What you need to renew online in Indiana

Indiana lets you renew your driver license online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website if your license is still valid or expired for no more than two years. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person at a BMV branch.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a BMV branch in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired for no more than two years.
  • The Indiana BMV website is where you complete the renewal — go to in.gov/bmv and look for the online renewal option.
  • You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.

Step-by-step process for online renewal

Start by visiting the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Look for the "Online Services" section and select the option to renew your driver license. You will be asked to enter your license number and date of birth to pull up your record.

Review the information on your current license to make sure it is correct. If anything has changed — your address, name, or other details — you will need to update it during this step. Once you confirm the information, you will enter your Social Security number and answer security questions to verify your identity.

At the end, you will see the renewal fee amount and can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number or print the confirmation page — it proves you renewed online if you need it before your new license arrives.

When you cannot renew online

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the online system will not let you complete a renewal. You must visit a BMV branch in person instead. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease).

You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, correct your date of birth, or update your address to a different state. These changes require an in-person visit. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 before you start the process.

What happens after you submit your renewal

Once your payment is processed, your renewal is complete. The BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If you recently moved and updated your address during the renewal, your new license will go to that new address.

You do not need to do anything else while you wait. Your current license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received your new license, contact the BMV to check the status of your order.

Fixing problems with your online renewal

If the online system rejects your information or will not let you complete the renewal, it usually means one of three things: your license number or Social Security number was entered incorrectly, your license expired more than two years ago, or there is a hold on your record (often from unpaid traffic fines or child support). Try entering your information again carefully, paying close attention to spaces or dashes in your license number.

If the problem persists, visit a BMV branch in person or call 317-615-7293 to find out why your renewal was blocked. The BMV can tell you whether you need to resolve something before you can renew, or whether there was straightforward a technical issue that can be fixed over the phone.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to make sure they have a valid license for travel. The process is exactly the same whether you renew early or close to your expiration date.

If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date that is typically eight years from the date you renew (for a standard adult license). Your old license becomes invalid once your new one arrives, even if the old one had not yet expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state?

Yes. As long as your license is still valid or expired for no more than two years, you can renew online from anywhere. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the BMV, which can be an out-of-state address.

What if I need to change my address during renewal?

You can update your address online during the renewal process if you are moving within Indiana or to another state. Enter your new address when prompted, and your new license will be mailed there. If you need to change your address but are not renewing yet, you can update it separately through the BMV website.

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

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to pay extra for a new one, which requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch.

What if my payment fails during online renewal?

If your debit or credit card is declined, the system will ask you to try again with a different payment method. Make sure your card has enough funds and that the billing address matches what your bank has on file. If problems continue, try paying with an electronic check instead, or visit a BMV branch to renew in person.

How do I know if my renewal went through?

You will see a confirmation number on the screen after your payment is processed. Write it down or print the confirmation page. You can also check your email if you provided one during renewal — the BMV may send a confirmation there as well.