Where to go and what to bring
To replace a lost driver's license in Indiana, you will go to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online — Indiana requires you to appear and provide identification documents yourself.
Bring these documents with you: your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and one form of photo ID if you have it. If you do not have photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill. You will also need to pay a fee — Indiana charges $20 for a standard replacement license, though the exact amount can vary slightly by location.
Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website. Many branches now use an online appointment system, and scheduling ahead will save you time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office in person with proof of identity and current address to replace a lost license.
- Bring your Social Security number, a document showing your current address dated within 60 days, and photo ID if you have it.
- The replacement fee is $20, and you can schedule an appointment online through the Indiana BMV website to avoid waiting.
- Your temporary license is issued on the spot, and your permanent replacement arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was lost outside Indiana, you may need to show proof of residency or explain the circumstances to the BMV staff.
What happens during your BMV visit
When you arrive at the BMV, you will check in and wait to be called. The staff member will ask you to confirm your personal information and will take a new photo for your license. You will also sign a form confirming that your license was lost.
The BMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail. Keep this temporary license with you while driving — it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic card arrives.
Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide at the BMV. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, ask the BMV staff whether expedited processing is available in your county — some branches offer it for an additional fee.
Documents that count as proof of identity and address
Indiana accepts a range of documents to prove who you are and where you live. For photo ID, a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead: a birth certificate, Social Security card, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or naturalization papers paired with a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
Your address document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and your utility bill or lease has not been updated yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent mortgage statement showing your new address. Some BMV branches will accept a piece of mail from a government agency or financial institution if it shows your current address.
If you are unsure whether a specific document will be accepted, call your local BMV branch before you go. Staff can tell you whether your documents meet the requirements and save you a wasted trip.
If your license was lost out of state
If you lost your Indiana license while traveling or living temporarily outside Indiana, you can still replace it at any BMV branch when you return. Bring the same documents you would normally bring — proof of identity, proof of your Indiana address, and your Social Security number.
Some BMV staff may ask you to explain the circumstances of the loss, especially if you lost it in another state. This is routine and does not complicate the replacement process. straightforward tell them where and when you lost it. You do not need a police report unless your license was stolen rather than lost, and even then, a report is not required — it is optional and mainly useful if you want a record for your own purposes.
Replacing a license that was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same. You will still go to the BMV with your documents and pay the $20 fee. You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, though you may want to file one for your own records if you are concerned about identity theft.
If you are worried that someone might use your stolen license to commit fraud, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is a free step that makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can do this online at any of their websites, and the alert lasts for one year.
What to do if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have the documents listed above, you have options. A birth certificate can be ordered from the Indiana State Department of Health or the vital records office in the county where you were born. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $15 to $20. If you need your license sooner, ask the BMV whether you can bring an alternative document — some branches have flexibility for people in difficult situations.
If you have no photo ID and cannot quickly get a birth certificate, bring whatever identity documents you do have and explain your situation to the BMV staff. They may be able to work with you or direct you to another agency that can help. It is worth calling ahead to ask what options exist in your specific county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary license the BMV issues on the spot is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of a valid license. Keep it with you while driving. Once your permanent card arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer needed.
What if my permanent license does not arrive after 10 days?
Contact your local BMV branch and provide the receipt number from your replacement visit. They can track your license and tell you whether it is still in the mail or if there was a problem. If it was lost in the mail, the BMV can reissue it.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No. A police report is not required to replace a lost license. You only need one if you believe your license was stolen and you want a record of the theft for your own protection or for fraud monitoring purposes.
Can I replace my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
Indiana may suspend your license if you owe certain debts, but you can still replace a lost license at the BMV. However, the BMV will inform you of any suspension on your record. If your license is suspended, you will not be able to drive legally even with a replacement card until the suspension is lifted.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license?
The standard fee is $20. Some counties may charge slightly different amounts, and expedited processing, if available, costs extra. Ask the BMV staff for the exact fee when you arrive or call ahead.