurance company may also cancel your policy if they learn you drove while suspended, leaving you uninsured and unable to legally register a vehicle. If you are involved in an accident while driving suspended, you are personally liable for all damages, and your insurance will not cover them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines are lifted once you pay; suspensions for failure to appear are lifted once you resolve the court case. Suspensions for serious offenses like DWI may last six months to one year or longer. Check your status online to see if a specific end date is listed.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Indiana does not issue hardship or work licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support or certain other reasons, you may petition the court for a limited license to drive to work or school. Contact the court that issued the suspension to ask about this option.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the BMV at 317-615-7293 or check your status online — both will show the reason. If the reason is unclear, ask the BMV representative to explain it. You can also visit a BMV branch and request a copy of your driving record, which lists all suspensions and their causes.
Does my suspension affect my vehicle registration?
Your license suspension and vehicle registration are separate. However, if your registration is also suspended (for unpaid registration fees), you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Check both your license status and your vehicle registration status at in.gov/bmv to be sure.
Can I transfer my license to another state if it is suspended in Indiana?
No. Most states share suspension information through the National Driver Register. If your Indiana license is suspended, other states will see this when you try to obtain a license there. You must resolve the suspension in Indiana first.