Documents you'll need to bring to the BMV

To renew your Indiana driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Indiana residency. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires these three things at every renewal, whether you're renewing in person or by mail.

Your current license serves as your identity document. If you've lost it or it's too damaged to read, you'll need to bring a passport, military ID, or state ID instead. The BMV won't issue a new license without one of these documents in hand.

Proof of Social Security number

You can show your Social Security number in several ways. A Social Security card itself works, but so does a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a document that shows your number — like a bank statement or insurance card — along with a letter from the Social Security Administration.

The BMV accepts originals or certified copies. If you bring a photocopy of your Social Security card, it won't be accepted on its own; you'll need an original or one of the other documents listed above.

Proof of Indiana residency

Indiana residency proof must show your current name and address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document needs to be dated within the last 60 days — older documents won't be accepted.

If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, you can bring a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, signed and dated, confirming you live there. Some people also bring a piece of mail from a government agency, like a tax notice or voter registration card.

When you can renew by mail instead

Indiana lets you renew by mail if your license is not expired and you haven't had any address changes since your last renewal. You'll still need copies of your proof documents — you mail them along with your process form and fee.

The BMV sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 120 days before your license expires. That notice includes the process form and instructions for mailing. Mail renewals take about two weeks to process once the BMV receives them.

If your name has changed

A name change — whether from marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — means you must renew in person at a BMV branch. You'll need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a document showing the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work.

Bring the original or a certified copy of the name-change document. The BMV will not process a name change by mail, so you'll need to visit a branch office and bring all four documents with you.

If your license is expired

An expired license can still be renewed by mail if it expired less than two years ago. If it's been more than two years since your license expired, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. You'll bring the same documents — current or expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

If your expired license is lost or damaged, bring a passport or military ID instead. The BMV treats an expired license the same as a current one for renewal purposes, as long as it hasn't been expired for more than two years.

The fee and processing time

Indiana charges a renewal fee that varies depending on how long your new license is valid for. A four-year license costs less than a six-year license. You pay the fee when you submit your process, whether you're renewing in person or by mail.

In-person renewals are usually processed the same day you visit the BMV branch. Mail renewals take about two weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Indiana residency dated within the last 60 days to any BMV branch.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed, but you'll need to mail copies of all three documents.
  • A name change requires an in-person visit and a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person rather than by mail.
  • In-person renewals are processed the same day; mail renewals take about two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing originals?

No. The BMV requires original documents or certified copies. A photo on your phone won't be accepted. If you're renewing by mail, you'll mail photocopies or certified copies, but you need to have the originals to make those copies from.

What if I don't have a utility bill for proof of residency?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. If you don't have any of those, a signed letter from your landlord on their letterhead confirming your address will work. The document just needs to show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. When you renew by mail, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the BMV will take a new photo at the branch. You can't bring your own photo.

What happens if I send in my documents by mail and something is missing?

The BMV will mail your documents back to you and ask you to resubmit with the missing item. This adds time to your renewal. It's worth double-checking the renewal notice the BMV sends you to make sure you have everything before you mail it in.