Indiana reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

Indiana charges between $50 and $500 to reinstate a suspended or revoked driver's license, depending on the reason for the suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs $50. A suspension for a drug conviction or multiple serious violations costs $500. Most suspensions fall somewhere in between — typically $100 to $250 — and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will tell you the exact amount when you contact them.

The reinstatement fee is separate from any other money you owe. If your license was suspended because you didn't pay a traffic ticket, you still have to pay that ticket before the BMV will reinstate you. If it was suspended for a drug offense, you may need to complete a substance abuse program first. The BMV won't process your reinstatement until all conditions are met.

You can find out your exact reinstatement fee and what conditions you need to satisfy by calling the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visiting an Indiana BMV branch in person. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana reinstatement fees range from $50 to $500 depending on the reason your license was suspended.
  • You must satisfy all conditions for the suspension — such as paying fines or completing a program — before the BMV will process your reinstatement.
  • The BMV can tell you your exact fee and what you need to do by phone at 317-615-7293 or in person at any branch.
  • Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after you submit payment and proof that all conditions are met.

Common suspension reasons and their reinstatement costs

Unpaid traffic fines or court costs trigger a $50 reinstatement fee. This is the lowest cost category. You must pay the underlying fine or court cost before the BMV will reinstate your license.

Suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record (usually 12 or more within two years) costs $100 to reinstate. Suspension for driving without insurance costs $150. Suspension for a suspended or revoked license violation — driving while your license was already suspended — costs $200.

The highest reinstatement fees explore to drug-related convictions and serious criminal violations. A drug conviction suspension costs $500 to reinstate. You must also complete a substance abuse program and provide proof of completion to the BMV. Revocation for a felony conviction also costs $500, and you may face additional requirements depending on the offense.

How to pay your reinstatement fee

You can pay your reinstatement fee in person at any Indiana BMV branch, by mail, or online through the BMV website. Payment methods vary by location and method. In-person payments accept cash, check, or card. Online payments require a credit or debit card. Mail payments must be by check or money order.

When you pay, include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason you are requesting reinstatement. If you are paying by mail, send your payment to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Include a copy of any documents the BMV told you to submit — such as proof of insurance, proof of a completed substance abuse program, or a court document showing you paid your fine.

After the BMV receives your payment and all required documents, processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive a new license by mail or can pick it up at a branch if you paid in person.

What to do if you cannot pay the full amount right now

Indiana does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you may be able to set up a payment plan for those underlying debts through the court that issued them. Contact the court clerk's office in the county where you received the ticket to ask about payment plan options.

Some counties offer community service as an alternative to paying fines. Ask the court clerk whether this option is available in your county. If you complete the service, the court may reduce or waive the fine, which would lower or eliminate your reinstatement fee.

Reinstatement after a drug conviction

If your license was revoked for a drug conviction, reinstatement requires more than paying the $500 fee. You must complete a substance abuse program approved by the Indiana State Department of Health. The program length varies but typically runs four to eight weeks. You pay for the program separately from the reinstatement fee.

After you complete the program, the provider will give you a certificate of completion. Submit this certificate to the BMV along with your $500 reinstatement fee. The BMV will not process your reinstatement without proof that you finished the program.

Some counties offer low-cost or sliding-scale substance abuse programs. Contact your county health department or call 211 Indiana to find programs in your area.

Reinstatement after a suspension for driving without a license

If you were caught driving while your license was suspended and received another suspension for that violation, your reinstatement fee is $200. You must also show proof that you have valid auto insurance before the BMV will reinstate you. Bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company to the BMV branch or include it with your mail payment.

This type of suspension is common and often catches people by surprise — many drivers don't realize their license was suspended in the first place. Before you pay to reinstate, confirm with the BMV that you understand all the reasons your license was suspended. Sometimes multiple suspensions are stacked, and you need to resolve all of them.

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, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $5,000. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.

Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license will trigger another suspension on top of your current one, making reinstatement more expensive and complicated. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, explore whether you are may be able to access for a hardship license, which allows limited driving for work or medical reasons. Contact your local BMV branch to ask about hardship license options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license reinstated the same day I pay the fee?

No. After you submit your payment and all required documents, the BMV needs one to two weeks to process your reinstatement. You will receive your new license by mail or can pick it up at a branch. If you need to drive before then, ask the BMV about a temporary driving permit or hardship license.

What if I don't know why my license was suspended?

Call the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your driver's license number. They will tell you the reason and the exact reinstatement fee. You can also visit any BMV branch in person and ask to look up your record.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I disagree with the suspension?

If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the BMV before paying. Contact the BMV to ask how to file a hearing request. However, if the suspension was issued by a court — such as for a drug conviction — you would need to appeal through the court system, not the BMV.

Can I reinstate my license online?

You can pay your reinstatement fee online through the BMV website, but you must still submit any required documents by mail or in person. The BMV will not process your reinstatement until they receive both payment and proof that all conditions are met.

What if my license was suspended in another state?

If you now live in Indiana and your license was suspended in another state, contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency. They will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension. Indiana will not reinstate your license until the other state lifts its suspension.