How Indiana Reinstates a Suspended License
To reinstate a suspended license in Indiana, you must first contact the 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 need to do next — some suspensions require you to pay a fine, others require proof of insurance or completion of a course, and some require all three. Once you have completed the required steps, you submit proof to the BMV, pay a reinstatement fee, and your license becomes valid again.
Indiana does not reinstate licenses automatically. You have to take action, and the process can take several weeks depending on how quickly you gather the required documents and submit them. The BMV will not tell you that you are ready to reinstate until you have met every requirement for your specific suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the BMV directly by phone, online, or in person to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what documents you need to provide.
- Common suspension reasons in Indiana include unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain auto insurance, unpaid child support, and driving with a suspended license.
- You must complete all required steps — paying fines, obtaining insurance, taking a course — before the BMV will process your reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee in Indiana is $50, and you must pay it along with any other outstanding fines or fees before your license is restored.
- After you submit all required documents and fees, allow two to four weeks for the BMV to process your reinstatement and mail your new license.
Contact the BMV to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Call the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit the BMV website to check your driving record. You can also visit a local BMV branch in person. When you contact them, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The BMV will tell you the specific reason for the suspension — this is the most important step because the reason determines what you must do to reinstate.
If you cannot reach the BMV by phone, you can check your record online through the BMV's website by entering your license number and date of birth. The online system will show you the suspension reason and any outstanding fines or fees. Some BMV branches also allow you to schedule an appointment, which can reduce wait time if you need to visit in person.
Common Reasons for License Suspension in Indiana
The most common reason for suspension in Indiana is failure to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered fine. If this is your reason, you must pay the outstanding fine in full before the BMV will process your reinstatement. You can pay by phone, online, or in person at a BMV branch.
A second common reason is failure to maintain auto insurance. Indiana law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If your insurance lapsed or you failed to provide proof of insurance, your license was suspended. To reinstate, you must obtain a current insurance policy and provide proof to the BMV. Your insurance company can issue a proof-of-insurance document when ready, either in person or by email.
Other suspension reasons include unpaid child support (you must contact the child support enforcement office to resolve the debt), driving with a suspended license (you may face additional fines), and accumulating too many points on your driving record (you may need to complete a defensive driving course). Ask the BMV which of these applies to you.
Gather Required Documents and Complete Required Steps
Once you know the reason for suspension, collect the documents the BMV told you to bring. For most suspensions, you will need proof of payment of any outstanding fines, proof of current auto insurance, and a valid photo ID. If you were suspended for accumulating points, you may need to complete a BMV-approved defensive driving course before reinstatement is possible.
If your suspension was due to unpaid child support, you cannot reinstate through the BMV alone. You must contact the Indiana Child Support Enforcement office to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once child support is current, the office will notify the BMV, and your license will be may be able to access for reinstatement. This process can take longer than other suspension types.
Keep copies of all documents you submit. The BMV may request additional proof, and having copies on hand speeds up the process. If you are missing any required document, the BMV will not process your reinstatement until you provide it.
Submit Documents and Pay the Reinstatement Fee
You can submit your reinstatement documents and pay the fee in three ways: by mail, online, or in person at a BMV branch. By mail, send your documents and a check or money order for the $50 reinstatement fee to the address the BMV provides. Include a copy of your driver's license and a letter stating that you are requesting reinstatement.
Online reinstatement is available through the BMV website if your suspension reason qualifies. You will upload your documents and pay the fee by credit card or debit card. Not all suspension types can be handled online — the BMV website will tell you whether yours can.
In person, visit a local BMV branch with your documents, proof of payment, and the $50 fee. Bring your photo ID and any other documents the BMV specified. Processing in person is often faster than by mail, and the BMV can tell you when ready if anything is missing.
Wait for the BMV to Process and Mail Your New License
After you submit all documents and pay the reinstatement fee, the BMV will review your file. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended. Do not drive until you receive your new license in the mail or until the BMV confirms in writing that your license has been reinstated.
The BMV will mail your reinstated license to the address on file. If you have moved, update your address with the BMV before submitting your reinstatement request. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the BMV to confirm that your reinstatement was processed.
Once your license arrives, check it for accuracy. If there are errors on the license itself, return to the BMV with your new license and a photo ID to request a correction.
What to Do If You Cannot Pay All Fines at Once
If you owe fines but cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact the court or the BMV to ask about a payment plan. Indiana courts can set up installment agreements for traffic fines. You will need to make regular payments according to the plan, and once you have paid in full, you can proceed with reinstatement.
Some courts will not allow you to reinstate your license until the first payment is made, even if you have a payment plan in place. Ask the court or BMV what their specific requirement is. If you are facing financial hardship, explain this to the court — some judges will reduce fines or extend payment important date in certain circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have applied for reinstatement?
No. Your license remains suspended until the BMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Indiana and will result in additional fines and possible jail time. Wait until you receive your reinstated license in the mail before driving.
How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Indiana?
The reinstatement fee is $50. You must also pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or other fees that caused the suspension. If your suspension was due to unpaid child support, you must pay or arrange a payment plan for that debt as well.
What if I lost my proof of insurance or proof of payment?
Contact your insurance company or the court that issued the fine and request a new copy. Insurance companies can issue proof of insurance when ready by email or in person. Courts can provide a receipt or letter showing that a fine was paid. The BMV will accept these documents as proof.
Can I reinstate my license online?
Some suspension reasons can be handled online through the BMV website, but not all. The BMV website will tell you whether your specific suspension type is may be able to access for online reinstatement. If it is not, you must submit documents by mail or visit a BMV branch in person.
What happens if I ignore a suspended license and do not reinstate it?
Driving with a suspended license is illegal and carries criminal penalties including fines up to $500 and possible jail time. Your license suspension will remain in effect indefinitely until you complete the reinstatement process. The longer you wait, the more difficult the process becomes.