What you need to bring to the BMV
To get a new Indiana driver license, you will visit your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number), proof of your Indiana address, and a document proving your identity and date of birth.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the address document should match the name you use on your process. If you have recently moved and do not have a document yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of mail from a government agency.
For identity and date of birth, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver license. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to come with you and sign your process in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV office in person with your Social Security card, proof of address, and proof of identity — there is no online or mail option.
- The written test covers Indiana traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free BMV manual available on the Indiana BMV website.
- The vision test and road test happen on the same day as your written test if you pass, so plan for the full appointment.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests.
- The fee varies depending on your age and how long you want the license to last, ranging from about $20 to $35 for a first license.
The written test and what it covers
After you turn in your documents, you will 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 practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass.
The BMV provides a free study manual called the Indiana Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the Indiana BMV website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any BMV office. Most people study the manual for a few days before their test. The questions on the actual test come directly from material in the manual, so reading it carefully is the most direct way to prepare.
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is usually a small fee each time you retake the test.
Vision and road tests on the same day
If you pass the written test, you will take a vision test when ready afterward at the same BMV office. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
After you pass the vision test, you will take the road test with a BMV examiner. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and following traffic signals. The road test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You must have a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance to take the road test.
If you do not pass the road test, you can schedule another appointment to retake it. You do not have to retake the written or vision tests.
When your license arrives and how long it lasts
After you pass all three tests, the BMV will issue your license on the spot as a temporary paper document. Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. Check your mail carefully — if it does not arrive within two weeks, contact your local BMV office.
An Indiana driver license for someone under 18 is valid until your 18th birthday. A license for someone 18 or older can be issued for either 4 years or 8 years, depending on which you choose. The 8-year license costs more but means you will not have to renew as often.
Cost and payment methods
The fee for a new Indiana driver license depends on your age and the length of validity you choose. A 4-year license for an adult typically costs around $20 to $25, while an 8-year license costs around $30 to $35. Licenses for people under 18 have different pricing. The BMV office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive.
The BMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some smaller offices may only accept cash, so call ahead if you want to be certain. You can find your local BMV office location and phone number on the Indiana BMV website.
What to do if you cannot pass the road test
If you do not pass the road test, you will receive a written explanation of what you did wrong. Common reasons include not checking mirrors, not signaling turns, or not following the speed limit. You can retake the road test as many times as you need, but each attempt requires scheduling a new appointment and paying a retest fee.
Between attempts, practice the specific skills the examiner noted. Many people find it helpful to take a few driving lessons with an instructor who knows what the BMV tests for. Some BMV offices have lists of local driving schools you can contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Indiana BMV offers the written test in several languages including Spanish, French, German, and others. When you arrive at the BMV office, tell the staff which language you need and they will set up the computer test in that language.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is a retest fee, usually around $5 to $10. You have as many attempts as you need, though some people find it helpful to study the manual more thoroughly between tries.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
Yes, you must provide a vehicle that is registered and insured. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, and wipers. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as the registration and insurance are current.
How long does the whole process take at the BMV office?
Plan for 1 to 2 hours total. This includes paperwork, the written test, vision test, and road test if you pass the written portion. Busy offices may take longer, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday can mean shorter wait times.
What happens if I move before my license arrives?
Contact your local BMV office right away with your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system so your license is sent to the correct location. If your license is already in the mail, the post office may be able to forward it, but calling the BMV is the safest option.