What a duplicate driver license is and how to get one
A duplicate driver license in Indiana is a replacement license with the same number and expiration date as your original. You request it when your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn. Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues duplicates at the same locations where you would renew or get a new license.
The process is straightforward: you go to a BMV branch, show proof of identity, pay a fee, and receive your duplicate on the spot in most cases. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. Your license number stays the same, so your driving record and any points on your license remain attached to the new card.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs $20 in Indiana and is issued the same day at any BMV branch.
- You will need a valid form of ID, such as a passport or birth certificate, to prove your identity.
- Your license number and expiration date do not change when you get a duplicate.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a duplicate.
- You can find your nearest BMV branch and check hours on the Indiana BMV website.
What documents you need to bring
Indiana requires proof of identity to issue a duplicate. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a Social Security card, or a state ID card from another state. If you bring a birth certificate or Social Security card, you will also need a second form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease with your current address on it.
Bring your current address proof even if your license still shows your old address. The BMV will update your address on the duplicate at no extra cost. If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
The cost and how long it takes
A duplicate driver license costs $20 in Indiana. You pay this fee at the BMV branch when you request the duplicate. The BMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations.
You will receive your duplicate license the same day in nearly all cases. The BMV prints licenses on-site at most branches. If a branch is unusually busy, you may be asked to wait 15 to 30 minutes, but you will leave with your new license that day. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the duplicate.
Where to go and how to find your nearest BMV branch
Any BMV branch in Indiana can issue a duplicate license. You do not have to go to the branch in your home county. The BMV operates branches in most cities and many smaller towns across the state. You can find the full list of branch locations, hours, and phone numbers on the official Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv.
Many branches allow you to check wait times online before you go. Some branches are busier than others, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead or visit early in the week. A few BMV branches offer appointments, which you can book through the website.
If your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to report it to your local police department before going to the BMV. A police report creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. However, a police report is not required to get a duplicate — the BMV will issue one based on your word that it was stolen.
When you tell the BMV your license was stolen, they will note it in their system. This does not affect your duplicate or your driving record. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.
What happens to your driving record and points
Your driving record and any points on your license do not change when you get a duplicate. The new card has the same license number as your original, so the BMV's computer system automatically links your driving history to the duplicate. You will not lose points, and your record will not be reset.
If you have an active suspension or revocation on your license, you cannot get a duplicate until that suspension is lifted. The BMV will tell you at the branch if there is a hold on your license. If that happens, you will need to resolve the suspension first — usually by paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course — before you can receive a duplicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the BMV will not issue a duplicate until the suspension is lifted. You can call your local BMV branch or check the Indiana BMV website to find out whether there is a hold on your license before you go in person.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other documents such as a Social Security card, naturalization papers, or a state ID from another state. If you use a Social Security card, bring a second form of ID with your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. The BMV staff can tell you which documents they will accept.
Do I have to go to the BMV in person, or can I order a duplicate online?
You must go to a BMV branch in person. Indiana does not offer online ordering for duplicate licenses. However, some branches accept appointments, which you can book on the Indiana BMV website to reduce wait time.
Will my license number change when I get a duplicate?
No. Your license number stays the same. The duplicate has the same number and expiration date as your original license. Your driving record and any points remain attached to the same number.
How long is a duplicate license valid?
A duplicate license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in two years, your duplicate will also expire in two years. When that date arrives, you will need to renew your license through the normal renewal process.