Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) runs the online renewal system through its website at in.gov/bmv. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can use the online system. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements, if you changed your name or address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, you must visit a BMV branch in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status since your last renewal.
  • The Indiana BMV online renewal system is at in.gov/bmv, and the fee is paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check at the time you submit.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must schedule an appointment at your local BMV branch through the same website.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to in.gov/bmv: your current Indiana driver's license (you will need the number printed on it), the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit card, debit card, or bank account information for the renewal fee. Indiana charges $24 for a four-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal if you are 65 or older.

You will also need a valid email address. The BMV sends a confirmation email after you submit your renewal, and you may need it if you have questions about your order. If you do not have an email address, you can set one up for free through Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo before you start.

The step-by-step renewal process

Go to in.gov/bmv and look for the "Online Services" section on the homepage. Click on "Renew Your Driver's License." The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to pull up your record. If the information matches what the BMV has on file, you will move to the next screen.

Review your personal information — name, address, and date of birth — to make sure it is correct. If anything is wrong, stop and visit a BMV branch instead, because the online system cannot change your address or name. If everything is correct, you will choose your renewal term (four years or eight years if you are 65 or older) and enter your payment information.

After you submit payment, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The BMV will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your old license to drive until it arrives.

When you cannot renew online

If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will reject your renewal request. The same happens if you have medical restrictions, corrective lens requirements, or if you changed your name or address since your last renewal. In these cases, you must visit a BMV branch in person.

Commercial driver's license holders cannot renew online under any circumstances. If you hold a CDL, you must schedule an appointment at a BMV branch. You can book an appointment through in.gov/bmv by clicking "Schedule an Appointment" and selecting your nearest branch.

How long the process takes

The online submission itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. After you submit, the BMV processes your renewal within one business day, and your new license is printed and mailed the same day or the next business day. Standard mail delivery to your address takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer if you live in a rural area or if mail is delayed.

You can drive on your old license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Do not throw away your old license until the new one is in your hand. If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your confirmation number.

Payment and fees

The online system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. You pay at the time you submit your renewal — there is no separate payment step later. The fee is $24 for a four-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal if you are 65 or older. Some people are charged a $1 convenience fee by their bank for paying online, but the BMV itself does not add extra charges.

If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and will not process your renewal. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, then try again. If you continue to have trouble, you can pay in person at a BMV branch instead.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the online system says your information does not match, double-check that you entered your driver's license number and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your license and Social Security card. Spaces, hyphens, and leading zeros all matter. If you are still stuck, visit a BMV branch with your license and Social Security card.

If you submitted your renewal but did not receive a confirmation email, check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your driver's license number. They can tell you whether your renewal went through and resend the confirmation if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The online system will reject your renewal if there is any hold on your license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines or completing required courses. Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to find out what you owe and how to clear the hold.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if you changed your address. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Schedule an appointment at in.gov/bmv to avoid waiting in line.

Do I need to take a new photo for my online renewal?

No. The online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. You can schedule an appointment through in.gov/bmv.

What if my new license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your confirmation number and a description of the problem. They can issue a replacement at no charge. Bring your damaged license to a BMV branch, or mail it to the address they provide.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes. The online system works from anywhere as long as you have internet access and a valid payment method. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the BMV, whether you are in Indiana or out of state.