How to get your suspended license back in Indiana
To reinstate a suspended Indiana driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, pay any fines or fees owed, and then submit a reinstatement request to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The process differs depending on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee of $50 to $100, plus any outstanding fines or court costs. After you submit your reinstatement request and fees, the BMV typically processes it within one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Indiana BMV directly to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because different reasons require different steps to fix it.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (usually $50 to $100) plus any fines, court costs, or child support arrears tied to the suspension.
- You can submit your reinstatement request by mail, in person at a BMV branch, or online through the BMV website if the suspension reason allows it.
- After the BMV approves your reinstatement, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both before you can drive again, depending on how long your license was suspended.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The first step is to contact the Indiana BMV to learn the exact reason for your suspension. You can call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 (toll-free) or visit a local BMV branch in person. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. The BMV representative will tell you whether the suspension is due to a traffic violation, unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, a medical condition, or another reason.
Different suspension reasons have different paths to reinstatement. For example, if your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you cannot straightforward pay the BMV — you must work with the Indiana Child Support Enforcement office to clear the debt first. If it was suspended for accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may need to complete a defensive driving course. Knowing the exact reason tells you which agency or step comes next.
Paying fines, fees, and outstanding debts
Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the BMV. This fee is typically $50 if your suspension was for a minor reason (like a missed court date), or up to $100 if it was for a serious violation. You will also need to pay any outstanding fines from traffic tickets, court costs, or other fees that led to the suspension.
If your suspension was tied to unpaid child support, you must contact the Indiana Child Support Enforcement office at 1-800-840-8757 to arrange payment or a payment plan. If it was tied to unpaid court fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. Some courts allow you to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Once you have paid or arranged payment for all outstanding debts, the BMV can process your reinstatement.
Submitting your reinstatement request
After you have paid all fines and fees, you can submit your reinstatement request to the BMV. You have three options: mail, in person, or online. To reinstate by mail, send a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (made payable to the Indiana BMV) along with a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason you believe your suspension should be lifted. Mail this to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
To reinstate in person, visit your local BMV branch with proof of payment for all outstanding fines and fees. Bring your driver's license or state ID if you have one. You can find your nearest branch and check its hours on the BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Some suspensions can be reinstated online through the BMV website if you have paid all fees and debts — check the website to see if your suspension type qualifies.
What happens after you submit your request
The BMV typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended, so you should not drive. Once the BMV approves your reinstatement, you will receive a notice in the mail or an email (depending on how you submitted your request) confirming that your license has been reinstated.
Depending on how long your license was suspended, you may be required to pass a written test, a vision test, or both before you can legally drive again. If your suspension lasted more than one year, you will usually need to retake the written driving test. If your suspension was for a medical reason, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance. The BMV notice will tell you which tests, if any, you need to pass.
Reinstating a license suspended for points or traffic violations
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points on your driving record, the reinstatement process is the same, but you may also need to complete a defensive driving course. Indiana allows you to take an approved defensive driving course to reduce points on your record. Some courses can be taken online, while others are in-person classroom sessions. Completing a course does not automatically reinstate your license, but it can help prevent future suspensions after you are reinstated.
You can find approved defensive driving courses through the BMV website. The course typically costs between $20 and $50 and takes four to eight hours to complete. After you finish, you will receive a certificate to submit to the BMV along with your reinstatement request.
Reinstating a license suspended for unpaid child support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must contact the Indiana Child Support Enforcement office before the BMV can reinstate your license. You can reach them at 1-800-840-8757 or through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration website. The office will tell you the amount owed and your options for payment.
You may be able to set up a payment plan rather than paying the full amount at once. Once you have made an arrangement with child support enforcement or paid the debt in full, they will notify the BMV that the suspension can be lifted. You will still need to pay the BMV reinstatement fee, but the child support office handles clearing the underlying debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have paid the reinstatement fee?
No. Your license remains suspended until the BMV officially processes and approves your reinstatement request. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, or a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the BMV before you drive.
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay everything?
The BMV typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks. If you submit by mail, add a few extra days for delivery. If you submit in person at a BMV branch, you may receive approval the same day, though you may still need to pass a test before you can drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines and fees at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fines to ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan, you can often submit your reinstatement request to the BMV, though some suspensions require full payment before reinstatement is processed.
Do I need to retake the written driving test to get my license back?
It depends on how long your license was suspended. If it was suspended for more than one year, you will usually need to retake the written test. The BMV will tell you in the reinstatement approval notice whether a test is required. If a test is required, you can schedule it at any BMV branch.
What if my suspension was due to a medical reason?
If your license was suspended for a medical condition, you will need to provide proof from a doctor that you are now safe to drive. Contact the BMV to find out what specific medical documentation they need. Once you submit the doctor's clearance along with your reinstatement fee, the BMV can process your request.