Indiana driver licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew in person at a BMV branch or online if you meet certain conditions

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues driver licenses valid for eight years from the date of issue. When your license approaches expiration, you have two paths: renew online through the BMV website, or visit a branch in person. The online route is faster and requires no appointment, but it is only open to drivers whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. If you have had a suspension or revocation, or if your license has been expired longer than two years, you must renew in person.

The timing matters. Indiana allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you can start the process well in advance. Your expiration date appears on the front of your current license. If you wait until after it expires, you are still driving on an expired license, which can result in a traffic citation. The BMV recommends starting the renewal process at least two weeks before expiration to avoid delays.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana driver licenses are valid for eight years, and you can begin renewal up to one year before expiration.
  • Online renewal through the BMV website takes minutes if your license is current and has never been suspended or revoked.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal.
  • A new license costs $24 for an eight-year term, whether you renew online or in person.

Online renewal through the BMV website

To renew online, visit the Indiana BMV website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will verify your information against BMV records and, if everything matches, allow you to complete the transaction when ready.

Online renewal does not include a new photograph. Your new license will carry the same photo as your current one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. The fee for online renewal is $24, paid by debit or credit card. After you complete the transaction, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the BMV within seven to ten business days.

You cannot renew online if your current license is suspended, revoked, or has been expired for more than two years. You also cannot renew online if you have changed your name since your last license was issued — name changes require an in-person visit and supporting documents.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

To renew in person, visit any BMV branch during business hours. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

At the branch, a BMV employee will take a new photograph, verify your information, and process your renewal. You will also take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. You will pay $24 at the time of renewal.

Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the BMV employee for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license is not the same as a license renewal receipt — it is a driving document you can carry with your expired license.

What to bring and what documents you need

The documents required depend on whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal needs only your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, plus a payment method. In-person renewal requires your physical license, full proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

For proof of Social Security number at a branch, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a recent tax return. For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The address on your proof document must match the address you want on your new license.

Renewal fees and payment options

A standard eight-year Indiana driver license renewal costs $24. This fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. In-person renewal at a BMV branch accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you are renewing early — more than one year before expiration — the fee remains $24. Indiana does not prorate the cost based on how much time remains on your current license. If you renew one year early, you will still receive a license valid for the full eight years from the date of renewal.

When your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a BMV branch in person. The BMV will not process a renewal until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the BMV directly to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps are required to clear it.

Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain auto insurance. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The process to clear a suspension or revocation varies depending on the cause. Once it is cleared, you can renew in person at any BMV branch.

Temporary licenses and driving while your renewal is in process

If you renew in person, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while your new card is being mailed. Carry both your expired license and the temporary license when you drive. If you renew online, you do not receive a temporary license — your expired license remains valid until your new one arrives, which typically takes seven to ten business days.

Driving on an expired license after the temporary license expires can result in a traffic citation. If your new license has not arrived within ten business days of renewal, contact the BMV to report the delay. The BMV can issue a replacement or provide proof of renewal to show law enforcement if you are stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana driver license if I have moved out of state?

No. Indiana driver licenses are issued only to Indiana residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can contact the BMV to surrender your Indiana license, but you cannot renew it remotely.

What if my name has changed since my last license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will not process an online renewal if your name on file does not match your current legal name.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?

The BMV mails new licenses within seven to ten business days of renewal, whether you renew online or in person. If you renew in person and need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your expired license along with proof of Social Security number and proof of address.

What if I want a new photo on my license?

Online renewal uses your existing photo. To get a new photograph, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. The BMV will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no additional cost.