Renew your Indiana driver's license in person at a BMV branch or by mail if you meet certain conditions
Indiana offers two paths to renew: mail renewal for standard licenses that don't require a new photo, or in-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. Mail renewal is faster and requires no appointment, but you must have a valid license that is not expired by more than five years, and you cannot renew a commercial license or one with certain restrictions by mail. If you need a new photo, have a commercial license, or your license has been expired longer than five years, you must go to a BMV branch in person.
Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. This notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for either method. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — you just won't have the code, which means you'll need to provide more information during the process.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is valid and not expired by more than five years.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times.
- You can renew online through the Indiana BMV website if you have your renewal code and a valid email address, and your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
- Your license remains valid while your renewal is being processed, so you can continue driving even if you've already submitted your renewal process.
- Commercial licenses and licenses with medical restrictions cannot be renewed by mail and must be renewed in person at a BMV branch.
Renewing by mail: what you need and how long it takes
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no appointment and no trip to a BMV branch. You'll need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal code), a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process form. The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. You can request an eight-year license only if you're renewing a standard license — commercial licenses are always four years.
Mail your renewal packet to the address printed on your renewal notice. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the BMV receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue driving. If your renewal notice was lost or you never received one, you can still renew by mail — contact your local BMV branch to request an process form, or read one from the Indiana BMV website.
Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you have your renewal code. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and renewal code. You'll create an account or log in if you already have one, then complete the renewal form and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. The fee is the same as mail renewal: $24 for four years or $36 for eight years.
After you submit your online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file and should arrive within two weeks. You can check the status of your renewal through your online account. If you don't have your renewal code, you can still renew online by providing additional information like your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Renewing in person at a BMV branch
In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, have a commercial license, or your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring a valid photo ID (your current driver's license counts), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have your renewal notice, bring that too — it speeds up the process.
You can visit any BMV branch in Indiana without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches are typically less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. The renewal fee is $24 for four years or $36 for eight years, and you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive your new license on the spot if you're renewing a standard license. Your new photo will be taken at the branch.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Indiana license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch and a written knowledge test. You'll need to bring proof of residency, a valid photo ID, and your Social Security number. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal ($24 for four years or $36 for eight years), but the process takes longer because of the test requirement.
If your license expired between one and five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using your renewal code, or in person at a BMV branch. You will not need to take a test. If you're unsure how long your license has been expired, check the expiration date on your license or contact your local BMV branch.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Mail | Renewal notice with renewal code, completed process form, payment | About 2 weeks |
| Online | Renewal code (or driver's license number and additional information), payment method | About 2 weeks |
| In Person | Valid photo ID, proof of residency, Social Security number, payment | Same day (receive license on the spot) |
What to do if you don't have your renewal notice
If you didn't receive your renewal notice or lost it, you can still renew using any of the three methods. For mail renewal, contact your local BMV branch and request an process form, or read one from the Indiana BMV website. For online renewal, you can proceed without your renewal code by providing your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead.
For in-person renewal, straightforward visit a BMV branch with your valid photo ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The staff will look up your information and process your renewal. If you're concerned your renewal notice was lost in the mail, you can call your local BMV branch to confirm they have your current address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. You can renew by mail, online, or in person using the same process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a knowledge test and an in-person visit to a BMV branch.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a BMV branch?
No, appointments are not required for license renewal at Indiana BMV branches. You can walk in during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so consider visiting on a weekday morning if possible.
Can I renew a commercial driver's license by mail or online?
No, commercial licenses must be renewed in person at a BMV branch. You'll need to bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Commercial licenses are always four years, and the renewal fee is $24.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You can update your address during any renewal method. For mail or online renewal, you'll enter your new address in the process form. For in-person renewal, tell the BMV staff your new address and they'll update it while processing your renewal.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
A standard Indiana driver's license is valid for four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which option you chose. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. Commercial licenses are always valid for four years.