Indiana driver's licenses are issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and you'll need to visit a BMV branch in person to explore, renew, or replace one

Indiana does not allow online applications or mail-in renewals for most driver's licenses. You must go to a BMV branch with the required documents, pass a written test and vision screening (for new licenses), and pay the fee. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your license will be valid for four years if you're under 75 years old, or two years if you're 75 or older. Indiana also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which costs slightly more but is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a BMV branch in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to get or renew a license.
  • New driver's licenses require passing a written knowledge test and a vision screening; renewals do not.
  • Standard licenses cost $24 for four years; Real ID licenses cost $33 for four years.
  • You can find your nearest BMV branch and check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website before you go.
  • If your license is expired by more than a year, Indiana may require you to retake the written test even if you're renewing rather than getting a new license.

What documents you need to bring to the BMV

The BMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Indiana residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.

For identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you're renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report or affidavit of loss. Bring your current license if you're renewing before it expires.

The difference between a standard license and a Real ID

A standard Indiana driver's license will no longer be accepted for federal purposes after May 7, 2025. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you'll need a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of federal ID, such as a passport or military ID.

A Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs $9 more ($33 instead of $24 for a four-year license) and requires one additional document: proof of legal presence in the United States. This can be your birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or visa. The process process is otherwise identical.

If you already have a valid passport or military ID, you do not need to get a Real ID license—you can use either of those for federal travel and building access instead.

How to renew your license before it expires

You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. Go to any BMV branch with your current license and the same documents you would bring for a new license (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number). You will not need to retake the written test or vision screening.

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it at a BMV branch without retaking the test. If it expired more than a year ago, Indiana treats it as a new license process, which means you'll need to pass the written knowledge test and vision screening again.

Renewing before your license expires is the fastest route because the BMV already has your information on file. The fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire.

Getting a license if you're a new Indiana resident

If you've moved to Indiana from another state, you have 60 days to get an Indiana license. After that, driving with an out-of-state license is not legal in Indiana. You'll need to surrender your old license when you explore for the Indiana license.

Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Indiana residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any BMV branch. If your out-of-state license is still valid, you will not need to retake the written test or vision screening—Indiana honors valid licenses from other states. If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to pass both tests.

You can transfer your driving record from your previous state, which means your driving history will carry over to your Indiana record. This is automatic; you don't need to request it.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost or stolen, go to any BMV branch and bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You'll also need to sign an affidavit stating that your license is lost or stolen. The BMV will issue a replacement with the same number and expiration date as your original license. The replacement fee is $8.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at the same cost ($8). If it's so damaged that the information is not legible, the BMV will treat it as a replacement rather than a renewal.

You do not need a police report to replace a lost license, though having one can speed up the process if the BMV has questions. If your license was stolen as part of identity theft, bring the police report and any documentation from your bank or credit card company.

Finding a BMV branch and checking wait times

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the nearest branch, its hours, and current wait times on the Indiana BMV website. Some branches are busier than others; branches in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other large cities.

The BMV does not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. Wait times are longest on Fridays and around the end of the month when many people renew licenses before they expire. Early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually faster. Some branches close for lunch, so check the hours before you go.

If you cannot reach a nearby branch, you can visit any BMV branch in Indiana—you're not limited to the one in your county. Some people travel to a less-busy branch to avoid a long wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license online or by mail?

No. Indiana requires all new licenses, renewals, and replacements to be done in person at a BMV branch. You must pass a vision screening and provide original documents. There is no online or mail-in option.

What if I fail the written test on my first try?

You can retake the test the same day at most BMV branches. There is no waiting period between attempts. You'll pay the license fee only once, not each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second or third try.

Do I need to take a driving test to get an Indiana license?

If you're a new driver with no valid license from another state, yes—you'll need to pass both a written test and a road test. If you already have a valid license from another state, you do not need a road test. The BMV will schedule your road test for a separate appointment after you pass the written test.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

You receive a temporary paper license at the BMV branch on the day you explore. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving and federal purposes until your plastic card arrives.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your other required documents to the BMV. You'll get a new license with your updated name. There is no additional fee for a name change if your license hasn't expired yet.