What you need to get an Indiana driver license
An Indiana driver license is issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To get one, you will need to visit a BMV branch in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it all in one day.
The BMV requires you to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Indiana residency. A valid passport works for identity. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form works for your Social Security number. For residency, you can bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. If you are renewing a license that has expired more than two years ago, you must retake both the written and driving tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Indiana residency to start the process.
- The written test covers Indiana traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official BMV handbook available on the BMV website.
- After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which you take in your own vehicle or a BMV test vehicle.
- A standard Indiana driver license costs around $20 to $30 and is valid for four years; the exact fee depends on your age and license type.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if it has not expired more than two years ago, but you must renew in person if it is older than that.
Steps to get your first Indiana driver license
Start by visiting the BMV website to find the branch nearest you and check their hours. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary. You can also call ahead to ask about current wait times.
Bring your documents to the BMV branch. A staff member will verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency, then have you fill out an process form (Form DL-43). You will pay the license fee at this time. After that, you take the written test at a computer terminal in the branch. The test has 50 questions about Indiana traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test, the BMV will issue you a temporary permit that is valid for 30 days. You use this permit to practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the driving test. Schedule your driving test appointment while you are at the branch, or do it online afterward through the BMV website.
On the day of your driving test, bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance, and your vehicle (or use a BMV test vehicle if you prefer). A BMV examiner will ride with you and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you pass, you receive your license on the spot.
Studying for the written test
The Indiana BMV publishes a free handbook called the Indiana Driver's Manual on its website. This manual covers everything on the written test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Reading the entire manual takes about two to three hours.
The BMV website also offers practice tests that mimic the real test. Taking these practice tests helps you see which topics you need to study more. Many people take the practice test multiple times until they score above 80 percent.
The written test is not designed to trick you. It tests whether you know the rules of the road well enough to drive safely. If you study the manual and take the practice tests, you will likely pass on your first try.
Renewing your Indiana driver license
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the tests. You have three options: renew online through the BMV website, renew by mail, or renew in person at a BMV branch.
Online renewal is the fastest. You log into your BMV account, answer a few questions to confirm your information, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary license number when ready. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no visit. You request a renewal form from the BMV, fill it out, mail it back with payment, and wait for your new license. This process takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is the slowest option but useful if you need to update your photo, change your address, or correct information on your license. You bring your current license and pay the renewal fee. You do not retake any tests.
What happens if your license expires
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Indiana. If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can receive a ticket. However, if your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it using the same process as a current license — you do not need to retake the tests.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must go through the full process again: bring your documents to the BMV, take the written test, get a temporary permit, and take the driving test. This is treated as a new license process, not a renewal.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any BMV branch or online through the BMV website. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license. If you report your license as stolen, you should also file a police report.
When you request a replacement online, you receive a temporary license number right away and your new license arrives by mail. If you go to a BMV branch in person, you can receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to get an Indiana driver license?
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit or driver license in Indiana. If you are 16 or 17, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 50 hours before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the driving test after passing the written test.
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle must have valid registration, current insurance, and working brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. It does not have to be registered in your name. Many people borrow a family member's vehicle for the test. If you do not have access to a vehicle, some BMV branches offer test vehicles that you can use for a fee.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Your temporary permit is valid for 30 days, so you have that window to schedule another test. If your permit expires before you pass, you can request an extension at the BMV. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to renew my license before I move out of Indiana?
No. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver license from that state. You do not need to renew your Indiana license first. However, if you are moving within Indiana, you should update your address with the BMV within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch.
How much does an Indiana driver license cost?
The fee varies based on your age and the type of license. A standard driver license for someone 18 or older costs around $20 to $30 and is valid for four years. Renewal costs less than a new license. Replacement of a lost or damaged license costs less than renewal. The exact amount is listed on the BMV website and may change year to year.