Where to renew and what you'll need

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; online renewal, when available to you, takes a few minutes from home.

Before you go or log in, 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, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Your license expires on your birthday. Indiana sends no reminder, so mark your calendar or check the expiration date on the back of your card. You can renew up to 180 days before it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
  • A standard Indiana driver's license is valid for eight years; a REAL ID-compliant license is also valid for eight years but costs more and requires additional documents.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
  • BMV branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours; some locations offer Saturday hours, which you can check on the Indiana BMV website.

Online renewal: when you can do it at home

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option if you meet all four conditions: your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements on your license, your address has not changed, and you are renewing a standard (non-REAL ID) license.

If you may have access to, log into the Indiana BMV online portal with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions to confirm your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $20 for a standard license), and provide a payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If you do not meet all four conditions—for example, if your address changed or if you want a REAL ID license—you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Walk into any Indiana BMV branch during business hours with your documents. You will fill out an process form (the BMV staff can provide this), present your proof of identity and address, and have your photo taken. The staff will process your renewal on the spot.

The renewal fee for a standard driver's license is currently $20. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead—required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025—the fee is $35. A REAL ID license requires the same documents as a standard renewal, plus one additional document proving your citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until it arrives. If you need to drive before then and your current license has expired, ask the BMV staff for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.

What happens if your license has been expired for a long time

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it by the standard process—online or in person—without retaking any tests. If your license has been expired for more than two years, Indiana treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you must renew in person and you will need to pass the written knowledge test again.

To prepare for the written test, review the Indiana Driver's Manual, available free on the BMV website. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will have the chance to take it at the BMV branch on the day you renew. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

Finding a BMV branch and checking wait times

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. Use the BMV branch locator on the Indiana BMV website to find the one nearest you, check its hours, and see whether it offers Saturday service. Some branches are busier than others; branches in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other large cities.

The BMV website does not show real-time wait times, but you can call your local branch directly to ask how busy they are. Many people find that arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday means a shorter wait than Friday afternoons.

REAL ID vs. standard license: which one to get

A standard Indiana driver's license works for driving and for most everyday identification. It costs $20 and is valid for eight years. You cannot use it for federal building access or domestic air travel.

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. It costs $35 and is also valid for eight years. You will need it to enter a federal building (courthouse, Social Security office, military base) or to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025. To get a REAL ID license, you must provide proof of citizenship or legal residency in addition to the standard renewal documents.

If you are unsure whether you need a REAL ID license, consider whether you fly domestically or visit federal buildings. If you do neither, a standard license is sufficient. You can always upgrade to a REAL ID license at your next renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Indiana does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your license if you have failed to pay or appear. The BMV staff will tell you at the branch if a hold exists. Contact the court that issued the ticket to resolve it before you can renew.

What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have another proof of my Social Security number?

You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration, which takes about two weeks. In the meantime, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return showing your Social Security number will work as proof. If you have none of these, contact your local BMV branch to ask what other documents they accept.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew in person?

Yes. The BMV takes a new photo every time you renew your license in person. If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

No. Indiana requires you to pick up your renewed license yourself or have it mailed to your address on file. The license is mailed automatically after renewal, so you do not need to pick it up at the branch.

What if my address changed but I'm not ready to update my license yet?

You must update your address when you renew your license. Indiana law requires your license to show your current address. If you renew online and your address has changed, you will be directed to renew in person instead. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address.