Indiana driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Indiana lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: mail, online, or at a branch office. Which one you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your address has changed. Mail and online are faster than waiting at a branch, but both have restrictions on who can use them.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also cannot use either method if you need to change your address, correct your name, or update your photo. Those changes require an in-person visit to an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch.
If you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal, you will receive a notice in the mail 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains the code you need to renew online. Without it, you cannot start an online renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expires within 60 days and you have the renewal notice the BMV mailed to you.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the BMV receives your materials, but you must mail everything at least three weeks before your expiration date.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your address has changed, your name is different, or your license has been expired for more than five years.
- Indiana charges $20 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal, payable by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are within 60 days of expiration and have your renewal notice. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. The system will confirm your current address and ask whether you want a four-year or eight-year renewal.
Payment is by credit or debit card only. Once you complete the transaction, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If you do not have your renewal notice, you cannot renew online. The notice contains a unique code tied to your record, and the BMV does not issue replacement codes. In that case, use mail renewal or visit a branch in person.
Mail renewal with the BMV
Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a completed process form, and payment. The BMV will mail you form DL-44 (process for Indiana Driver's License) along with your renewal notice 60 days before expiration. Do not fill it out until you are ready to mail it.
Write a check or money order for $20 (four-year) or $60 (eight-year) payable to "Indiana BMV." Include the check, the signed form, and your renewal notice in an envelope addressed to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Mail it at least three weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing and delivery.
The BMV processes mail renewals in the order received. Once they receive your envelope, processing takes about two weeks, then the new license is mailed to you. You can drive on your current license during this time. If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, you can request a replacement by calling the BMV at 317-232-2050, but this adds time to the process.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
Visit a BMV branch if your address has changed, your name is different from what is on your license, your license has been expired for more than five years, or you prefer not to use mail or online. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $20 or $60.
The BMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or within a few days depending on the branch's workload. Some branches issue licenses when ready; others mail them. Ask at the counter when you arrive.
Wait times at BMV branches vary widely by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns are usually faster than those in Indianapolis or other cities. You can check current wait times on the BMV website before you go. Many branches accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Check your local branch's policy on in.gov/bmv.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your current driver's license number and date of birth ready. If you are renewing by mail, you need your renewal notice and a completed form DL-44. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of your current address.
Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A post office change-of-address form is not accepted as proof of address.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This applies even if you are renewing online or by mail — you will need to visit a branch in person to update your name.
Fees and payment methods
Indiana charges $20 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal. The eight-year option is available only to drivers age 75 and older or those with certain medical conditions; most drivers renew for four years.
Payment method depends on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The BMV does not accept payment plans or installments; the full fee is due at the time of renewal.
What to do if your renewal notice did not arrive
If you did not receive your renewal notice 60 days before expiration, call the BMV at 317-232-2050 to confirm your address on file. The BMV mails notices to the address listed on your current license, so if you moved and did not update your address, the notice went to your old home.
If your address is correct and the notice still did not arrive, the BMV can reissue it, but this takes several business days. Rather than wait, you can renew in person at any BMV branch or use mail renewal by requesting form DL-44 directly from the BMV. Call 317-232-2050 to ask for the form to be mailed to you, or read it from in.gov/bmv and mail it with your payment and current license.
Do not wait until your license expires to sort this out. If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive, and renewing an expired license requires an in-person visit and may involve additional fees or requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. You cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana. If you are stopped by police, you can face a citation and fine. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this. If your license has already expired, visit a BMV branch as soon as you can to renew in person.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online renewal usually takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the date the BMV receives your materials, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewal may be when ready or take a few days depending on the branch.
Can I change my address when I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your current address on file. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of your new address. The branch will update your address and issue your new license.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the BMV at 317-232-2050 to request a replacement notice, or renew in person at a branch. You can also read form DL-44 from in.gov/bmv, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and payment to renew by mail without the notice.