Indiana BMV renewal works by mail, online, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you renew most driver's licenses without visiting an office. If your license is not expired or expired less than two years, you can renew by mail or through the BMV's online system. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring documents proving your identity and Indiana residency.
The method you use depends on whether you want to change your address, update your photo, or keep everything the same. Standard renewals without photo updates are fastest by mail or online. Renewals that require a new photo or address change must happen at a branch office.
Key Takeaways
- Mail and online renewal work only if your license is current or expired less than two years, and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you want to update your photo or address.
- Online renewal through the BMV website costs the same as mail renewal and takes about one to two weeks for your new license to arrive.
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of Indiana residency to any in-person renewal.
- The BMV charges a renewal fee that varies based on how many years you renew for, typically ranging from about $20 to $40 for a four-year license.
Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes
To renew by mail, you fill out form DL 44 (process for Indiana Driver's License), include your current license, and mail everything to the BMV address listed on the form. You also include the renewal fee, which you can pay by check or money order. The BMV does not accept credit cards by mail.
Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by regular mail at the address on your process. If you need your license faster, mail renewal is not the right choice — online renewal or an in-person visit will be quicker.
You can only renew by mail if your current license is not expired or expired less than two years, and you do not want to change your photo or address. If either of those conditions does not explore to you, you must use online renewal or visit a branch in person.
Online renewal through the BMV website
The BMV's online renewal system is available at in.gov/bmv under the "Renew Your License" section. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about your current address and any name changes, and pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. The system confirms your identity by checking your information against BMV records.
After you complete the online form, the BMV mails your new license to the address you provided. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You can use online renewal only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, and you do not need a new photo or want to change your address.
Online renewal is often faster than mail because you do not have to wait for postal delivery of your process. If your license is already expired, you cannot drive legally while waiting for your new one to arrive, whether you renew by mail or online.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch office
You must visit a BMV branch in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your address. Bring your current license (even if expired), your original or certified birth certificate, your Social Security card, and one document proving your current Indiana address — such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
The BMV takes a new photo during your visit and processes your renewal on the spot. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within two to three weeks. You pay the renewal fee at the branch by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. Many branches are busier in the morning and on Fridays. You can check current wait times on the BMV website before you go, and some branches offer online appointment scheduling to reduce your time in the office.
Documents you need for any renewal method
For mail or online renewal, you need your current driver's license and the renewal fee. You do not need to bring or mail any other documents because the BMV already has your information on file.
For in-person renewal, bring your current license, your original or certified birth certificate, your Social Security card, and proof of your current Indiana address. The proof of address must be a document issued in your name and dated within the last 60 days — utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the Indiana State Department of Health or the state where you were born.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which term you choose at renewal. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee depends on your age and whether you are renewing a standard license or a commercial driver's license (CDL). Standard license renewal fees typically range from about $20 to $40 for a four-year term.
You choose your renewal term when you explore, whether by mail, online, or in person. Choosing a longer term means you pay more upfront but do not have to renew as often. Choosing a shorter term means lower cost but more frequent renewals.
If you are over 75 years old, Indiana requires you to renew in person every four years, even if you would normally be able to renew by mail or online. Bring the same documents as any other in-person renewal.
What to do if your license is expired more than two years
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must visit a BMV branch in person with your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of Indiana residency. The BMV treats this as a new process rather than a straightforward renewal, which is why the in-person visit is required.
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you may face a ticket. If your license has been expired for a very long time, the BMV may require you to pass the written driving test again, though this is not automatic — ask the branch when you call or visit.
If you have moved out of Indiana and your license expired while you were gone, you still need to renew in person when you return. Bring your current address proof along with your other documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is currently suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the BMV before you can renew. Contact the BMV directly to find out what you need to do — this might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver safety course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any method that normally applies to you.
What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will update your name during renewal. If you are renewing by mail or online, include a copy of the name change document with your process.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a BMV branch?
Appointments are not required, but many BMV branches now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the BMV website for your local branch to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are still accepted, but you may wait longer during busy hours.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the Indiana State Department of Health or from the state where you were born. This takes several weeks, so plan ahead. If you have already lost your birth certificate and need to renew urgently, contact your local BMV branch to ask about alternative documents they may accept.
What happens if my new license does not arrive after three weeks?
Contact the BMV to report it. Bring your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your old license (if you renewed by mail or online). The BMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.