What you need to do to get an Indiana driver license for the first time
To get your first Indiana driver license, you will visit your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes several visits spread over weeks — you cannot walk in and leave with a license the same day. Indiana requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 50 days before you can take the driving test, so plan accordingly.
The BMV is the only place that issues Indiana driver licenses. You cannot renew or obtain one by mail, online, or through any other state office. Each county has at least one BMV branch, and you can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the Indiana BMV website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV office in person three separate times: once to explore for a learner's permit, once to take the written test, and once to take the driving test after waiting at least 50 days.
- Bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of Indiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a completed process form when you explore.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- After you pass the written test and hold your learner's permit for 50 days, you schedule a driving test where an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle.
- The total cost is $28 for a learner's permit plus $28 for a driver license, paid at separate visits.
Documents you must bring to your first BMV visit
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and your green card or visa. The BMV will not accept a driver license from another state as proof of identity for a first-time applicant.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A document with your name and full nine-digit number is what the BMV needs.
Bring two documents that prove you live in Indiana. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your current address. The documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency counts, but a credit card offer does not.
Bring a completed process for Indiana Operator's License or Learner's Permit (Form BMV 43101). You can fill it out at home before you go, or the BMV will provide a blank form at the office. Filling it out beforehand saves time.
Getting your learner's permit at the BMV
At your first BMV visit, hand the clerk your documents and completed process. The clerk will verify your identity, take your photograph, and collect the $28 fee for the learner's permit. You will then take a written test on a computer at the BMV office. The test has 50 questions about Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the Indiana Driver's Manual beforehand. The manual is free and available on the BMV website as a PDF.
If you pass the written test, the BMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for one year. You must wait at least 50 days from the date your permit is issued before you can schedule a driving test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat.
Scheduling and taking your driving test
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 50 days, you can schedule a driving test. Call your local BMV office or go in person to book an appointment. Some BMV offices allow you to schedule online through the Indiana BMV website. Driving tests are often booked weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old to drive you to the BMV office, because you cannot drive there alone on your learner's permit.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on local roads. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers such as parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes. You will also drive through residential areas and possibly on busier roads. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, proper use of signals, smooth steering, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
If you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you before you leave the BMV office. You will then pay the $28 fee for your driver license, and the BMV will issue it the same day. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period. The BMV will tell you how long you must wait and what you need to do to schedule another test.
What your Indiana driver license looks like and how long it lasts
Your Indiana driver license is a plastic card the size of a credit card. It shows your photograph, full name, date of birth, address, license number, and the date it expires. A first-time driver license issued to someone under 21 is valid for four years. A license issued to someone 21 or older is valid for eight years.
Your license will have a gold or gold-and-blue design depending on when it was issued. Indiana has been gradually rolling out new designs, so licenses issued at different times may look slightly different, but they are all valid.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test, you do not lose your learner's permit. You can keep practicing and schedule another test. The BMV will tell you the specific reason you failed — for example, "failure to maintain lane control" or "improper use of signals." Review that skill before your next test.
You must wait at least seven days before you can retake the driving test. You can retake it as many times as you need, and each attempt costs $28. Some people pass on their first try, and others take two or three attempts. There is no limit to how many times you can test.
Your learner's permit remains valid for one year from the date it was issued. If your permit expires before you pass the driving test, you will need to go back to the BMV, retake the written test, and get a new permit before you can continue practicing and testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I do not have a birth certificate?
You need either an original birth certificate or a U.S. passport. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This can take several weeks. If you have a passport, bring that instead — it serves the same purpose as proof of identity and citizenship.
What if I do not have proof of Indiana residency?
You need two documents showing your name and current Indiana address dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to Indiana and do not have utility bills or a lease yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your address. Some BMV offices will accept a signed letter from a family member who lives with you, but call your local office first to confirm.
Do I have to take the written test if I already have a driver license from another state?
No. If you have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for an Indiana license without taking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Indiana residency, and pay the $28 fee. This is called a license transfer, not a new license.
What happens if I move before my driving test?
You must update your address with the BMV before your driving test. Call your local BMV office or go in person to report your address change. Bring proof of your new Indiana address. Your learner's permit remains valid, and you can keep your scheduled driving test appointment.
Can someone else take the driving test for me?
No. You must be the person taking the driving test. The examiner will verify your identity using your learner's permit before the test begins. The test is designed to measure your individual driving skills and knowledge of Indiana traffic laws.