What "amend" means on your Indiana driver's license
Amend means to change or correct information that is already printed on your license. This is different from renewing your license when it expires. When you amend your license, you are updating details like your name, address, or other personal information while keeping the same license number and expiration date.
Indiana allows you to amend your license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in person, by mail, or online depending on what information you need to change. Some changes require a visit to a BMV branch, while others can be handled without one.
Key Takeaways
- Name changes require a court order or certified marriage certificate and must be done in person at a BMV branch.
- Address changes can be made online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person without additional documents.
- You will need to bring your current license and proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate or utility bill for address) when you visit in person.
- Processing times vary: online address changes are usually when ready, mail requests take one to two weeks, and in-person visits are completed the same day.
- There is no fee to amend your license information in Indiana.
Changes you can make online
Indiana's BMV allows you to change your address online through their website without visiting a branch or paying a fee. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Once you log in, you can update your mailing address and residential address. The change takes effect when ready, and you do not need to provide proof of the new address for online changes. Your license itself will not be reprinted with the new address unless you renew it or request a replacement.
Online changes are limited to address updates. You cannot change your name, gender marker, or other personal details through the website.
Name changes and what documents you need
If you want to change your name on your Indiana license, you must visit a BMV branch in person. The BMV requires proof that your name has legally changed. The most common documents are a certified marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order for name change.
Bring your current license, your proof of name change, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If you are changing your name due to marriage, a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office is the standard document. If you changed your name through the court system, bring the certified court order.
The BMV will issue you a new license with your updated name on the same day you visit. There is no charge for this amendment.
Address changes by mail or in person
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can change your address by mail. Fill out the appropriate form (available on the BMV website), include a copy of your current license and proof of your new address, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You do not need to include payment, as there is no fee.
You can also visit any BMV branch in person to change your address. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. The change is processed when ready, and you can leave with your updated information recorded in the system. Your physical license will not be reprinted unless you renew it or request a replacement card.
Gender marker and other personal information changes
To change the gender marker on your Indiana license, you must visit a BMV branch in person. Indiana allows you to change your gender marker to match your identity. You will need to bring your current license and a signed statement from a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant confirming that you have undergone or are undergoing appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition.
Some BMV branches may also accept a signed statement from a mental health professional. Call your local branch before you visit to confirm what documents they will accept, as practices can vary slightly between locations.
Other information on your license — such as height, eye color, or distinguishing marks — can only be changed if the information is incorrect. You will need to bring proof of the correct information and visit a BMV branch in person.
Finding your nearest BMV branch and what to bring
Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and phone number of your nearest branch on the Indiana BMV website. Some branches are busier than others, so calling ahead can help you understand wait times.
For any in-person visit, bring your current driver's license and the specific documents required for the change you are making. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. If you are changing your name, bring your court order or certified marriage certificate. If you are changing your gender marker, bring your physician's statement or mental health professional's letter.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you do not have one. The BMV may also ask for additional identification depending on the type of change you are making.
Fees and processing times
There is no fee to amend information on your Indiana driver's license. This applies to name changes, address changes, gender marker changes, and corrections to other personal information.
Processing times depend on how you make the change. Online address changes are when ready. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person visits at a BMV branch are completed the same day, and you leave with your updated information in the system. If you request a replacement card with your new information printed on it, that card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new license card printed if I change my address?
No. Your address change is recorded in the BMV system when ready, and law enforcement can see the updated address when they scan your license. You can request a replacement card with the new address printed on it, but it is not required. A replacement card costs the same as a renewal and will be mailed to you.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This usually costs between $10 and $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some county clerks offer expedited service for an additional fee. Bring the certified copy to your BMV branch to change your name.
Can I change my name online or by phone?
No. Name changes must be done in person at a BMV branch. You cannot change your name online, by phone, or by mail. This is because the BMV needs to verify your identity and the court order or certified document proving your name change.
How long does it take to change my name at the BMV?
The process is usually completed the same day you visit. Bring all required documents, and the BMV will issue your new license before you leave. Wait times at the branch vary, so you may spend anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the location is.
What if the BMV says my document is not certified?
Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders must be certified copies with an official seal from the issuing court or clerk's office. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not be accepted. If your document is not certified, contact the issuing office and request a certified copy with the official seal.