What you need to do to get your license back
A suspended license in Indiana means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, usually because you owe money to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or a court. To restore it, you must first find out why it was suspended, then pay what you owe — either to the BMV directly or to a court — and finally request reinstatement from the BMV.
The suspension stays in effect until you complete these steps. straightforward paying a fine or fee is not enough; you must also file a formal reinstatement request with the BMV. The process typically takes one to two weeks after payment clears.
Key Takeaways
- You can find the reason for your suspension and the amount owed by calling the BMV at 317-232-2050 or checking your online BMV account.
- Most suspensions in Indiana are caused by unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure to maintain insurance, and each requires payment to a different entity.
- After you pay what you owe, you must submit a reinstatement request to the BMV in person, by mail, or online to restore your driving privilege.
- The BMV charges a reinstatement fee of $50 in addition to whatever fine or debt caused the suspension.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The BMV does not automatically notify you by mail when a suspension takes effect, so you may not know until you try to renew your license or get pulled over. To find the reason, contact the BMV directly at 317-232-2050 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time). Have your driver's license number ready.
You can also check your suspension status online through the BMV's website. Create an account or log in, then select "Check License Status" to see whether your license is suspended and why. This method is faster than calling and works 24 hours a day.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each reason points to a different entity that must receive payment before the BMV will reinstate you.
Paying fines owed to the court
If your suspension is due to an unpaid traffic fine or failure to appear in court, you owe money to the court that issued the ticket, not to the BMV. Contact the court clerk's office in the county where you received the ticket. You can find the court's phone number and address on your ticket or by searching the Indiana court system website.
Most courts accept payment by phone, in person, or by mail. Ask the clerk whether you can pay over the phone with a credit or debit card, as this is usually the fastest method. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask whether the court offers a payment plan. Some courts will set up a schedule allowing you to pay in installments.
Once the court receives your payment and processes it, the court notifies the BMV electronically. This can take three to five business days. You do not need to contact the BMV yourself after paying the court.
Paying child support arrears
If your suspension is tied to unpaid child support, the Indiana Child Support Bureau or your local child support enforcement office holds the debt. Call the Indiana Child Support Bureau at 1-800-840-8757 to confirm the amount owed and your payment options.
You can pay by phone, online through the bureau's website, or by mail. Payments made online or by phone are processed within one to two business days. Once the bureau records your payment, it sends notice to the BMV automatically.
If you are unable to pay the full amount at once, contact the bureau to discuss a payment arrangement. The bureau may be willing to work with you on a schedule, especially if you demonstrate a commitment to paying.
Paying the BMV directly for insurance-related suspensions
If your license was suspended because you failed to maintain auto insurance or because your insurance lapsed, you owe the BMV a reinstatement fee. This fee is $50 and is separate from any insurance requirements you must meet going forward.
To pay this fee, you can visit any BMV branch in person with a check or cash, pay online through the BMV website, or mail a check to the BMV. The address for mailing is on the BMV website. Online payment is the fastest option and takes effect when ready.
After you pay the reinstatement fee, you must also provide proof of current auto insurance to the BMV before your license is fully restored. You can submit this proof in person at a BMV branch, by mail, or through your online BMV account.
Submitting your reinstatement request
After you have paid all money owed — whether to a court, the child support bureau, or the BMV — you must formally request reinstatement. The BMV does not automatically restore your license once payment clears. You have three options: visit a BMV branch in person, mail a reinstatement request, or submit one online.
The fastest method is in person. Bring your driver's license, proof of payment (a receipt or confirmation number), and proof of insurance if your suspension was insurance-related. A BMV employee will process your reinstatement on the spot, and your license is typically restored within minutes.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the BMV stating your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and proof of payment. Mail it to the address listed on the BMV website. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks.
Online reinstatement is available through your BMV account. Log in, select "Request Reinstatement," and upload your proof of payment. The BMV will review your request within one to three business days and notify you by email when your license is restored.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Indiana is a criminal offense. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor with penalties up to $5,000 and one year in jail.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can result in additional fines from the BMV, an extension of your suspension period, and higher insurance rates once you are reinstated. If you are pulled over, the officer will likely impound your vehicle, and you will face towing and storage fees.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, ask the court or BMV whether a temporary driving permit is available. Some courts issue limited permits for work or medical purposes while a suspension is pending resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay?
If you pay in person and submit your reinstatement request at a BMV branch on the same day, your license is usually restored within minutes. If you mail your payment and request, allow one to two weeks. Online payment and reinstatement typically take one to three business days.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?
It depends on the reason for suspension and the court or agency involved. Some courts issue limited work permits for suspensions related to unpaid fines. Contact the court or the BMV directly to ask whether a temporary permit is available in your situation.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount right now?
Courts and the child support bureau both offer payment plans in many cases. Call the entity that holds your debt and explain your situation. They may allow you to pay in installments over several months rather than requiring full payment upfront.
Do I need to pay the reinstatement fee if the suspension was due to a court fine?
No. The $50 reinstatement fee applies only to suspensions related to insurance lapses or BMV administrative issues. If your suspension was due to an unpaid court fine or child support, you pay only what the court or child support bureau is owed.
What if I paid my fine but my license is still showing as suspended?
Processing delays are common. If you paid a court fine, allow three to five business days for the court to notify the BMV. If you paid the BMV directly, check your online account or call 317-232-2050 to confirm the payment was received. If payment was processed but your status has not updated, visit a BMV branch to request reinstatement in person.