What you need to do to renew your Indiana driver's license

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you renew your driver's license in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation and how much time you have. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting a branch, but some circumstances require an in-person visit.

The BMV charges a renewal fee that varies based on the type of license and how long you want it valid — typically between $20 and $30 for a standard renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after processing. If you renew in person, you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana offers online renewal through the BMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks total and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a Real ID, or if your name has changed.
  • The BMV charges a renewal fee of $20 to $30 depending on license type and validity period, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations, and you do not need a Real ID. Visit the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts to verify your identity and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

After you complete the online process, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to renew before your current license expires, you can do so up to 180 days in advance.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal — no address change, no certain violations, and no Real ID requirement. read or request the renewal form from the BMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form.

Pay by check or money order made out to the Indiana BMV. Include the renewal fee, which is the same as online renewal. Mail your packet to the BMV processing center, and expect your new license to arrive within 10 to 14 business days from when they receive it. Keep track of when you mail it so you know when to expect delivery. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the BMV website to carry while you wait.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a Real ID, if your name has changed since your last license was issued, or if you have had certain violations. Visit your local BMV branch with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. Bring payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card.

The BMV will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 business days. If you are renewing a Real ID, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. Real ID renewal takes longer in person because the BMV must verify these documents, so plan for a longer wait time at the branch.

Real ID requirements and when you need one

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows your driver's license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Indiana began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and they are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license does not have this star and you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility after May 2025, you will need to renew to a Real ID.

Real ID renewal requires in-person verification of your identity, birth certificate or passport, Social Security number, and current address. The process takes longer than standard renewal because the BMV must examine original documents. You cannot renew to a Real ID online or by mail. If you do not need a Real ID for travel or federal access, you can continue to renew your standard license online or by mail.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license in person. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment. The BMV will treat this as a new process rather than a renewal, which means a new photo and a new license number.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a duplicate in person at any BMV branch or by mail. For a duplicate by mail, send a completed form, payment, and a copy of a police report if you filed one. The BMV will mail your duplicate license within 10 to 14 business days. You can also print a temporary license from the BMV website while you wait for your duplicate to arrive.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The BMV will update your address during the renewal process.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot process a name change online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Indiana allows you to renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. This is useful if you want to renew online or by mail and may support your new license arrives before your current one expires. You can renew in person at any time as well.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can print a temporary license from the BMV website to carry with you. This temporary license is valid for 30 days.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail?

Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days after the BMV processes your request. In-person renewals take 10 to 14 business days for your permanent license to arrive by mail, but you receive a temporary license when ready. Processing times may be longer during peak renewal periods.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the BMV takes a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal for an additional fee if you want one.

What if I moved out of state and want to renew my Indiana license?

You can renew your Indiana license by mail or online if you meet the standard requirements, even if you now live out of state. The BMV will mail your new license to your current address. If you have changed your address, you must renew in person or contact the BMV to update your address before renewing by mail or online.