Your Indiana driver's license expires on your birthday, six years after you received it
Indiana issues driver's licenses valid for six years from the date of issue. Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the format MM/DD/YYYY. If you received your license on March 15, 2021, it will expire on March 15, 2027. The state does not send renewal reminders by mail, so tracking the date yourself is necessary.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you can visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as early as the first day of your expiration month in the year before your license actually expires. Starting your renewal early avoids the rush near your actual expiration date and ensures you have a valid license without interruption.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. An expired license also means you cannot legally use it as identification for other purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building.
Key Takeaways
- Your Indiana driver's license expires on your birthday, six years after you received it, and the expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires by visiting any BMV branch or using the online renewal option if you are may be able to access.
- Indiana does not send expiration reminders, so you must track your expiration date yourself to avoid driving with an expired license.
- Renewing early prevents the need to rush and ensures you have a valid license for identification and legal driving purposes.
How to renew before your license expires
The fastest way to renew is online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet the requirements. You must be renewing a license that is not currently suspended or revoked, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you must be renewing for the first time online (not renewing an online renewal). The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, costs $24, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Some BMV branches allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Check the Indiana BMV website to find your nearest branch and see whether appointments are available in your area. Walk-ins are accepted at all branches, but appointment holders are served first.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license has already passed its expiration date, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a BMV branch in person with the same documents required for early renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The cost is still $24, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
Driving with an expired license before you renew it is a violation. If you are stopped, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $500 depending on the officer's discretion and the circumstances. A citation also creates a record that may affect your insurance rates.
If your license expired more than a year ago, Indiana may require you to retake the written test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Contact your local BMV branch to confirm what documents and tests you will need before you visit.
Renewing online versus in person
Online renewal is faster and requires no travel, but it is not available to everyone. You are ineligible for online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, if you have changed your address and need to update it on your license, or if you are renewing an online renewal (meaning your last renewal was done online). You are also ineligible if you are under 18 or if your license was issued outside Indiana.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if you do not meet the online requirements. It also allows you to update your address, change your name, or request a Real ID-compliant license at the same time. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. The Real ID upgrade costs an additional $15 on top of the standard $24 renewal fee.
| Renewal Method | Cost | Time to Receive | When Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $24 | 7 to 10 business days by mail | Up to 1 year before expiration; not available if license is suspended, revoked, or name has changed |
| In Person | $24 (plus $15 for Real ID) | Temporary license when ready; permanent card in 7 to 10 business days | Any time before or after expiration; required if online is not available |
Real ID and expiration dates
A standard Indiana driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license have the same six-year expiration period. The difference is in what you can use the license for. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel or entry into federal buildings. A Real ID license, marked with a gold star, will be required instead.
If your current license expires before May 7, 2025, you do not need to upgrade to Real ID when ready. However, if you renew your license before that date, you have the option to request a Real ID at the time of renewal for an additional $15. If your license expires on or after May 7, 2025, you should consider upgrading to Real ID during your renewal to avoid needing to renew again soon after the important date.
To renew with Real ID, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate). The process takes about 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes because of the additional documentation required.
Checking your expiration date and finding a BMV branch
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license below your photograph. It appears as MM/DD/YYYY. If you cannot locate your license or want to verify the date before visiting a BMV branch, you can contact the Indiana BMV directly by phone at 317-615-7293 or visit the BMV website to look up your information.
The Indiana BMV website has a branch locator tool that shows all BMV branches in your county, their hours of operation, and whether they accept appointments. Some branches are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. A few branches offer extended evening hours. Check the locator before you travel to may support the branch is open when you plan to visit.
If you live in a rural area far from a BMV branch, some county clerk's offices offer limited BMV services, including license renewal. Contact your county clerk's office to ask whether they can process your renewal and what documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?
No. Your license must be valid on the date you drive. If it expires tomorrow, you cannot legally drive starting tomorrow. You must renew before your expiration date. If you have already let it expire, you must renew in person at a BMV branch before driving again.
What if I lose my license before it expires?
You can request a replacement license at any BMV branch. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The replacement costs $24 and you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your new permanent license will have the same expiration date as your original license, not a new six-year term.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license?
Appointments are not required, but they are recommended if your BMV branch offers them. Walk-ins are accepted at all branches, but you may wait longer. Check the BMV website to see if your branch accepts appointments and to schedule one if available.
What if I moved out of state after getting my Indiana license?
You should obtain a driver's license from your new state. Indiana will not renew your license if you no longer live in Indiana. If you still have an Indiana address on file and your license has not expired, you can renew it one final time in person at an Indiana BMV branch before you move, or you can let it expire and obtain a license in your new state.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. An outstanding traffic ticket or fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Indiana BMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.