How to learn about your Indiana license is suspended right now
You can check your Indiana driver's license status online through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website without paying a fee. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "License Status Inquiry," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or restricted.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the BMV at 317-615-7293. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth ready. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter holds.
A third option is to visit an Indiana BMV branch in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Staff can print your driving record on the spot, which shows your current status and the reason for any suspension. Find your nearest branch at in.gov/bmv and look for "Branch Locations."
Key Takeaways
- The BMV's online License Status Inquiry tool is free and gives you an answer in seconds without leaving home.
- Your suspension reason appears on your driving record — common causes include unpaid traffic fines, missed court dates, or failure to pay child support.
- Driving on a suspended license in Indiana is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and a longer suspension.
- Once you resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, or satisfy the court order), you must formally request reinstatement through the BMV.
Why your license gets suspended in Indiana
Indiana suspends licenses for many reasons, and the cause determines how you get it back. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay the fine by the important date, the court reports you to the BMV and your license is suspended automatically.
Other frequent causes include failing to appear in court for a traffic or criminal case, accumulating too many points from traffic violations within a set time (the point system varies by violation type), or being reported by the Indiana Department of Child Services for owing child support. Some suspensions also come from out-of-state convictions or failures to pay fines in other states.
Less common but serious reasons include a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, or a medical suspension if the BMV has concerns about your ability to drive safely. Each reason has different steps to get your license back, so knowing the exact cause is your first move.
What the BMV driving record tells you
Your driving record is a document that lists every suspension, revocation, restriction, and violation on your license. When you check your status online or request a record in person, you will see the suspension date, the reason code, and sometimes the agency that reported it (such as a court or the child support office).
The reason code is a short number or abbreviation — for example, "FTR" means failure to respond, and "FTA" means failure to appear. If the code is unclear, ask the BMV staff to explain it, or look it up on the BMV website under "Suspension Codes." Knowing the exact reason is essential because it tells you which agency to contact to resolve the problem.
Steps to get your license reinstated
Reinstatement is not automatic. Even after you fix the underlying problem, you must request it through the BMV. The process depends on your suspension reason.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the full amount owed, including any collection fees. Ask for a receipt or confirmation letter stating the debt is satisfied. Then go to the BMV website, select "Reinstatement Request," and upload proof of payment. Some courts can send confirmation directly to the BMV electronically, which speeds up the process.
If your suspension was for failure to appear in court, contact the court clerk, explain your situation, and ask what you need to do. You may need to appear before a judge, pay a fine, or both. Once the court resolves the case, request reinstatement through the BMV.
If your suspension is related to child support, contact the Indiana Department of Child Services or the court-ordered payment agency. Pay any arrears or set up a payment plan, and ask them to notify the BMV once you are in compliance. The BMV will not reinstate until they receive confirmation from child support.
Reinstatement usually takes 5 to 10 business days after the BMV receives proof that the issue is resolved. During that time, driving is still illegal and carries criminal penalties.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Indiana is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. A second offense within five years becomes a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving suspended adds another suspension on top of your existing one. The new suspension lasts at least six months and can be longer depending on the court's decision. Your insurance company may also cancel your policy, making it harder and more expensive to get coverage in the future.
If you are stopped and your license is suspended, be honest with the officer. Explain that you are working to resolve the issue. Having proof that you have already paid fines or contacted the relevant agency may help, though it does not prevent arrest.
Temporary driving permits and hardship licenses
Indiana offers a hardship license (also called a "work permit") in some suspension cases, but not all. A hardship license allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs while your suspension is in effect.
To request a hardship license, you must go to an BMV branch in person with proof of the hardship (such as a letter from your employer, school enrollment, or medical appointment documentation). Not all suspension reasons may have access to — for example, suspensions for DUI or driving without insurance are harder to get a hardship license for. The BMV staff can tell you whether you are may be able to access based on your specific suspension reason.
A hardship license is not a full reinstatement. It is temporary and comes with strict conditions. Violating the terms — such as driving somewhere other than the permitted locations — results in additional criminal charges.
Checking your record before you need to drive
If you have received traffic tickets or court notices in the past year, check your status now rather than waiting to find out at a traffic stop. The BMV system updates within one to three business days after a court reports a suspension, so there is often a gap between when a suspension takes effect and when you find out about it.
If you see a suspension you do not recognize or believe is an error, contact the BMV when ready. Errors do happen — sometimes a fine is paid but the court does not report it, or a suspension is issued in the wrong name. The BMV can investigate and correct the record, but it takes time, so report it as soon as you notice it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The BMV's online system requires your own driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. Only you can check your own status. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a minor's license, contact the BMV directly and explain your relationship; they may be able to help.
How long does a suspension last?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay; suspensions for failure to appear last until you resolve the court case. Suspensions for accumulating points typically last 30 to 90 days. Suspensions for DUI or driving without insurance can last six months to several years. Your driving record will show the expected end date.
What if I moved out of Indiana after my suspension started?
Your Indiana suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you try to get a license in another state, most states will see the Indiana suspension and deny your process until it is lifted. Contact the BMV to resolve the original issue, even from out of state.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?
Yes. Indiana charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension reason, typically between $50 and $100. You pay this fee when you request reinstatement through the BMV, in addition to any fines or court costs owed for the original violation.
What if the BMV website is down or I cannot access it?
Call 317-615-7293 or visit an BMV branch. Both can provide your current status. If you need your information urgently, visiting a branch in person is fastest because staff can print your record when ready.