What you need to do to renew in Indiana

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a branch office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license hasn't expired more than five years ago and you haven't changed your address, name, or medical status. If any of those things have changed, or if your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to go in person or mail in your renewal.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Indiana sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it — you can renew anytime in the 180 days before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't shorten how long your new license lasts; it still runs eight years from the date you renew.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes minutes and works if your address, name, and medical information haven't changed and your license expired less than five years ago.
  • In-person renewal at a branch office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a fee of $24 for an eight-year license or $16 for a four-year license.
  • Mail-in renewal is possible but slower; you'll send your current license and a completed form to the Indianapolis address on the renewal notice.
  • Indiana accepts REAL ID-compliant licenses, which require proof of citizenship or legal residency — bring a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers if you want one.
  • You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.

Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website

Go to in.gov/bmv and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "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 pull up your record and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

If you're may be able to access, you'll answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical information are still correct. If everything is the same, you'll pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card — $24 for an eight-year license or $16 for a four-year license — and you're done. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why. The most common reasons are that your license has been expired for more than five years, your address has changed, or your name is different from what's in the system. In those cases, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

Renewing in person at an Indiana BMV branch

Find your nearest branch at in.gov/bmv under "Locations." Most branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer Saturday hours. You don't need an appointment at most locations, but some branches now use an online check-in system — check your local branch's page before you go.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your fee. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license, also bring proof of citizenship or legal residency: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the branch for a temporary paper license — they can issue one when ready.

Renewing by mail

Your renewal notice will include a form and an envelope addressed to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Indianapolis. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and your fee. Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your license expires to give the BMV time to process it and get your new license to you.

The BMV will send you a temporary paper license by mail while they process your renewal. Your permanent license will arrive 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your process. If you don't receive your renewal notice, you can read the form from in.gov/bmv or call the BMV at 317-615-8200 to request one.

REAL ID versus standard license

Indiana offers both REAL ID-compliant licenses and standard licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

If you want to switch from a standard license to a REAL ID license during renewal, you must renew in person. You'll need to bring proof of citizenship or legal residency: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card. The fee is the same whether you choose REAL ID or standard.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a branch office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your fee. You'll go through the same process as a regular renewal, including a new photo.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could be cited. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the branch for a temporary paper license when you renew in person.

Fees and how to pay

An eight-year license costs $24. A four-year license costs $16. You can pay by credit card or debit card online or by mail. In person, you can also pay with cash, check, or money order. If you're renewing by mail, make your check or money order payable to the "Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles."

If you're renewing a REAL ID license, the fee is the same. There is no extra charge for the REAL ID designation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Indiana, you need to get a license from your new state. You cannot renew an Indiana license if you're not a resident. If you're temporarily out of state but still an Indiana resident, you can renew online or by mail.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your address, your fee, and a document showing your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

The BMV typically mails your new license 7 to 10 business days after processing your renewal. If you renewed in person or by mail, you should receive it within that window. If you haven't received it after two weeks, call the BMV at 317-615-8200 to check the status.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

If you have a medical condition that may affect your driving, you must renew in person so the BMV can review your situation. Bring documentation from your doctor if the BMV asks for it. The BMV may issue a license with restrictions, such as requiring corrective lenses or limiting you to daytime driving.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You'll need to get a replacement license first, then renew it. Go to a branch office with proof of your identity and address, and pay the replacement fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the normal renewal process.