What a suspended license means and why Indiana suspends them
A suspended license in Indiana means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle while the suspension is active. The suspension will end on a specific date set by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), or when you complete whatever action the BMV requires — whichever comes later.
Indiana suspends licenses for several reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, drug convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or not maintaining car insurance. Some suspensions are automatic — the BMV applies them without a hearing. Others result from a court order. The reason matters because it determines how you get your license back.
A suspension is different from a revocation, which is permanent or much longer-term and usually follows serious violations like DUI convictions. A suspension is also different from a restriction, which allows you to drive for specific purposes (like work or school) under limited conditions.
Key Takeaways
- You can find out why your license is suspended by calling the BMV at 317-615-7571 or checking your BMV record online through the Indiana BMV website.
- The action needed to lift the suspension depends on the reason — you might need to pay a fine, appear in court, pay child support, or complete a defensive driving course.
- Once you complete the required action, you must request reinstatement from the BMV, which usually takes a few business days to process.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Indiana and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
How to find out why your license is suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. The BMV maintains a record of every active suspension on your license. You can look this up yourself without calling anyone.
Go to the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv and select "Check Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show you any active suspensions, the reason for each one, and the date it will end — if it has an end date. If the suspension requires you to take action (like paying a fine), that information will appear here too.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call the BMV at 317-615-7571. Have your license number ready. The BMV can tell you the reason, what you need to do to resolve it, and whether there are any fees involved. Wait times can be long during business hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means a shorter hold.
Suspensions caused by unpaid fines or tickets
If your license is suspended because of an unpaid traffic ticket or court fine, you have two paths: pay the fine or go to court to contest it or request a payment plan.
To pay the fine, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can find the right court by searching the Indiana court system at in.gov/courts or by calling the BMV — they can tell you which court holds your case. Most courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, they send notice to the BMV. The BMV then removes the suspension, usually within one to three business days.
If you cannot pay the full amount, ask the court about a payment plan or a hearing to reduce the fine. Some courts will work with you on this. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a court hearing to contest it. Either way, contact the court directly — do not wait for the BMV to contact you.
Suspensions caused by failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date, the judge issued a suspension and possibly a warrant for your arrest. This suspension will not lift until you appear in court and resolve the underlying case.
Contact the court that issued the suspension when ready. Tell them you want to appear and resolve the matter. The court will either schedule a new hearing or, in some cases, allow you to resolve the case by phone or mail if it is a minor traffic matter. Bring any documents that explain why you missed the first date — a hospital record, work schedule, or other proof of a legitimate conflict helps.
Once you appear and the case is resolved (whether you pay a fine, complete community service, or the charge is dismissed), the court notifies the BMV. The suspension is then lifted.
Suspensions caused by child support arrears
Indiana suspends licenses for people who fall behind on child support payments. The suspension stays in place until the state's child support enforcement agency confirms that you are current on payments or have made arrangements to catch up.
Contact the Indiana Child Support Enforcement Division at 317-234-7606 or visit in.gov/dcs. They will tell you how much you owe and what payment arrangement they will accept. Once you make the agreed payment or demonstrate you are current, they send a release to the BMV. The BMV then lifts the suspension.
If you are unable to pay the full amount, explain your situation to the enforcement division. They may agree to a payment plan or a temporary modification of your support obligation. The key is to contact them before the suspension becomes active, or as soon as you realize you are behind.
Suspensions caused by drug convictions or DUI
A drug conviction or DUI results in a mandatory suspension set by state law. The length depends on whether it is your first offense and what substance was involved. These suspensions cannot be shortened, but they can be lifted early if you meet certain conditions.
For a drug conviction, you may be able to request early reinstatement after serving at least half the suspension period. You will need to show proof that you have completed any court-ordered treatment or counseling. Contact the BMV to find out what documents you need to submit.
For a DUI suspension, you may be able to request a hardship license that allows you to drive for work, school, or medical appointments while the suspension is still active. This requires a hearing before a BMV hearing officer. You will need to show that losing your license creates genuine hardship and that you have completed any required alcohol education programs. An attorney can help with this process, though it is not required.
How to request reinstatement once you have resolved the issue
After you have taken the action the BMV requires — paid the fine, appeared in court, paid child support, or completed a program — you must formally request reinstatement. The BMV does not automatically lift the suspension once the underlying issue is resolved.
You can request reinstatement online through the Indiana BMV website, by mail, or in person at any BMV branch. If you go online, go to in.gov/bmv and look for "License Reinstatement." You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $50 to $100 depending on the reason for the suspension. Some suspensions have no fee.
By mail, send a letter to the Indiana BMV with your name, license number, date of birth, and proof that you have resolved the issue (a court receipt, child support payment confirmation, or program completion certificate). Mail it to the address listed on the BMV website. Processing takes five to ten business days.
In person, visit any BMV branch with your proof of resolution and your driver's license. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo of a receipt usually is not enough. The BMV will process your reinstatement on the spot if everything is in order, and you can drive home with a temporary license.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Indiana. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000. A second or subsequent offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension. The BMV will add additional time to your suspension period. If you are stopped and arrested, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face towing and storage fees. A criminal record also affects employment, housing, and insurance rates.
If you need to drive while your suspension is being resolved, ask the court or the BMV about a hardship license or a restricted license. These are legal alternatives that allow limited driving for essential purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last?
The length varies by reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear typically last 30 to 90 days once you resolve the underlying issue. Child support suspensions last until you catch up on payments. Drug convictions and DUI suspensions are set by law and can last six months to several years. Check your BMV record to see the specific end date for your suspension.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
It depends on the reason for the suspension. Hardship licenses are most commonly available for DUI and drug conviction suspensions. You must request one through a BMV hearing officer and show that the suspension creates genuine hardship. For other suspension reasons, contact the BMV directly to ask whether a hardship license is an option.
What if I do not know why my license is suspended?
Check your BMV record online first — that is the fastest way to find out. If the reason is not clear from the record, call the BMV at 317-615-7571 and they will explain it. If the suspension is related to a court case, the court can also tell you what you need to do to resolve it.
Do I have to pay a fee to get my license reinstated?
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee of $50 to $100, though some do not. The fee is separate from any fines or payments you owe for the underlying violation. The BMV will tell you the exact amount when you request reinstatement.
What if I move out of Indiana after my license is suspended?
Your Indiana suspension follows you. If you move to another state and try to get a license there, the new state will see the Indiana suspension and likely will not issue you a license until it is lifted. You will need to resolve the Indiana suspension first, even if you no longer live there.