Indiana requires you to pay fines and fees, resolve the reason for suspension, and file a reinstatement request with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
A suspended license in Indiana stays suspended until you take specific steps to restore it. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, a failed drug test, accumulating points, or another violation. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period; Indiana requires active reinstatement.
The basic path is: identify why your license was suspended, resolve that underlying issue (pay fines, complete a program, or satisfy a court order), then submit a reinstatement request to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles along with the required fee. The BMV will not reinstate your license until all conditions are met.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Indiana BMV or the court that suspended your license to learn the exact reason and what you need to do to resolve it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, and a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100, depending on the reason).
- Some suspensions require proof of completion — such as a defensive driving course, substance abuse program, or child support payment — before the BMV will process your request.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, online through the BMV website, or in person at a BMV branch, and processing usually takes one to two weeks.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Indiana suspends licenses for many reasons, and the steps to reinstate differ by cause. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulating too many points on your driving record, driving under the influence or refusing a breath test, failure to pay child support, and failure to maintain auto insurance.
Contact the Indiana BMV at 317-232-2050 or visit the BMV website to check your driving record. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The BMV can tell you the suspension reason and the date it began. If the suspension was ordered by a court — for example, after a DUI conviction — you may also need to contact that specific court to understand all conditions for reinstatement.
Write down the suspension reason, the date it was imposed, and any specific requirements listed. This information is essential for the next steps.
Paying fines, fees, and court costs
Most suspensions require payment before reinstatement. This includes the original traffic fine, court costs, and a separate reinstatement fee charged by the BMV. The reinstatement fee is typically $50 for a suspension due to unpaid fines, but can be higher for suspensions related to DUI or other serious violations.
You can pay fines and court costs directly to the court that issued the ticket or fine. Contact the court clerk's office in the county where the violation occurred. Many courts accept payment by phone, online, or by mail. Ask the clerk whether payment clears the suspension when ready or whether you still need to file a separate reinstatement request with the BMV.
The BMV reinstatement fee must be paid to the BMV itself, either when you submit your reinstatement request or as part of the online reinstatement process. Do not assume that paying the court clears everything — confirm with both the court and the BMV what each payment covers.
Completing required programs or conditions
Some suspensions cannot be lifted by payment alone. A DUI-related suspension typically requires proof that you have completed a substance abuse program or an alcohol education course. A suspension for reckless driving or accumulating points may require a defensive driving course. A suspension for failure to pay child support requires proof of payment or a court order modifying the obligation.
Ask the BMV or the court which specific program or condition applies to your suspension. Programs must usually be completed through an approved provider — the BMV or court can provide a list. Once you finish, you will receive a certificate or letter of completion. Keep this document; you will need to submit it with your reinstatement request.
Do not start a program until you confirm it is the one required for your suspension. Some programs cost money and take weeks to complete, so verifying the requirement first saves time and expense.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all fines and fees and completed any required programs, you can request reinstatement. Indiana offers three methods: online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch.
The online method is fastest. Visit the Indiana BMV website, select "Reinstate License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee. Online reinstatement typically processes within one to two business days.
By mail, send a letter to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles that includes your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the reason for suspension, proof of payment (receipts or court documentation), proof of program completion if required, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail to: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks.
In person, visit any BMV branch with the same documents listed above and the reinstatement fee. Bring your identification. You will receive confirmation on the spot, though your license may not be physically reissued for several days.
What happens after you submit your request
The BMV will review your reinstatement request to confirm that all conditions have been met. If everything is in order, your suspension will be lifted and your license reinstated. You will receive written confirmation by mail or email, depending on how you submitted your request.
If the BMV finds that a condition was not met — for example, the program certificate was not included or a fine was not fully paid — they will contact you and explain what is missing. You will have the opportunity to provide the missing item before reinstatement is denied.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again. Your driving record will show the suspension and reinstatement, but this does not prevent you from obtaining insurance or renewing your license in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the BMV officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Indiana and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before driving.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will allow you to pay in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask whether the court will notify the BMV so your suspension can be lifted while you pay, or whether you must complete all payments before reinstatement.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online reinstatement usually takes one to two business days. By mail, allow one to two weeks. In person at a BMV branch, you receive confirmation the same day, though your physical license may arrive by mail a few days later.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement is an administrative process that you can handle yourself by paying fines and submitting the required documents to the BMV. A lawyer is not necessary unless you are disputing the suspension itself or need help negotiating a payment plan with the court.
Will reinstatement remove the suspension from my driving record?
No. The suspension will remain on your record, but it will show as resolved. Insurance companies and employers may see that you had a suspension, but reinstatement shows that you addressed the issue. Future traffic violations or suspensions are separate matters.