How to renew your Indiana driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you're renewing early, or in person at a BMV branch. The fastest method is online, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. If you can't renew online, the mail route typically takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your materials. In-person renewal at a branch is when ready but requires a trip and may involve a wait.

Your renewal method depends on when your license expires, whether you've had a name change, and whether you want to update your address or photo. Most people renewing on time can use online or mail renewal. If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew in person at a BMV branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license expires within the next 180 days and you haven't had a name change.
  • Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed form, and payment to the BMV; it takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online renewal.
  • In-person renewal at any BMV branch is when ready and required if your license has already expired or if you need a new photo or address update.
  • You'll need your Social Security number and current address to renew online; mail and in-person renewal may require additional documents if your name or address has changed.
  • The BMV accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or check; online renewal accepts cards only.

Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to in.gov/bmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

You can renew online only if your license expires within the next 180 days, you have no outstanding violations or suspensions, and your name hasn't changed since your last renewal. If you want to change your address or update your photo, you cannot do this online—you'll need to renew in person instead.

After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you're renewing early (before your license expires) and your name and address haven't changed. You'll need to send your current license, a completed Form DL 44 (available at in.gov/bmv or at any BMV branch), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the BMV can return your new license. Mail your materials to the BMV's Indianapolis processing center; the address is on Form DL 44. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your current license remains valid during this time.

If your name or address has changed, you cannot renew by mail—you must renew in person. The same applies if your license has already expired.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if your name or address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit any BMV branch during business hours. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can find your nearest branch and check hours at in.gov/bmv. Bring your payment in cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is issued on the spot, and you can drive with it when ready while you wait for the physical card in the mail.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. If you want to avoid a wait, you can schedule an appointment through the BMV website.

What documents and information you'll need

For any renewal method, have your current license and Social Security number ready. If you're renewing online, you'll enter these details into the form. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring the physical documents.

If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. If your address has changed, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. These documents are required for mail and in-person renewal; online renewal cannot process address changes.

If you're renewing in person and need a new photo, the BMV will take one at the branch at no extra cost. Wear something you're comfortable having photographed; avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A four-year license costs $20; an eight-year license costs $30. You choose the term when you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you're renewing in person and paying by check, make it payable to the "Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles." If you're paying by mail, do not send cash—use a check or money order only.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within five to seven business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification. Once the new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records—Indiana does not require you to return it.

If you renewed in person, you receive your new license when ready and can use it right away. The physical card will arrive in the mail within five to seven business days, but the license is valid from the moment it's issued at the branch.

If you don't receive your new license within two weeks of renewal, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit in.gov/bmv to check the status of your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has expired. You must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The BMV will issue a new license on the spot.

How long does online renewal take?

The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. After you submit it and pay, the BMV mails your new license, which typically arrives within five to seven business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

What if my name changed after my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No, online renewal does not allow address changes. If you need to update your address, renew in person at a BMV branch or by mail if you're renewing early. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but you can schedule one through the BMV website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all branches during business hours. Branches are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.