What the BMV requires to renew your driver license
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires you to bring your current driver license, proof of identity, and proof of residence to renew. The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license has expired or is still valid.
If you renew in person at a BMV branch, bring your current license, one document proving your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and one document proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you renew by mail, the BMV will send you a renewal packet with instructions on which documents to copy and return.
You will also need to pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, a standard four-year driver license renewal costs $28.50 in Indiana, though the fee may vary if you are renewing a commercial license or adding endorsements. The BMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at branch offices.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Indiana driver license in person at any BMV branch, by mail if your license is not expired, or online through the BMV website if you meet certain conditions.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, one proof of identity, and one proof of residence dated within 60 days.
- Mail renewal takes longer but works if your license has not yet expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard four-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you may need to take a new written test and vision test, not just renew.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
Walking into a BMV branch with the correct documents is the fastest way to renew. Bring your current driver license, one form of ID (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID), and one proof of address from the last 60 days. The BMV staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the BMV mails your plastic license to the address on file. The plastic license typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before the plastic arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all driving purposes.
Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other cities. The BMV does not take reservations at most branches, though some locations now offer online check-in through the BMV website to reduce wait time.
Mail renewal for unexpired licenses
If your driver license has not yet expired, you can renew by mail. The BMV will send you a renewal packet in the mail before your expiration date. The packet includes a form to sign, instructions on which documents to copy, and a prepaid return envelope.
You will need to copy your proof of identity and proof of residence, sign the renewal form, and mail everything back to the address provided. Do not send your original documents — only copies. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee, as the BMV does not accept credit cards or debit cards for mail renewals.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal. The BMV typically processes mail renewals within two to four weeks of receiving them, and then mails your new license. Plan to submit your renewal packet at least six weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online renewal through the BMV website
Indiana offers online driver license renewal through the BMV website for certain drivers. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. Online renewal is the fastest option — your new license is mailed within one week.
To renew online, visit the BMV website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. You will not need to submit documents or visit a branch. Your temporary paper license is mailed when ready, and your plastic license follows within a week.
If you have changed your name, address, or need a new photo, you cannot use online renewal and must go in person or by mail instead.
What happens if your license is expired by more than one year
If your driver license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot straightforward renew it. The BMV treats this as a new license process, not a renewal. You will need to take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision test, and provide the same documents as a first-time applicant.
You can schedule a test appointment at a BMV branch through the website or by calling your local branch. Bring your documents, pay the process fee (which is higher than a renewal fee), and take both tests on the same day. If you pass, you receive a temporary paper license and the plastic license is mailed within two to three weeks.
If you are unsure whether your license is expired by more than one year, check the expiration date on your current license or call your local BMV branch to confirm what process applies to you.
Renewing a commercial driver license or adding endorsements
Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and endorsements such as hazmat or passenger have different renewal rules than standard licenses. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online — you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
For a CDL renewal, bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residence, and your medical certificate (CDLIS medical certification). You will take a vision test and may be asked to take a written test depending on which endorsements you hold. The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than for a standard license and varies by endorsement.
If you are adding a new endorsement during renewal, you will take an additional written test for that endorsement. Plan extra time for this process, as it takes longer than a standard renewal.
Documents the BMV accepts as proof of identity and residence
| Proof of Identity | Proof of Residence (within 60 days) |
|---|---|
| U.S. Passport | Utility bill (electric, gas, water) |
| Birth certificate | Lease or rental agreement |
| Military ID | Bank or credit card statement |
| State ID card | Mortgage statement |
| Passport card | Property tax bill |
| Tribal ID | Insurance bill (home or auto) |
| Government mail (tax return, W-2) |
The document you use for proof of residence must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved, use a document from your new address. If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
No. The BMV will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic tickets or court fines. You must pay the ticket or fine first, then renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and how to pay.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your other documents. The BMV will print your new address on your renewed license.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
If you renew in person, your plastic license arrives within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, it takes two to four weeks after the BMV receives your packet, plus mail time. Online renewal is fastest — your license arrives within one week. In all cases, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.
Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You can renew your Indiana driver license if you hold a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document. Bring your current license, your immigration document as proof of identity, and proof of residence. The BMV does not require citizenship to renew.
What if I lost my current driver license?
You cannot renew a lost license — you must report it lost and request a replacement. Contact your local BMV branch or visit the website to report the loss and pay the replacement fee. You will need to bring proof of identity and residence, and you will receive a temporary paper license while your replacement is mailed.