What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License
To reinstate a suspended Indiana driver's license, you must first contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. The reason for suspension determines what you do next — some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, others require proof of insurance, and some require you to complete a course or resolve a court case. You cannot straightforward renew your license online or at a BMV branch; you must address the underlying reason first.
The BMV maintains your suspension record and will not lift it until you have satisfied every requirement. If you do not know why your license was suspended, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit their website at in.gov/bmv to look up your record. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The BMV can tell you the exact reason, the date the suspension began, and what you must do to reinstate.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the BMV first to learn the reason for your suspension, because different reasons require different actions.
- Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100) plus proof that you have resolved the underlying issue.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must pay or set up a payment plan before the BMV will reinstate.
- If your suspension is due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or install an ignition interlock device.
- Reinstatement usually takes one to three business days after you submit all required documents and fees.
Common Reasons for Suspension and What Each Requires
Indiana suspends licenses for several reasons, and each has its own path to reinstatement. The most common are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, driving with a suspended license, DUI or reckless driving convictions, and failure to maintain auto insurance. Some suspensions are automatic (triggered by a court order or the BMV), while others are discretionary (the BMV suspends you after repeated violations).
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount or contact the court that issued the ticket to arrange a payment plan. The court will notify the BMV once payment is received or a plan is in place. If your suspension is due to child support arrears, the Indiana Department of Child Services will notify the BMV when you have paid or arranged a payment plan. If your suspension is due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you will need to complete a driver improvement course approved by the BMV and provide proof to the BMV before reinstatement. If your suspension is due to failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current insurance to the BMV.
The Reinstatement Fee and How to Pay It
Indiana charges a reinstatement fee for most suspended licenses. The fee is typically $50 for a standard suspension, but can be higher depending on the reason for suspension and how many times your license has been suspended. You can pay the fee at any BMV branch, by mail, or online through the BMV website if your suspension allows online payment.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order payable to "Indiana BMV" along with a completed process for Reinstatement form (Form DL 44) to the BMV address listed on their website. Include a copy of your driver's license or identification card. To pay online, visit in.gov/bmv, log in to your account, and follow the payment instructions. Not all suspension types allow online payment; if you are unsure, call the BMV to confirm. Payment by phone is also available — call 317-615-7293 and have your driver's license number and a credit or debit card ready.
Completing a Driver Improvement Course
If your suspension is related to a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple traffic violations, the BMV may require you to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement. This is a classroom or online course that covers traffic safety, the dangers of impaired driving, and Indiana traffic laws. The course typically takes four to eight hours and costs between $50 and $150, depending on the provider.
The BMV maintains a list of approved course providers on their website. You can search by county or provider name. Once you complete the course, the provider will send proof of completion directly to the BMV, or you will receive a certificate to submit yourself. Do not pay the reinstatement fee until you have completed the course and the BMV has received proof — submitting both at the same time speeds up processing. If you are unsure whether a course is required for your suspension, ask the BMV when you call to look up your record.
Proof of Insurance and Other Documentation
If your suspension is due to failure to maintain auto insurance, you must provide proof of current insurance before the BMV will reinstate your license. This proof can be an insurance card, a declaration page from your insurance policy, or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy number, coverage dates, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you drive. The insurance must be active on the date you submit it to the BMV.
For other suspension types, you may need to provide additional documentation. If your suspension is due to an unpaid fine, bring a receipt or letter from the court showing payment or a payment plan agreement. If your suspension is due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, bring the court order or conviction paperwork along with proof of course completion. Bring your current identification and your driver's license (if you still have it) to any BMV branch. If you are mailing documents, keep copies for your records and send originals or certified copies only.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have gathered all required documents and paid any fees, you can submit your reinstatement request in person at a BMV branch, by mail, or online (if your suspension type allows it). In-person submission is the fastest option — you can walk in during business hours, submit your documents, pay the fee if you have not already, and receive confirmation on the spot. Most BMV branches are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Find your nearest branch at in.gov/bmv.
If you submit by mail, send all documents and the reinstatement fee to the BMV address on their website. Include a cover letter listing what you are submitting and your driver's license number. Mail takes five to seven business days to arrive, plus one to three business days for the BMV to process. If you submit online, log in to your account, upload the required documents, and pay the fee. Online submission is available for certain suspension types; if the option does not appear in your account, your suspension requires in-person or mail submission.
What Happens After You Submit Your Reinstatement Request
After the BMV receives your reinstatement request, they will review your documents and verify that all requirements have been met. This typically takes one to three business days. If everything is in order, the BMV will reinstate your license and send you a confirmation letter. Your license will be active when ready, and you can drive legally as soon as you receive the confirmation. If you submitted in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed.
If the BMV finds that your documents are incomplete or that a requirement has not been met, they will send you a letter explaining what is missing. You will have a set amount of time (usually 30 days) to submit the missing information or take the required action. If you do not respond within that time, your reinstatement request will be denied and your license will remain suspended. If you receive a denial letter, you can resubmit a new reinstatement request once you have completed the missing requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Indiana and can result in additional fines, license suspension extension, and criminal charges. You must wait until the BMV confirms that your license has been reinstated before you drive. If you submitted in person at a BMV branch, ask whether you may have access to for a temporary driving permit while your new license is mailed.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee all at once?
Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to ask whether a payment plan is available for your reinstatement fee. Payment plans are not always offered, but some suspension types may may have access to. If a payment plan is not available, you may be able to pay the fee in installments through the court or agency that issued the suspension (such as the Department of Child Services for child support arrears).
How long does reinstatement take if I submit everything correctly?
In-person submission at a BMV branch typically results in reinstatement within one to three business days. Mail submission takes five to seven days for delivery plus one to three days for processing, so plan for 10 to 14 days total. Online submission, when available, usually processes within one to three business days. Times may vary during busy periods or if the BMV needs to verify information with another agency.
What if my suspension was due to a mistake or I disagree with it?
Contact the BMV when ready at 317-615-7293 to explain the situation. If the suspension was issued in error, the BMV can correct it. If you disagree with the suspension, you may have the right to request a hearing before the BMV or the court that issued the suspension. Ask the BMV what steps you need to take to challenge the suspension in your case.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or driving test. You only need to satisfy the requirements that led to the suspension (such as paying fines, completing a course, or providing proof of insurance). Your original license remains valid once reinstated, unless it has expired, in which case you will need to renew it separately.