Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, or online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Indiana address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, you'll also need to show proof of residency at your new address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
For an online renewal through the BMV website, you'll enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card. Online renewals take about two weeks to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana lets you renew online if your license is current, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this route takes about two weeks and costs less than in-person renewal.
- In-person renewal at any BMV branch requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
- If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person and bring the documents that prove the change.
- Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
How long renewal takes and what it costs
In-person renewal at a BMV branch usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll receive your new license on the spot. Online renewal takes about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.
The fee for an eight-year renewal is $32 if you renew in person, or $28 if you renew online. If you're over 75, the fee is $16 for an eight-year license. You can pay in person with cash, debit, or credit card at a BMV branch. Online, you must use a debit or credit card.
When you can renew and how to find your BMV branch
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Indiana licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee — check the BMV website or call your local branch to confirm the current amount.
Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website by entering your county or city. The site shows branch hours, which vary by location. Some branches are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you're making a long trip, because some branches close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
What happens if your license is expired or you have medical restrictions
If your license has expired, you cannot use the online renewal option — you must go in person to a BMV branch. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or hearing aid required), you must renew in person. The BMV will review your restrictions and may ask you to take a vision test or hearing test before issuing your new license. If your restrictions have changed or you believe they no longer explore, tell the BMV staff when you arrive — they can direct you to the right process for updating them.
Renewing after a name or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and the original or certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The BMV will not accept a photocopy unless it is certified.
If you've moved within Indiana, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A piece of mail from an employer or school counts only if it shows your current address and is dated within 60 days.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before you can renew it, you'll need to get a replacement first. Go to any BMV branch with your proof of Social Security number and proof of your current address. The BMV will issue a replacement license on the spot for a fee (currently $15 for an eight-year license). Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required by the BMV. Having a police report can be useful if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Indiana issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with work visas, student visas, and temporary protected status. You'll need to show proof of your legal presence in the United States — your visa, work permit, or other immigration document — along with the standard renewal documents. Check the BMV website for the full list of documents the BMV accepts as proof of legal presence.
What if I can't get to a BMV branch in person?
If you're unable to visit a branch and your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed, use the online renewal option on the BMV website. If none of those conditions explore, you must go in person. Some counties have mobile BMV units that visit on certain days — check your county's BMV website to see if one serves your area.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most BMV branches do not require appointments for renewals, but some do during busy times. Check your local branch's website or call ahead to ask whether you need one. If appointments are required and none are available, you can usually walk in during off-peak hours or visit a different branch nearby.
What if my address proof is older than 60 days?
The BMV requires address proof dated within the last 60 days. If your only proof is older, get a new document — ask your utility company for a recent bill, request a new bank statement, or have your landlord write a letter on their letterhead confirming your current address and sign it. A handwritten letter from your landlord counts as long as it includes their contact information.
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Indiana does not offer mail-in renewal. Your options are in-person renewal at a BMV branch or online renewal through the BMV website (if you meet the conditions). Online renewal is the closest option to mail-in — you complete it from home, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.