Where to renew your Indiana driver's license
You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, or online through the state's BMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but not everyone is may be able to access. In-person renewal at a BMV branch takes longer (plan for a wait) but works for nearly all situations.
To find the BMV branch nearest you, visit the Indiana BMV website and use their branch locator. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license is already expired, you need to update your address or name, or you have medical conditions that affect your driving.
- You will need your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee, which varies based on how long your new license is valid.
- Indiana offers both standard five-year licenses and longer-term options; the cost and length depend on which type you choose during renewal.
What documents you need to bring
For any in-person renewal at a BMV branch, bring your current Indiana driver's license and one form of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address.
If you are changing your name or address, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change; a lease or utility bill for an address change. You will also need to bring a valid form of identification if you are changing your name.
Bring a payment method for the renewal fee. Indiana BMV branches accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The fee depends on the type and length of license you choose. Standard five-year licenses cost less than longer-term options.
Online renewal: when you can use it
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option, but it is only open to people who meet all of these conditions: your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are not changing your name. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
To renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
When you arrive at the BMV branch, take a number or check in at the front desk. Bring all your documents and payment. A BMV staff member will review your documents, take a new photo (unless you are renewing online), and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the branch is.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.
If the BMV staff member finds an issue with your documents — for example, your proof of residency is too old or does not match your name — they will tell you what you need to fix. You may need to return another day with corrected documents, or in some cases they can help you resolve it on the spot.
License types and renewal costs
Indiana offers several license types, and the cost of renewal depends on which one you choose. A standard five-year driver's license is the most common option. Indiana also offers an eight-year license for an additional fee, which costs more upfront but saves you money over time if you do not want to renew as often.
If you are 75 years old or older, Indiana requires you to renew every three years instead of five or eight. The fee for a three-year license is lower than for longer-term licenses.
The exact renewal fee varies depending on the license type and length you choose. Check the Indiana BMV website for current fees, as they can change. When you renew online or in person, the staff member will tell you the total cost before you pay.
What happens after you renew
Once your renewal is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready (if renewing in person) or confirmation of your online renewal. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your temporary license or your current license is valid for driving.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Indiana BMV to check the status. Keep your temporary license or current license with you while you drive, since you will need it if you are stopped by law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
No, you cannot renew online if your license is expired. You must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring all required documents and your expired license. The BMV will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal, and you will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent one is mailed to you.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a BMV branch if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and payment. The BMV staff will update your address during the renewal process.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you renew. You can drive on your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your current license (if you renewed online) during this time. If it takes longer than 10 days, contact the Indiana BMV to check on your order.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew in person at a BMV branch, the staff will take a new photo for your license. If you renew online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license, so no new photo is taken.
What if I want to change my name during renewal?
You must renew in person if you are changing your name. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The BMV will update your name and take a new photo during the renewal process.