Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, or online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it's only open to drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have no medical or legal holds on their record.
If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Indiana address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last renewal, the address proof is required. If you're renewing after your license has expired, you must renew in person — the online option closes once your license lapses.
You do not need to pass a written or driving test to renew, unless your license has been expired for more than three years or you have certain medical conditions flagged in your record. The BMV will tell you at the counter or during your online transaction if a test is required.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is still valid and you have no holds on your record.
- In-person renewal at any BMV branch requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- Once your license expires, you must renew in person — the online option is no longer available.
- Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and the BMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website
To renew online, go to the Indiana BMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity against BMV records and then walk you through a series of questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether anything on your license needs to be updated.
Online renewal costs $15.50 and takes effect when ready — you can print a temporary license right away while you wait for your new card to arrive by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your new license faster, you can pay an additional fee to have it expedited, though standard mail is the default.
The online system will reject your renewal if your license is expired, if you have an outstanding ticket or court hold, if you've had a medical suspension, or if your address cannot be verified. If any of these explore, you'll be directed to renew in person at a BMV branch instead.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
Walk into any BMV branch during business hours with your documents and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day — branches in smaller towns are usually faster than those in Indianapolis or other cities. You can check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website before you go.
At the counter, a clerk will check your documents, take a new photo (unless you've had a photo renewal within the last eight years and choose to keep your old photo), and ask you to sign a form confirming your information. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter. In-person renewal costs $20 for a standard eight-year license.
You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your card arrives, the temporary license is valid and accepted by police and other agencies.
Timing and when to renew
Indiana sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires — renewing early doesn't shorten the validity of your new license, which will still be good for eight years from the date you renew.
If you renew before expiration, your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date. This means if you renew six months early, your new license will expire eight years later, not 18 months later. Plan your renewal so you're not caught without a valid license, but there's no penalty for renewing a few months before you have to.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person and you may be required to pass a written test if it's been more than three years since your license was valid. Expired licenses can be renewed for up to 10 years after expiration, after which you'll need to explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.
If you've moved to a new address in Indiana, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. The BMV will update your address on your license. If you've moved out of Indiana and are now living in another state, you should explore for a license in your new state instead of renewing your Indiana license, though Indiana will not prevent you from renewing if you choose to keep an Indiana license as a secondary ID.
Medical conditions and license restrictions
During renewal, the BMV asks whether you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely — conditions like seizures, severe vision loss, or sleep disorders. You are required to answer honestly. If you report a condition, the BMV may require you to submit a medical evaluation form completed by your doctor before your renewal is approved.
Some medical conditions result in license restrictions — for example, corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or hand controls required. These restrictions are noted on your license and you must follow them. If you have a condition that the BMV believes makes you unsafe to drive, they may suspend or deny your renewal, though you have the right to request a hearing to challenge that decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
Yes, you can renew an expired Indiana license for up to 10 years after expiration. However, you must renew in person at a BMV branch, and if your license has been expired for more than three years, you may be required to pass a written test. After 10 years of expiration, you'll need to explore for a new license as a first-time driver.
What if I don't have proof of my address?
If you can't provide a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a credit card statement and a piece of mail from a government agency. The BMV accepts various combinations. Call your local BMV branch to ask what documents they'll accept in your situation.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
No. If you've had a photo renewal within the last eight years, you can choose to keep your old photo on your new license. You'll be asked at the counter whether you want a new photo or to keep the old one. Most people choose a new photo, but it's your choice.
How much does it cost to renew online versus in person?
Online renewal costs $15.50 and in-person renewal costs $20. Both include an eight-year license. If you want expedited mail delivery, you'll pay an additional fee on top of the renewal cost, available for both online and in-person renewals.
What happens if I renew but my license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the BMV when ready with a photo of the damage or error. They will issue a replacement at no charge. Bring your temporary license and the damaged card to a BMV branch, or call the BMV customer service line to report the issue and arrange a replacement by mail.