Where to go and what to bring

To replace your Indiana driver's license, you will visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch in person. Indiana does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online — you must appear with your documents and have your photo taken.

Bring your current license or state ID if you have it, even if it is expired or damaged. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), proof of your current Indiana address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you filed one. If your license was damaged, bring it with you so the BMV can see the damage. Neither is required, but both speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a BMV branch in person with your Social Security proof, address proof, and current or expired license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $25 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most branches.
  • A replacement license usually arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the BMV.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the BMV for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Cost and payment methods

A standard Indiana driver's license replacement costs $20. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025), the cost is $25. Some BMV branches accept cash, check, and card; a few accept only cash or check. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm what they take.

If you cannot afford the fee at the time of your visit, you cannot complete the replacement that day. The BMV does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for license replacement.

How long replacement takes

After you complete your visit, your new license is mailed to the address you provide. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods — typically late summer and early fall — processing can take up to two weeks.

You can track your license status online through the BMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The status updates when your license is mailed and again when it is delivered.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the BMV clerk for a temporary paper license at the time of your visit. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes. You do not pay extra for it — it is included with your replacement.

Keep the temporary license in your vehicle at all times while you are driving. If you are stopped by police, show both the temporary license and your old license if you still have it. The temporary license is not valid for federal building access or air travel, even though your permanent replacement will be.

Finding your nearest BMV branch

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the branch nearest you, check its hours, and see how busy it is on the BMV website. Some branches are busier than others — branches in smaller towns often have shorter wait times than those in Indianapolis or other large cities.

Many branches now use an online appointment system. Booking an appointment does not eliminate your wait, but it reserves a time slot so you do not have to arrive early and wait in line. Walk-ins are still accepted at all branches, but appointment holders are served first.

What to do if your documents are missing or incomplete

If you do not have proof of your Social Security number, the BMV can accept a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. You can request this letter online or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The letter takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

If you do not have proof of your current address, a BMV clerk can sometimes accept alternative documents — a lease with your name, a mortgage statement, or a letter from a government agency. Call your local branch to ask what they will accept before you visit. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord confirming your address.

If your legal name has changed and you do not have the court order or certificate, contact the court that issued it or the vital records office in the county where the change was recorded. This process can take several weeks, so start early if you know your name change documents are missing.

Replacing a Real ID versus a standard license

A standard Indiana driver's license works for driving and state identification. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and works for federal building access, military base entry, and domestic air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for domestic air travel — you will need a Real ID, a passport, or another federal ID.

If you are replacing your license now, you can choose either type. The Real ID costs $5 more and requires the same documents. If you wait until after May 2025 and do not have a Real ID, you will need to bring additional documents to the BMV to convert your standard license. It is simpler to get the Real ID during your replacement visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is not expired?

Yes. You can replace a valid license if it is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your photo or information has changed. You do not have to wait for it to expire. The replacement will have a new expiration date five years from the date you visit the BMV.

What if I moved out of state and my license expired?

If you no longer live in Indiana, you cannot replace an Indiana license at a BMV branch. You will need to get a license from your new state. If you plan to move back to Indiana later, you can explore for a new Indiana license at that time.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Both are options. Appointments are free and can be booked online; they reserve a time slot so you do not wait as long. Walk-ins are accepted at all branches, but you may wait longer during busy hours. Appointment holders are served before walk-ins.

What if the BMV loses my documents after I submit them?

The BMV keeps copies of your documents on file. If documents are lost, contact your local BMV branch when ready and ask to speak with a manager. Bring replacement copies of any lost documents. The BMV is responsible for replacing lost documents at no cost to you.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address. You cannot have it sent to someone else or pick it up at a BMV branch. If you are moving before it arrives, you can update your address with the BMV online or by phone before your license is mailed.