Indiana lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements

You can renew your Indiana driver's license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website without visiting an office, as long as your current license hasn't expired more than two years ago and you don't need to change your address, name, or other personal information. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as renewing in person, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can use the online route. If your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to update your address or legal name, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you're under 18, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. The same applies if your license was suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your current Indiana license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
  • The online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
  • You cannot change your address, name, or other personal details through the online process — those changes require an in-person visit.
  • Commercial driver's licenses and licenses for drivers under 18 cannot be renewed online.
  • You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online renewal.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather your current Indiana driver's license and have the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. You'll also need a valid payment method — the BMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid; a standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal.

Make sure you're renewing from a computer or device with internet access. The BMV's online renewal system works on most browsers, but you should have your license in front of you so you can enter information exactly as it appears on the card.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Start by going to the Indiana BMV website and selecting the online renewal option. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your new license.

Review the information carefully. If anything is incorrect — your address, name, date of birth, or any other detail — stop and do not complete the online renewal. You'll need to visit a BMV branch in person to make corrections. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen, enter your credit or debit card information, and submit your renewal.

You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this confirmation. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the BMV using your confirmation number.

When you cannot renew online and must visit in person

If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject your renewal request. You must visit a BMV branch with your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). Bring your current address documentation even if you're not changing your address, because the BMV requires it for renewals after a long lapse.

Any change to your legal name, address, or other personal information also requires an in-person visit. If you've been convicted of certain traffic violations or your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. Commercial driver's licenses and licenses for anyone under 18 must be renewed at a branch office as well.

What happens after you submit your online renewal

Your new license is printed and mailed to the address currently on file with the BMV. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the BMV processes your renewal. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

If you need your new license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal. Your only option is to cancel the online renewal (if you haven't yet received your new license) and visit a BMV branch in person to request expedited service, though this may carry an additional fee.

Fixing mistakes or problems with your online renewal

If you made an error while filling out the online form — such as entering the wrong payment information or selecting the wrong renewal length — contact the BMV when ready using your confirmation number. Depending on when you call, the BMV may be able to cancel the renewal before it's processed and let you start over. If your renewal has already been processed, you may have to wait for the incorrect license to arrive and then visit a branch to exchange it.

If your new license arrives with incorrect information, do not use it. Bring it to a BMV branch along with your confirmation number and proof of what the correct information should be. The BMV will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by the BMV.

How to check the status of your online renewal

The BMV does not offer a real-time tracking system for online renewals. Your confirmation number and email receipt are your proof that the renewal was submitted. If you haven't received your new license within two weeks of submitting your renewal, call the BMV customer service line or visit a branch with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether your license has been mailed and provide an estimated delivery date.

Keep your confirmation email until your new license arrives. If there's a problem with delivery or if the license is lost in the mail, the BMV will use the confirmation number to look up your renewal record and may be able to reissue your license or issue a temporary one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of residency and Social Security number along with your expired license.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

Address changes cannot be made through the online renewal system. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. You can renew online again once your address has been updated in the BMV system.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for driving and identification.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a BMV branch. You'll need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you may need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of commercial license you hold.

What should I do if I don't receive my new license within two weeks?

Contact the BMV with your confirmation number. They can check whether your license has been mailed and provide an estimated delivery date. If the license is lost in the mail, the BMV can reissue it or provide a temporary license while you wait for a replacement.