What you need before you start

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years. You'll need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit or credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can renew online. You cannot use the online system if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if your license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew online if you're under 18 or if you need to update your name or gender marker. In those cases, you'll need to visit a BMV branch in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana's online renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and has no suspensions or revocations on it.
  • You'll pay a renewal fee through the BMV website using a debit or credit card, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • The online system cannot process address changes, name changes, or updates to your gender marker — those require an in-person visit.
  • Your current license remains valid while you wait for the new one to arrive, so you can continue driving legally.

Steps to renew online through the BMV website

Go to the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv and look for the "Renew Your License Online" option on the homepage. Click it to start the renewal process. You'll be taken to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to pull up your record.

Review the information on your current license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, you can proceed. The system will ask you to confirm your mailing address; this is where your new license will be sent. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit a BMV branch instead.

Next, you'll see the renewal fee. Indiana's standard renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. Choose your payment method — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover — and enter your card information. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.

What happens after you submit your renewal

The BMV processes online renewals within one business day. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you confirmed during renewal. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the BMV sends it, though delivery times can vary depending on your location and mail volume.

Your current license remains valid and legal to use while you wait for the new one. You don't need to stop driving or carry any proof of renewal. When your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Indiana does not require you to return expired licenses.

If you don't receive your new license within 14 business days, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit in.gov/bmv to check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number.

When you cannot renew online and must visit in person

If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your renewal request. You must visit a BMV branch to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Bring documentation of whatever caused the suspension — for example, proof of payment if it was a traffic fine, or proof of insurance if it was a lapsed coverage issue.

If you need to change your address, update your name, change your gender marker, or add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you're moving, and any legal documents that support a name or gender marker change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online renewal system. You'll need to renew in person and may be required to pass a written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Check the BMV website or call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.

Payment and confirmation

The BMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewals. There are no additional fees beyond the standard renewal cost. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal, and you'll see a confirmation page with your confirmation number.

Keep your confirmation number for your records. If you need to check on your renewal status, you can use this number on the BMV website. If you have questions about your payment or your renewal, the BMV customer service line at 317-615-7293 can look up your renewal using this number.

Finding a BMV branch if you need to renew in person

The Indiana BMV operates branches throughout the state. You can find the branch nearest you by visiting in.gov/bmv and using the branch locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the website will show you all nearby branches, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.

Many BMV branches now require appointments for in-person renewals. Check the branch's page before you go to see if you need to book a time slot. If the branch accepts walk-ins, arrive early — wait times can be long during peak hours, especially near the end of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and may need to retake the written and vision tests.

What if I get pulled over before my new license arrives?

Your old license is still valid while you wait for the new one. You can show your old license to a police officer. If you have your confirmation number from the online renewal, you can also show that as proof that you've renewed.

Can I change my address during an online renewal?

No. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

How long does the online renewal take?

The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. The BMV processes your renewal within one business day, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if my renewal is rejected online?

The most common reasons for rejection are a suspension or revocation on your record, an expired license that's more than two years old, or a commercial driver's license. Visit a BMV branch in person, or call 317-615-7293 to find out why your renewal was rejected.