Where to get a New Albany driver license
New Albany does not issue driver licenses. The state of Indiana issues all driver licenses through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If you live in New Albany, you will explore through the Indiana BMV, not through any city office.
New Albany is in Floyd County, Indiana. The closest BMV branch to New Albany is the Floyd County BMV office, located in New Albany itself. You can also visit any other BMV branch in Indiana if that is more convenient for you. All Indiana BMV offices process driver license applications the same way.
You can find the address and hours of the New Albany BMV office on the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. The site also shows you wait times at each location and lets you schedule an appointment, which can reduce your time in the office.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues all driver licenses, including for New Albany residents; the city itself does not issue them.
- The New Albany BMV office is located in Floyd County and handles driver license applications during posted business hours.
- You will need a valid Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of Indiana residency, and a completed process form to begin the process.
- The Indiana BMV website lets you schedule an appointment and check current wait times before you visit.
- If you are renewing an existing Indiana license, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your age and license type.
Documents you need to bring
The Indiana BMV requires specific documents before you can receive a driver license. You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your identity, and proof that you live in Indiana.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or a certified birth certificate. For proof of Indiana residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document showing your current address. All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
You will also need to complete the BMV's process form. You can fill it out before you arrive at the office or fill it out there. The form is available on the Indiana BMV website.
The written test and vision screening
If you are getting your first Indiana driver license or renewing after your license has expired for more than a year, you must pass a written test. The test covers Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Indiana BMV's official driver manual, which is free on the BMV website.
Everyone who gets a driver license must pass a vision screening at the BMV office. The screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be issued a license until you have your eyes checked by an eye doctor and bring proof that your vision meets the state standard.
The written test is multiple choice and you must answer most questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Fees and payment methods
Indiana charges a fee for a new driver license. The fee varies depending on the type of license you are getting and how long it is valid. A standard driver license costs less than a commercial driver license. The BMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices.
The BMV website lists the current fee for each license type. Fees can change, so check the website before you visit to know exactly what to bring. If you are renewing a license that has not yet expired, the renewal fee is usually lower than the fee for a new license.
How long it takes to get your license
If you pass the written test and vision screening on the same day, the BMV will issue your temporary driver license before you leave the office. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Your permanent plastic driver license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The BMV will mail it to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the BMV office where you applied.
If you schedule an appointment, you will usually spend less time waiting. Walk-in appointments are also accepted, but wait times can be longer during busy hours.
Renewing an existing Indiana license
If your Indiana driver license is still valid or expired less than a year ago, you may be able to renew without visiting the BMV office in person. Indiana lets some drivers renew by mail or online through the BMV website.
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your address or name. You can renew by mail if you meet certain age and license type requirements. The BMV website explains which renewal method you are allowed to use based on your specific situation.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you must visit the BMV office in person and take the written test again, just as if you were getting a new license.
What to do if you fail the vision test
If the BMV's vision screening shows that your eyesight does not meet the state standard, you cannot receive a driver license until you have been examined by an eye doctor. The eye doctor must confirm that your vision meets Indiana's requirement, which is 20/40 or better in each eye with or without correction.
After your eye doctor examines you, ask them for a written statement confirming your vision meets the state standard. Bring that statement back to the BMV office. Once the BMV receives it, you can complete the rest of the license process.
If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you bring them to your eye doctor appointment and to the BMV office. Your vision is tested with your correction in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Indiana law requires a valid Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration first. The BMV cannot issue a license without this number.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test when ready at the same BMV office, or you can schedule another appointment for a different day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people study the Indiana driver manual between attempts.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Both are allowed. Appointments usually mean shorter wait times, especially during busy hours. You can schedule an appointment on the Indiana BMV website, or you can walk in without one. The BMV website shows current wait times at each office.
How long is an Indiana driver license valid?
A standard driver license is valid for four years if you are under 75 years old. If you are 75 or older, your license is valid for two years. Commercial driver licenses have different validity periods. The BMV website lists the validity period for each license type.
What if I move to a different address in Indiana?
You must update your address with the BMV within 60 days of moving. You can update your address online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at any BMV office. You do not need to take a new photo or retake the written test — just update your address.