What You Need to Know Before You Start

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Indiana BMV website. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time has passed since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete a renewal without visiting a branch, but some situations require you to show up in person.

Your Indiana driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The BMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to begin.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes in the past eight years.
  • Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes; by-mail renewal costs $20 and takes one to two weeks for delivery.
  • You must renew in person at a BMV branch if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have had a name change or certain violations.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • You can schedule an appointment at most BMV branches online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Renewing Online Through the Indiana BMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not had a name change, address change outside Indiana, or certain traffic violations in the past eight years. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your may be able to access and show you the $20 renewal fee.

You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification. Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo will appear on your renewed license.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal follows the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must not be expired, and you cannot have had a name change, out-of-state address change, or certain violations in the past eight years. Complete the renewal form (Form DL-44), which you can read from the Indiana BMV website or request by calling the BMV at 317-615-7293. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Indiana BMV, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes one to two weeks after the BMV receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions. Your current license stays valid during this period. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo.

Renewing in Person at a BMV Branch

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, if you have moved out of state and back to Indiana, or if you have had certain violations. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if your current one is no longer valid), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Indiana address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days).

In-person renewal costs $20 and takes 15 to 30 minutes on average. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can schedule an appointment online at the Indiana BMV website by selecting your branch and preferred date and time, or you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person with the same documents listed above: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current Indiana address. The process and cost are the same as a standard in-person renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a mailed receipt), but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Scheduling an Appointment and Finding Your Local BMV Branch

The Indiana BMV website has a branch locator tool where you can enter your city or ZIP code to find the nearest office, hours of operation, and current wait times. Most branches allow you to schedule an appointment online up to 30 days in advance. Appointments typically fill up during lunch hours and late afternoon, so scheduling early morning or mid-week appointments often means shorter waits.

If you cannot find an appointment slot or prefer to walk in, branches accept customers without appointments, though you may wait longer during peak hours. Some smaller branches have shorter lines than larger urban locations. If you are renewing in person, arriving within the first hour after opening or during mid-morning on a weekday generally means less waiting.

What to Do If You Have Changed Your Name

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current or expired driver's license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Indiana address. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name and current photo.

Name changes cannot be processed online or by mail. Plan to visit a branch at least a few weeks before your license expires if you need to update your name, since the new license takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Indiana and then moved back?

No, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Out-of-state moves disqualify you from online and mail renewal, even if you have moved back to Indiana. Bring proof of your current Indiana address along with your other documents.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your Social Security number and current Indiana address. The replacement costs $20 and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person at a BMV branch. Online and mail renewals keep your current photo. If you want a new photo but your license is not expired and you meet the online renewal requirements, you can still renew online and then visit a branch later to request a photo update (which may have an additional fee).

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.

What if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Unpaid tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your driver's license. However, the BMV may suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid court-ordered fines. Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit a branch to check your status before renewing.