Indiana requires you to clear the reason for suspension, pay reinstatement fees, and file paperwork with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you can drive legally again
A suspended license in Indiana means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state suspends licenses for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of points, or failure to pay child support, among others. Before the BMV will reinstate your license, you must resolve the underlying cause, pay the reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100 depending on the reason), and submit the required documents to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
The reinstatement process varies slightly depending on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid fines requires different steps than one for accumulating too many points. Understanding which category applies to you is the first step, because it determines what you need to do and how long it will take.
Key Takeaways
- You must first determine the reason for your suspension by contacting the BMV or checking your suspension notice, because each reason has different reinstatement requirements.
- Most suspensions require you to pay the underlying debt (fines, child support, or court costs) before the BMV will process reinstatement.
- Indiana charges a reinstatement fee separate from any fines or debts you owe, and this fee must be paid to the BMV directly.
- You can reinstate your license by mail, in person at a BMV branch, or online if your suspension qualifies, but processing times vary by method.
- If your suspension was for accumulating points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course before reinstatement is possible.
Determine why your license was suspended
Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it, contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly. Call the BMV customer service line at 317-615-7293 or visit a local BMV branch with your driver's license or ID. The BMV can tell you the exact reason and what you must do to resolve it.
Common suspension reasons include: unpaid traffic fines or court costs; failure to appear in court; accumulation of 12 or more points within a 24-month period; failure to pay child support; failure to maintain auto insurance; or suspension ordered by a court. Each reason has different reinstatement steps. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires payment to the court or traffic violations bureau, while a suspension for points requires either waiting out a suspension period or completing a defensive driving course.
Pay any outstanding debts or fines
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, court costs, or child support, you must pay these amounts before the BMV will reinstate your license. Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension to learn the exact amount owed and where to send payment. For traffic fines, this is usually the traffic violations bureau or the court that handled your case. For child support, contact the Indiana Child Support Bureau.
Payment must be made directly to the court or agency, not to the BMV. Once the court or agency confirms payment, they will notify the BMV that the suspension can be lifted. This notification can take several business days, so do not expect when ready reinstatement even after you pay.
Complete a defensive driving course if required
If your suspension resulted from accumulating 12 or more points within 24 months, Indiana may require you to complete an approved defensive driving course before reinstatement. The BMV maintains a list of approved providers on its website. Courses can typically be completed online and take 4 to 8 hours. You will receive a certificate of completion, which you must submit to the BMV as part of your reinstatement request.
Not all point-based suspensions require a course — some allow you to straightforward wait out the suspension period. The BMV will specify in your suspension notice whether a course is required. If you are unsure, call the BMV to confirm before enrolling in a course.
Submit your reinstatement request to the BMV
Once you have resolved the underlying cause of your suspension, you can request reinstatement. Indiana offers three methods: by mail, in person at a BMV branch, or online for certain suspension types.
By mail: Complete the appropriate BMV form (usually the process for Reinstatement of Driving Privileges, form BMV 44105) and mail it to the BMV along with your reinstatement fee and any required documents (such as a defensive driving course certificate). Include a copy of your driver's license or ID. Mail to: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
In person: Visit any BMV branch with your driver's license, proof of payment for any outstanding debts, your reinstatement fee, and any required documents. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency if your address has changed. In-person processing is usually faster — often completed the same day or within a few business days.
Online: Some suspension types can be handled through the BMV's online portal at myBMV.com. Not all suspensions may have access to for online reinstatement, so check the BMV website or call to confirm whether yours does. Online reinstatement typically processes within 1 to 3 business days.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Indiana charges a reinstatement fee separate from any fines or debts you owe. The fee is typically $50 for a standard suspension, but can be higher depending on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions carry fees up to $100. The BMV will tell you the exact amount when you contact them about your suspension.
The reinstatement fee must be paid to the BMV, not to the court or other agency. You can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your reinstatement method. If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order with your process. If you are visiting in person or using the online portal, you can pay by card.
Understand suspension periods and waiting times
Some suspensions in Indiana are automatic and last a set period — for example, a suspension for accumulating points may last 90 days or 180 days depending on your driving record. During this waiting period, you cannot reinstate your license even if you pay fees or complete a course. Once the waiting period ends, you can then request reinstatement by following the steps above.
Other suspensions, such as those for unpaid fines, can be lifted when ready once you pay and submit your reinstatement request. The BMV will specify in your suspension notice whether a waiting period applies. If you are unsure, ask the BMV when you contact them — they can tell you the exact date your suspension will be may be able to access for reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Indiana does not issue work permits that allow you to drive on a suspended license. A suspended license means you cannot legally operate a vehicle for any reason, including work. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense and can result in additional fines and jail time. You must wait until your license is reinstated.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing time depends on your method. In-person reinstatement at a BMV branch usually takes the same day or 1 to 3 business days. Online reinstatement typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Reinstatement by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. The BMV may take longer if your paperwork is incomplete or if they need to verify payment with another agency.
What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued your suspension to ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan and made at least the first payment, contact the BMV to ask whether you can reinstate your license while continuing to pay. Some suspensions allow reinstatement with an active payment plan, while others require full payment first.
Do I need to retake my driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or driving test. You straightforward need to resolve the reason for suspension, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit your request to the BMV. Your license will be restored to its previous status once reinstatement is approved.
What if my suspension was due to a mistake or error?
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the BMV when ready to explain the situation. Bring any documentation that supports your claim — for example, proof that you paid a fine, proof of insurance, or court records. The BMV can investigate and may lift the suspension if an error is found. If the BMV does not resolve it, you may need to contact the court or agency that issued the suspension to request a hearing or appeal.