Yes, you can renew online if your license meets certain conditions

Indiana allows online renewal for driver's licenses, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You must be at least 21 years old, have a Social Security number on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and have a current Indiana address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online — you must visit a BMV branch in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, update your name, or correct other information on your license. Vision tests are not required for online renewal in Indiana.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your Indiana license expired less than two years ago and you are at least 21 years old.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • The Indiana BMV website is where you complete the renewal — there is no separate process or form to print.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your expired license until it arrives.
  • If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person at a BMV branch instead.

Who can and cannot renew online

You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of these are true: your current Indiana driver's license is still valid or expired less than two years ago; you are at least 21 years old; you have a Social Security number on file with the BMV; and your address on file is current and located in Indiana. You must also have a valid email address, because the BMV will send a confirmation to that address during the process.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are under 21, if you do not have a Social Security number on file, or if your address is outside Indiana. You also cannot use online renewal if you need to change any information — your name, address, organ donor status, or any other detail on your license. In those cases, you must visit a BMV branch in person and bring documents to support the change.

What you need before you start

Gather your current Indiana driver's license and have it in front of you. You will need to enter your license number and the date of birth printed on it. You also need your Social Security number, which the BMV will verify against its records. Have a valid debit card or credit card ready — the BMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal.

Make sure your email address is correct and that you can access it during the renewal process. The BMV sends a confirmation email after you complete the transaction, and you may need to reference that email if you have questions about your order. If your email address has changed since you last renewed, you will need to update it in person at a BMV branch before you can renew online.

The step-by-step online renewal process

Go to the Indiana BMV website and select the option to renew your driver's license online. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that all details are correct — address, name, height, eye color, and other identifying information. If anything is wrong, stop and do not proceed; you must visit a branch to correct it.

Next, you will review the renewal terms and answer a few questions about your health and driving record. These questions ask whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, whether you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses, and whether you have any outstanding tickets or fines. Answer honestly; false answers can result in your renewal being denied or your license being suspended later.

Enter your payment information and submit. The BMV will send a confirmation email to the address on file. Your new license will be mailed to your Indiana address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your expired license until the new one arrives.

What happens after you submit your renewal

The BMV processes online renewals in the order they are received. You should receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received it, contact the BMV to check the status of your order. Have your confirmation email or order number ready when you call.

Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. You do not need to turn in your old license or do anything else — straightforward use the new one when it arrives. If your new license is damaged or lost in the mail, contact the BMV and request a replacement; there may be an additional fee.

When you must renew in person instead

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the BMV requires you to renew in person at a branch. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current Indiana address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also take a new photo and pass a vision test.

You must also renew in person if you need to change your name, address, or any other information on your license. Bring documents that support the change — for a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; for an address change, bring a utility bill or lease. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you must renew in person and may need to pay additional fees or meet other requirements.

Fees and how long your new license lasts

An online renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. The fee is charged to your debit or credit card at the time you submit your renewal. There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to in-person renewal.

Your new license will be valid for the term you chose — either four or eight years from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew again online when your license is within two years of expiration, or you can renew in person at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Indiana. You must renew a CDL in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

What if I moved out of Indiana but still have an Indiana license?

You cannot renew online if your address is outside Indiana. You must either update your address to an Indiana address before renewing online, or renew in person at a BMV branch if you no longer live in the state. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended or revoked?

No. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a BMV branch in person. The branch staff will tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges, which may include paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Do I need a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. The branch will take a new photo at no additional charge.

What if my payment is declined during online renewal?

If your debit or credit card is declined, the renewal will not be processed. Check that your card number, expiration date, and security code are correct, and try again. If the card continues to be declined, use a different card or visit a BMV branch to renew in person and pay by cash, check, or card.