What Indiana charges to renew your driver's license

Indiana charges $20 to renew a standard driver's license for an eight-year term. This is the base fee for most adults renewing in person or by mail. If you renew online through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, the cost is the same: $20.

The $20 fee covers the license itself and the processing. Indiana does not charge separate process or administrative fees on top of this amount. If you need a duplicate license — because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged — that costs $8 and is a separate transaction from renewal.

Some people pay more than $20 if they add optional features. A Real ID-compliant license costs $5 extra, bringing the total to $25. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal is $30 for eight years. If you renew and also need to change your address or name, there is no additional charge — those updates are included in the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Indiana driver's license renewal costs $20 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost $25 total ($20 base plus $5 Real ID fee).
  • You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
  • Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option and costs the same $20 as other methods.

How payment works for each renewal method

If you renew online, you pay by debit card or credit card only. The BMV website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You enter your card information during the online process, and the charge posts when ready. Online renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days from approval.

If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order payable to "Indiana BMV" along with your process and documents. Cash is not recommended by mail because it can be lost. Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. You can also include a credit or debit card number on the form if you prefer not to send a check, though this is less common.

If you renew in person at a BMV branch, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The branch processes your renewal on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Not all BMV branches accept all payment methods, so calling ahead is wise if you plan to pay with a specific method.

When you might pay more than the base $20

Real ID compliance adds $5 to your renewal. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. Indiana began issuing Real ID licenses in 2018, and as of 2025, a Real ID is required to board domestic flights. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want one, you pay $25 instead of $20.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost $30 to renew for eight years, not $20. If you hold a CDL, you will see this higher fee when you renew. Motorcycle endorsements do not add to the renewal cost — they are included in the standard $20 or $30 fee depending on whether you hold a CDL.

Duplicate licenses (replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses) cost $8 and are separate from renewal. If you need both a duplicate and a renewal at the same time, you pay both fees. This situation is rare but can happen if your license was damaged and is also expiring soon.

Refunds and what happens if you overpay

If you overpay your renewal fee — for example, by sending a check for more than the amount owed — the BMV will issue a refund. Refunds by check typically take 4 to 8 weeks to arrive. If you paid by credit or debit card online or in person, the refund posts back to your card in 3 to 5 business days.

If you submit your renewal process and then decide you want to cancel before it is processed, contact the BMV directly. Cancellations are possible but depend on how far along your process is. Online renewals that have not yet been approved can usually be cancelled with a full refund. Mail-in renewals can be cancelled if the BMV has not yet processed them, but you must call or visit in person to request it.

How to check the current fee before you renew

The Indiana BMV website lists all current renewal fees at in.gov/bmv. The fee structure rarely changes, but the website is the official source if you want to confirm the exact amount before you start your renewal. You can also call the BMV customer service line at 317-615-7293 to ask about fees for your specific situation.

Some BMV branches post fees in the office or on their local websites. If you are renewing in person and want to know the exact amount before you arrive, calling that specific branch is faster than waiting on hold with the main line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $20 fee if my license expired more than a year ago?

Yes, the renewal fee is $20 regardless of how long your license has been expired. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, Indiana may require you to retake the written test and vision test, even though you are renewing rather than explore for a new license. The fee remains $20, but the process takes longer.

Can I renew my license if I do not have a credit card for online payment?

Yes. You can renew by mail with a check or money order, or visit a BMV branch in person and pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online payment by card is the fastest method, but it is not the only way to pay.

What if I renew online but my process is rejected?

If your online process is rejected before approval, the BMV will not charge your card. If it is rejected after the charge posts, you will receive a refund to your card within 3 to 5 business days. The BMV will notify you by email or mail about why your process was rejected and what to do next.

Is there a discount if I renew early?

No. Indiana charges $20 regardless of when you renew before your license expires. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, but the fee and the new eight-year term are the same whether you renew early or close to your expiration date.

Do I pay sales tax on top of the $20 renewal fee?

No. The $20 fee is the total amount you pay. Indiana does not add sales tax to driver's license renewals. The fee you see is the fee you pay.