How to Get and Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

What you need to get an Indiana driver's license

Indiana issues driver's licenses through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To get one, you must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail — the BMV requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and photo at a branch location.

The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. A first-time applicant needs different paperwork than someone renewing. The BMV website lists specific documents for each situation, and bringing the wrong ones means a second trip.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 to get a full driver's license in Indiana. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a BMV branch in person to get or renew an Indiana driver's license; the process cannot be done entirely online or by mail.
Bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
You will take a written knowledge test, pass a vision screening, and have a photo taken at the branch.
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults and four years for drivers under 21.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and some renewals can be done by mail if you meet certain conditions.

Documents you need for a first-time license

For a first-time Indiana driver's license, bring one document proving your identity and one proving your residency. A birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card counts as identity proof. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address counts as residency proof.

You also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign your process in front of the BMV employee. If both parents are listed on your birth certificate but only one can attend, bring a notarized statement from the absent parent giving permission.

Renewing your Indiana license by mail or in person

Indiana allows some drivers to renew by mail without visiting a branch. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past four years, and you are renewing for the first time. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

To renew by mail, complete the process form (available on the BMV website), include your current license, and mail it with the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks after the BMV receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail.

If you renew in person, you will need your current license and payment. You do not need to bring identity or residency documents again unless your license is expired by more than five years. The BMV will take a new photo and may ask you to retake the vision test.

Transferring a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and move to Indiana, you can transfer it without retaking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Indiana residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any BMV branch. You will have a new photo taken and pass a vision screening, but you skip the knowledge test.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you must take the written test as if you were a first-time applicant. Bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The BMV will not accept an expired license as proof of driving history.

Indiana recognizes licenses from all U.S. states and territories. If you hold a license from a country outside the United States, you must take the full test as a first-time applicant.

The written test, vision screening, and photo

The Indiana written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The test is available in English and several other languages. You can take the test on a computer at the BMV branch or on paper if you request it.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the BMV. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until you see an eye doctor and return with a corrective lens prescription.

The BMV will take a digital photo for your license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless for religious reasons. Your photo must show your face clearly and be taken against a plain background.

Fees and how long the license lasts

The cost of an Indiana driver's license varies by type and age. A standard eight-year license for an adult costs one amount; a four-year license for a driver under 21 costs less. The BMV website lists current fees. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the branch.

An Indiana driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.

If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to visit a branch, you may still renew by mail if you meet the conditions listed above. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must visit a branch in person and may need to retake the written test.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your Indiana driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit any BMV branch to request a replacement. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN and proof of residency. You do not need to bring your original license — the BMV can look up your record by your name and date of birth.

A replacement license costs less than a new license and is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date. For example, if your license expires in 2027 and you get a replacement in 2024, the replacement is also valid until 2027. You will have a new photo taken.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive. However, if a police officer cannot read it, you may be cited. The BMV recommends getting a replacement if your license is cracked, faded, or has missing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID-compliant Indiana driver's license?

Yes. Indiana issues Real ID-compliant licenses that meet federal standards for air travel and federal building access. You must bring additional documents: proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) and two proofs of residency instead of one. The Real ID license costs more than a standard license and is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most BMV branches, though some branches may require you to schedule another appointment. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the test fee each time. Study materials are available on the BMV website.

Do I need to take a driving test to get my license?

Indiana does not require a behind-the-wheel driving test for a standard driver's license. You must pass the written test and vision screening. However, if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, the BMV may require a driving test as a condition of reinstatement.

Can I renew my license online?

Indiana does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the conditions, or you must visit a BMV branch in person. The BMV website shows branch locations and hours near you.

What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?

You can still drive on an expired Indiana license for a short time, but it is not legal. If you are out of state and your license is about to expire, renew by mail if you meet the conditions. If you cannot renew by mail, contact the BMV to ask about your options before your license expires.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.