Where to go and what to bring

To replace your Indiana driver's license, you must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch in person. You cannot replace it by mail or online. The BMV is part of Indiana's Department of Revenue, and every county has at least one branch office.

Bring these documents: your current driver's license (if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Indiana residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it speeds the process.

You will also need to pay a replacement fee. As of 2024, Indiana charges $20 for a standard replacement license. Bring cash, debit card, or credit card — not all BMV branches accept checks.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your local BMV branch in person with your Social Security proof and proof of Indiana residency dated within 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, a police report is helpful but not required.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can find your nearest BMV branch and check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website.

Finding your nearest BMV branch and checking wait times

Indiana has BMV branches in every county. The fastest way to find yours is to visit the Indiana BMV website and use their branch locator tool. Enter your county or city, and the site will show you all nearby locations, hours, and phone numbers.

Many branches now display real-time wait times on the BMV website. Check before you go — some branches are consistently busier than others. If your nearest branch has a long wait, you can often visit a less busy one in an adjacent county instead.

Some BMV branches allow you to make an appointment online. Check your branch's page to see if appointments are available. Even without an appointment, you can walk in during business hours, though you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

What happens when you arrive at the BMV

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance or check in at the counter. A clerk will call you when it is your turn. Have all your documents ready and laid out in front of you.

The clerk will verify your identity, check your Social Security number against the Social Security Administration database, and confirm your residency. They will take a new photo for your license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — you cannot retake the photo if you do not like it, so this is your one chance.

The clerk will also ask if you want to renew your vehicle registration at the same time. You can, but it is not required. Once everything is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was lost or stolen

The process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if it was stolen, filing a police report first is a good idea. Bring the report number with you to the BMV — it helps document that the license is no longer in your possession and can prevent someone else from using it fraudulently.

If you believe your license information has been compromised, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time. This is separate from the BMV process, but it adds a layer of protection if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

Temporary license while you wait for your permanent one

The paper temporary license you receive at the BMV is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, or any other purpose that requires a driver's license. Keep it in your wallet or purse until your permanent license arrives.

Your permanent license will come in a plain envelope with no return address. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during peak seasons (like after the new year or summer). If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact your local BMV branch to check the status.

Replacing a license that is damaged or unreadable

If your current license is damaged, faded, or unreadable but you still have it, bring it with you to the BMV. The clerk will take it and issue you a replacement. The process and fee are the same as replacing a lost or stolen license.

Do not try to repair a damaged license yourself — a laminated or taped license will not be accepted by law enforcement or other agencies. The BMV must issue an official replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail?

No. Indiana requires you to appear in person at a BMV branch. You must provide a new photo and verify your identity face-to-face. There is no mail-in or online replacement option.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card. Bring any document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. A birth certificate with your number on it also works. The BMV will verify the number against the Social Security Administration database.

Can I use a hotel bill or credit card statement as proof of residency?

No. The BMV requires documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements work. Credit card statements and hotel bills are not accepted.

What if I moved recently and my address on file is outdated?

Tell the clerk at the BMV that your address has changed. They will update it in the system before issuing your replacement license. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. Bring proof of your new address with you.

How long does the whole process take at the BMV?

The actual transaction at the counter takes 5 to 10 minutes. The wait to see a clerk depends on how busy your branch is — anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours. Check the BMV website for real-time wait times before you go.