What You Need to Know Before You Go to the BMV
Indiana issues two types of identification through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV): a driver's license if you want to operate a vehicle, or a state ID card if you only need identification. Both require you to visit a BMV branch in person with specific documents, pass a written test and vision screening for a driver's license, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour on the day you explore, though you should check your local branch's wait times first — some branches are busier than others.
You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Indiana requires you to appear in person so staff can verify your documents and take your photograph. If you are renewing an existing license and meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew by mail, but a first-time license or ID always requires a visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the BMV, along with the correct fee.
- A driver's license requires passing a written knowledge test and a vision screening; a state ID card does not.
- You can find your nearest BMV branch and check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website before you go.
- A standard driver's license is valid for eight years; a state ID card is valid for six years.
- If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian's signature and consent, and different rules explore to when you can drive.
Documents You Must Bring to the BMV
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a military ID. A school ID or expired license does not count. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together establish your identity — for example, a Social Security card plus a school transcript with your name and date of birth.
You also need proof that you live in Indiana. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency, such as a tax notice or voter registration card, also counts. If someone else's name is on the bill but you live there, bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live at that address.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. You will also need to know your Indiana driver's license number if you are renewing, or your previous license number if you held one in another state.
The Written Test and Vision Screening for a Driver's License
If you are getting a driver's license for the first time or upgrading from a state ID, you must pass a written knowledge test at the BMV. The test covers Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Indiana Driver's Manual, which the BMV provides free online and in print at any BMV branch. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
You will also take a vision screening at the BMV. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form before you can receive your license.
If you are renewing a driver's license and have not changed your address or name, you do not retake the written test. You will still have your vision checked.
Fees and Payment Methods
A standard eight-year driver's license costs $28. A state ID card valid for six years costs $20. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years and costs $20. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — the BMV accepts all three. Some branches may have ATMs on site, but do not assume yours does.
If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same as a new one. If you are renewing early because your license is damaged, the BMV may charge a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee; ask when you arrive.
Special Rules if You Are Under 18
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the BMV. You cannot explore alone. Your parent or guardian must bring their own ID and proof of residency.
Indiana has a graduated licensing system. If you are 15 or 16, you can get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the car. At 16 and a half, you can get a probationary license, which has restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can carry. At 18, you get an unrestricted license. Each step requires a separate visit to the BMV and a new fee.
How to Find Your Local BMV Branch and Check Wait Times
Visit the Indiana BMV website and use the branch locator tool to find the office nearest you. The site shows each branch's hours, phone number, and address. Many branches publish current wait times online, updated every 15 minutes. If your branch does not show wait times, you can call ahead to ask how busy they are.
Some branches are consistently busier than others. If your nearest branch has a long wait, check whether a branch 20 or 30 minutes away has a shorter one. You can visit any BMV branch in Indiana; you do not have to go to the one in your county.
Avoid going on Mondays and Fridays if you can, as these are typically the busiest days. Mid-week mornings usually have shorter waits. The BMV does not take appointments, so you must arrive and wait your turn.
What Happens After You Pass and What Your License Looks Like
If you pass the written test and vision screening, the BMV will take your photograph and issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. Keep this temporary license with you — it is valid ID until your permanent card arrives, usually within two weeks.
Your Indiana driver's license is a standard plastic card with your photograph, name, date of birth, address, license number, and driving restrictions if any. It shows your height, eye color, and any medical conditions you have reported. The license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. A state ID card looks similar but does not have driving privileges listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you do not need to update your photograph. Most people must renew in person. Contact your local BMV branch to ask whether you may have access to for mail renewal.
What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?
You can request a replacement birth certificate from the Indiana State Department of Health or the county where you were born. A replacement Social Security card can be ordered from the Social Security Administration. Both take one to two weeks. In the meantime, ask the BMV what alternative documents you can bring.
Do I need to take the written test again if I move to Indiana from another state?
Yes, you must pass the Indiana written test. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Indiana once you become a resident. You have 60 days to get an Indiana license after you move. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three times, you must return on another day to try again. Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the manual more.
Can I get a Real ID-compliant license in Indiana?
Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Indiana issues Real ID licenses at no extra cost. Bring the same documents, plus proof of your Social Security number. Your Real ID license will have a gold star in the top right corner.