Indiana driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

An Indiana driver's license costs between $20 and $32, depending on whether you want it for four years or eight years. A four-year license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $32. If you are under 21, the fee is the same regardless of the term you choose. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sets these fees, and they have remained stable for several years, though you should confirm the current amount when you visit.

The cost covers the license itself, the processing, and the background check the BMV runs. You cannot reduce this fee by choosing a shorter renewal period — Indiana does not offer one-year or two-year licenses for standard drivers. If you need a replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, you will pay the same fee as a new license.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Indiana driver's license costs $20, and an eight-year license costs $32.
  • You choose the term length when you explore, and the fee does not change based on your age unless you are under 21.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost the same as a new license.
  • You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any BMV branch, and fees do not vary by location.
  • If you renew by mail or online, the fee is the same, but not all renewal types are available through every method.

Where to pay and what payment methods the BMV accepts

You pay the license fee at any Indiana BMV branch when you explore in person. The BMV accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. There is no additional charge for using a card instead of cash. If you are renewing your license by mail, you can include a check or money order with your process packet — the BMV does not accept card payments through the mail.

Some BMV branches are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest branch and check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website. If you want to avoid a trip, you may be able to renew by mail or online, which can lower your out-of-pocket cost if you do not need to take time off work or pay for parking.

Renewing your license by mail or online costs less in some cases

If your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not had any major changes to your information, you can renew by mail or online. A mail renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license — the same as in person. However, you avoid the cost of traveling to a BMV branch, which can add up if your nearest office is far away.

Online renewal is available only if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you must have a current Indiana address. If you are may be able to access, you can renew online through the BMV website and pay by debit or credit card. The fee is the same as in-person renewal, but you receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.

Getting your first license or upgrading from a permit costs more

If you are getting your first driver's license and you currently hold a learner's permit, the fee is $20 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. However, you will also need to pay for the written test and the driving test if you have not already passed them. The written test costs $10, and the driving test costs $20. These fees are separate from the license fee itself.

If you are upgrading from a permit to a full license after passing your driving test, you will pay the license fee plus the test fee at the same time. Some BMV branches allow you to schedule your driving test in advance, which can save you a second trip. Check the BMV website to see if your local branch offers online scheduling.

Commercial driver's licenses and endorsements have different fees

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A four-year CDL costs $40, and an eight-year CDL costs $60. If you already have a standard Indiana license and you want to add a CDL, you will pay the difference between the two fees, not the full CDL price. Endorsements — such as a hazmat endorsement — cost $10 each and are added to your existing license fee.

If you hold a CDL and you need to renew it, you must do so in person at a BMV branch. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. The BMV requires a medical examination for CDL holders, and the results must be on file before you can renew. Your doctor can perform this exam, and the cost is separate from the license fee.

ID cards cost less if you do not need to drive

If you need a government-issued photo ID but you do not drive or do not want a driver's license, Indiana offers a non-driver ID card. A four-year non-driver ID costs $15, and an eight-year non-driver ID costs $22. These cards work for most purposes where you need to show ID — boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account — but they do not let you drive.

You can explore for a non-driver ID at any BMV branch using the same process as a driver's license. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process takes about the same amount of time as a driver's license process, and you receive your card by mail within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full license fee if I renew early?

Yes. Indiana does not prorate the license fee based on how much time is left on your current license. If you renew early, you pay the full fee for the term you choose. However, your new license will be valid for the full four or eight years from the date you renew, so you gain extra time.

What if I move to Indiana from another state?

You will need to get an Indiana driver's license within a certain timeframe — usually 60 days after you establish residency. The fee is the same as for a new license: $20 for four years or $32 for eight years. You will need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Indiana, and your Social Security number.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about the license term?

No. Once you pay the fee and receive your license, the BMV does not refund the cost if you decide you wanted a different term length. You would have to wait until your license expires to renew it with a different term. Plan ahead and choose the term that works best for you before you pay.

Are there any discounts for seniors or military members?

Indiana does not offer reduced fees for seniors, military members, or other groups. All drivers pay the same fee regardless of age or background. The only exception is that drivers under 21 pay the same fee as older drivers, rather than a higher fee.