How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you go

You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at any BMV branch (Bureau of Motor Vehicles), or online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you're called; online renewal takes a few minutes from home but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you're renewing for the standard five-year term.

Before you go to a BMV branch or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current Indiana driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring the address proof. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the BMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The BMV does not test your driving ability during renewal — only your vision and your ability to read and understand traffic signs.

Key Takeaways

Indiana driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at any BMV branch requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website takes minutes but only works for standard five-year renewals without medical conditions.
The BMV will test your vision during renewal; bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or when ready as a digital license if you renew online.

Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and create or log into your account. You will answer questions about your current license, confirm your address, and upload a new photo (or use your existing photo if you prefer). The system will ask whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving — if you answer yes to any question, you must renew in person instead.

The fee for online renewal is $20 for a five-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the process. Once you complete the renewal, you receive a digital license on your phone when ready through the BMV's mobile app, and your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The digital license is valid for driving and ID purposes in Indiana right away.

Online renewal is not available if your current license is expired, if you need to change your name, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 21 (when you can remove the "under 21" restriction). In those cases, you must go to a BMV branch in person.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website and check its hours before you go — some branches have limited hours or are closed certain days. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but some locations use an online check-in system where you reserve a time slot. Check the branch's page to see whether check-in is available.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your glasses or contacts if you wear them. When you arrive, check in at the front desk or through the kiosk, take a number, and wait to be called. The BMV will verify your documents, take a new photo (unless you request to use your old one), test your vision, and collect the renewal fee of $20 for a five-year license.

After you pay, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid in Indiana and most other states.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Indiana license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch, a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a driving test. The process takes longer and costs more than renewal.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it in person at a BMV branch using the standard renewal process. You cannot renew an expired license online, even if it expired just days ago. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, and the BMV will treat it as a renewal rather than a new process.

Renewing when your name or address has changed

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and the legal document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

If only your address has changed, you can renew online or in person. Online renewal asks you to confirm your new address during the process. In-person renewal requires you to bring proof of your new address. Either way, your new license will show your updated address.

Understanding the costs and timeline

A five-year Indiana driver's license renewal costs $20, whether you renew online or in person. This is the standard fee for most drivers. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $10 for a five-year license. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), the fee is $8.

Online renewal is complete within minutes, and you receive a digital license when ready. Your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at the BMV, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days as well. If you need your new license faster than the mail timeline, you cannot expedite it — the BMV does not offer rush processing for renewals.

What to do if the BMV rejects your documents

The BMV may reject your proof of address if the document is too old (more than 60 days old), if it does not show your current address, or if it is not on the accepted list. Accepted documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, and tax returns. A credit card statement or phone bill is not accepted as proof of address.

If your proof of Social Security number is rejected, the BMV may ask for a different document. A Social Security card is preferred, but a W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your full Social Security number is also accepted. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you return to the BMV.

If you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted, call your local BMV branch before you go. Staff can tell you whether your specific documents meet the requirements and save you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires a written test, a driving test, and an in-person visit to a BMV branch. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process.

What if I don't have a proof of address document?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address. Some BMV branches accept letters from employers or government agencies as proof of address — call your branch to ask.

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

At a BMV branch, you can request to use your existing photo instead of taking a new one. Online, you can upload your old photo or take a new one. Either way, the choice is yours — the BMV does not require a new photo for renewal.

What if I wear glasses but forget to bring them to the BMV?

You must take the vision test with your glasses or contacts if you normally wear them. If you forget them, the BMV will ask you to reschedule your renewal for another day when you have them. You cannot complete the renewal without passing the vision test with the correction you actually use.

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in Indiana and most other states while you wait for your physical license to arrive. However, some states may not recognize it, and some businesses (like banks or airlines) may not accept it as ID. Your physical license, which arrives within 7 to 10 business days, is universally recognized.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.