Start with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the state agency that suspended your license, and it is also the only place that can tell you the exact reason and what you need to do to get it back. You cannot resolve a suspension through a police officer, a court, or a traffic lawyer alone — you must contact the BMV first to understand what triggered it.

The BMV has a customer service phone line at 317-615-7293. When you call, have your driver's license number ready. The representative will pull up your record and tell you which suspension is active, when it started, and what action the state requires from you before you can drive again. This conversation is the foundation for everything that follows.

If you prefer not to call, you can visit a BMV branch in person. Indiana has BMV service centers in most counties. You can find the location nearest you and its hours on the BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Visiting in person takes longer than a phone call, but you will walk out with a printed document explaining your suspension and the steps to resolve it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Indiana BMV is the only source for the official reason your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.
  • Call the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your license number ready, or visit a local BMV service center to get your suspension details in writing.
  • Different suspension types require different actions — some need court clearance, some need payment, some need a medical evaluation — and the BMV will tell you which one applies to you.
  • Once you know the reason, you may need to contact a court, a creditor, a medical provider, or another agency, but the BMV call comes first.

What Information the BMV Will Give You

When you contact the BMV, ask for three specific pieces of information: the suspension code (a number or letter that identifies the type), the effective date (when it started), and the action required to lift it. Write these down or ask for them in writing. Many suspensions have multiple steps, and you need to know all of them before you start.

The BMV representative may also tell you whether your suspension is mandatory (meaning you cannot drive at all until it is lifted) or restricted (meaning you may be able to drive to work or school under certain conditions). Indiana offers a hardship license for some suspension types, but only if you meet specific criteria. The BMV will explain whether you are may be able to access and how to request one.

Common Suspension Types and Who Else to Contact

Indiana suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one requires you to contact a different agency or person. Here are the most common:

Unpaid traffic tickets or court fines: Contact the court that issued the ticket. The BMV will tell you which court. You will need to pay the fine, and the court will notify the BMV to lift the suspension. If you cannot pay in full, ask the court about a payment plan.

Child support arrears: Contact the Indiana Child Support Bureau or the local prosecutor's office handling your case. The BMV will provide the contact information. You will need to make a payment or arrange a payment plan before the suspension lifts.

Unpaid vehicle registration or property taxes: Contact your county clerk's office or the Indiana Department of Revenue. Pay what you owe, and they will report it to the BMV.

DUI or reckless driving conviction: Contact the court that convicted you. You may need to complete a substance abuse program, install an ignition interlock device, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. The court will tell you what is required.

Medical suspension (seizure, loss of consciousness, or other medical condition): Contact your doctor and the BMV's Medical Review Board. You will need a letter from your physician stating that you are safe to drive. The BMV will review it and decide whether to restore your license.

Too many points on your driving record: Contact the BMV directly. You may be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce points, or you may need to wait out the suspension period.

What to Bring or Prepare Before You Contact the BMV

Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call or visit. If you have already received a suspension notice in the mail, bring that with you — it often contains a case number or reference code that speeds up the process.

If your suspension is related to a court case, have any court documents you received. If it is related to child support or taxes, have any notices from those agencies. The BMV representative can work with you even if you do not have these documents, but having them saves time.

If You Disagree with the Suspension

If you believe the suspension was issued in error — for example, you paid a fine but the court did not report it, or you were not properly notified — you have the right to request a hearing. Ask the BMV representative how to file a request for a hearing. You will need to submit it in writing, usually within a set time frame.

For a hearing, you may want to consult a traffic attorney, especially if the suspension is based on a criminal conviction or a serious traffic violation. An attorney can review your case and represent you at the hearing. This is not required, but it can improve your chances if the facts are disputed.

Timeline for Reinstatement

How long it takes to get your license back depends on the reason for the suspension. If you owe money and you pay it, the court or agency will notify the BMV, which usually happens within one to two weeks. If you need to complete a program or wait out a mandatory suspension period, it could take months.

Once the BMV receives notice that you have satisfied the requirement, it will lift the suspension. You do not need to reapply or visit the BMV again — the suspension straightforward ends. You can then drive legally. If you have a hardship license, it will expire on the date the suspension is lifted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a hardship license?

A hardship license allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You cannot drive for other reasons. The BMV will tell you whether you are may be able to access for one and what purposes are allowed. Driving outside those purposes is illegal and can result in additional penalties.

What happens if I drive with a suspended license?

Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Indiana. You can be arrested, fined, and have your license suspended for an additional period. If you are caught, contact a criminal defense attorney when ready.

Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?

Indiana charges a reinstatement fee to lift most suspensions. The amount varies depending on the reason for the suspension. The BMV will tell you the fee amount when you call. You typically pay it when you satisfy the underlying requirement — for example, when you pay a court fine or complete a program.

Can I get my license back if I move out of Indiana?

If you move to another state, your Indiana suspension follows you. Most states share suspension information through the National Driver Register. You will need to resolve the Indiana suspension before you can get a license in your new state. Contact the BMV to find out what steps you need to take.

What if the BMV says I owe money but I do not know why?

Ask the BMV representative for the name of the creditor or agency you owe money to, and ask for their contact information. Call that agency directly and ask for an itemized statement of what you owe. Sometimes suspensions are based on old debts you forgot about, and the creditor can tell you the details and payment options.