How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Indiana

You can renew your Indiana driver's license online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that changed since your last license. If you may have access to, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not meet the online requirements, or if you prefer to renew in person, you can visit any BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Indiana address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes at most branches, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the BMV website works only if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
Online renewal costs $20 for four years or $28 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
In-person renewal at any BMV branch requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.

When to renew your license

Your license expiration date is printed on the front. Indiana allows you to renew starting six months before that date, which gives you time to receive your new license by mail before the old one expires. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew through the same process, but you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at a BMV branch, and the process is the same as a first-time license process — you will need to pass a vision test and written exam.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Go to in.gov/bmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose your license term (four or eight years). You pay by debit card or credit card at the end.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your order. Your new license is mailed to the address on file, so make sure it is current before you submit. If you need to change your address, do that before you start the renewal.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Find your nearest BMV branch on the in.gov/bmv website and check their hours. Some branches are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but some locations use an online check-in system that lets you reserve a time slot and reduce your wait.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The BMV accepts a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or benefit statement as proof of your number. For address proof, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old address proof and your new one.

At the branch, you will have your photo taken for your new license. You do not need to pass a vision or written test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have medical or vision restrictions. Pay the renewal fee ($20 for four years or $28 for eight years) by cash, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. Check your status on the BMV website by entering your license number, or call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to ask.

If there is a suspension or revocation on your record, contact the agency that issued it — usually the court that handled your case or the Indiana Child Support Bureau — to find out what you need to do to have it removed. Once it is cleared, you can renew your license through the normal process.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you are renewing in person and your name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

If you are renewing online, you cannot change your name through that process. You must visit a BMV branch in person with your name-change document. You can change your address online during renewal, as long as you have a valid address on file with the BMV.

What to do if your renewal is delayed

If you renewed online and your license has not arrived within 10 business days, check your email for any messages from the BMV — sometimes they need additional information. If you do not see anything, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your confirmation number. Have your current license and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready.

If you renewed in person and your license is delayed, the same phone number can help. The BMV can tell you whether your license has been printed and mailed, and can sometimes reissue it if there was a problem with the original order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

Yes, an unpaid traffic ticket does not stop you from renewing. However, if you have unpaid fines from multiple tickets, the court may place a suspension on your license, which does prevent renewal. Check your status on the BMV website or call 317-615-7293 to confirm you have no active suspension.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still renew online if you have your license number (it may be on old documents or statements). If you do not have your number, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your proof of Social Security number and address as usual. The BMV will look up your record and issue a new license.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew in person?

Yes, the BMV takes a new photo every time you renew in person. If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on the new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a branch instead.

How much does it cost to renew for eight years instead of four?

An eight-year license costs $28, and a four-year license costs $20. The eight-year option is available to anyone renewing, whether online or in person. You choose the term when you start the renewal process.

What if I moved out of Indiana?

You cannot renew an Indiana license if you no longer live in Indiana. You must get a driver's license from your new state. If you moved recently but still have an Indiana address on file, you can renew once, but you should update your address to your new state as soon as you move.

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.