How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License at the BMV

Renewing your Indiana driver's license at the BMV

You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at any BMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Indiana BMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you want to update your photo or address. Most people renew either online (fastest, if available to you) or by mail (no trip required), but you must go in person if your license has been expired for more than a year or if you want a new photo.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the state agency that issues and renews driver's licenses. You can find your local branch office, check wait times, and start an online renewal at in.gov/bmv. Bring your current license and proof of residency to any in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not expired and you do not need a photo update, but not all drivers may have access to.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your packet and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot change your photo or address.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait time and lets you update your photo, address, or other information when ready.
You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam.

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You start at in.gov/bmv, click "Renew Your License Online," and answer questions about your current license and personal information. The system tells you when ready whether you can renew online. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online only if your license is still valid (not expired), you do not want to change your photo, and your address on file is current. You cannot use online renewal if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you want to add or remove endorsements (like motorcycle or hazmat), or if your name has changed since your last license. The fee for online renewal is lower than in-person renewal — check the current price on the BMV website, as it varies.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the BMV

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need a photo update. You request a renewal packet from the BMV by phone at 317-615-7293 or through the website, fill it out with your current license and a check or money order, and mail it to the address provided. The BMV processes mail renewals in the order received, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive your packet. Your new license arrives by mail.

Mail renewal costs more than online renewal but less than going to a branch in person. You cannot change your photo, address, or other personal information by mail — if you need to update any of those, you must renew in person. If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you are no longer may be able to access for mail renewal and must go to a BMV branch.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than a year ago, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your address or other information. Walk into any BMV branch during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. The wait time varies by location and time of day — the BMV website shows current wait times for each branch so you can pick a less busy time. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes from arrival to leaving with your temporary license.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will have your photo taken at the branch. If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to pass a vision test, and the BMV may ask you to retake the written exam. Your temporary license is valid when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What documents and payment you need

For any renewal method, you need your current Indiana driver's license. For mail or in-person renewal, you also need proof that you live at the address on your license — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A phone bill or credit card bill does not count as proof of residency.

Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee depends on the type of license and renewal method. A standard four-year renewal costs less than a six-year or eight-year renewal. Online and mail renewal cost less than in-person renewal. Check the current fees on the BMV website or call 317-615-7293, since prices change and vary by license type.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your Indiana driver's license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the front. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for the full term (four, six, or eight years) from the date you renew, not from your birthday.

If your license expires and you do not renew it before that date, you are driving with an expired license, which is illegal. If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot renew by mail and must go to a BMV branch. If it has been expired for more than one year, you may need to pass a vision test or retake the written exam. The sooner you renew after expiration, the simpler the process.

Finding your local BMV branch and checking wait times

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. Go to in.gov/bmv, click "Find a Branch," and enter your city or zip code to see all nearby locations, their hours, and current wait times. Some branches are busier than others — branches in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other cities. The website updates wait times throughout the day, so you can check before you leave home and pick a time when the branch is less crowded.

Most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday hours. If you cannot get to a branch during regular hours, check whether a branch near you offers evening or weekend appointments. You do not need an appointment for most renewals — you walk in and take a number — but some branches allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a BMV branch. You cannot use online or mail renewal. The BMV may require you to pass a vision test and may ask you to retake the written exam, depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment to any branch.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you renew online or by mail, your address stays the same as what is on file. To change your address, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and payment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives or processes your request. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot that is valid when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is legal to use.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a BMV branch. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment. The BMV may require a vision test and may ask you to retake the written exam depending on your license status.

What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?

If your name has changed, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of your name change, and payment.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.