How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana driver's license renewal basics

Indiana renews driver's licenses every six years for most adults. You can renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Indiana BMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether your address or name has changed, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — you just won't have the code, and you may need to visit a branch in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option if your license is valid, your information hasn't changed, and you don't need a REAL ID upgrade.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your renewal notice with the renewal code, a check or money order, and a new photo if you're upgrading to REAL ID.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license is expired, your name or address has changed significantly, or you're getting a REAL ID for the first time.
REAL ID compliance costs extra and requires proof of citizenship, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address — plan for this when you renew.
BMV branches operate by appointment only in most counties, so you must schedule ahead rather than walk in.

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the quickest path if your license is current and your personal information hasn't changed. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your driver's license number and renewal code from your notice. You'll answer security questions, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your renewed license is mailed to you within one to two weeks. Online renewal does not allow you to upgrade to REAL ID or change your address, so if either of those applies to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

You must have a valid email address on file with the BMV to use online renewal. If your email is outdated or missing, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to update it before you attempt to renew online.

Mail renewal with your notice

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid, your name and address are current, and you have your renewal notice with the renewal code. Complete the renewal form on the back of your notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the notice.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. If you're upgrading to REAL ID by mail, you must also include a new photo (2x2 inches, color or black and white) and copies of proof documents: a birth certificate or passport for citizenship, your Social Security card or tax return, and a utility bill or lease for your current address.

Keep a copy of everything you mail. If your envelope is lost or the BMV doesn't receive it, you'll have proof of what you sent. The BMV does not send receipts for mail renewals, so tracking your own copy is your only record.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Visit a BMV branch if your license is expired, your name or address has changed, you're renewing for the first time in Indiana, or you want to upgrade to REAL ID. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's less than two years old), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.

If you're upgrading to REAL ID, also bring proof of citizenship: a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. The BMV will take a new photo at the branch. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is.

Most BMV branches in Indiana operate by appointment only. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select your county, and book an appointment. Walk-in service is available at a few high-volume branches, but wait times can be two hours or longer. Scheduling ahead is faster and more reliable.

REAL ID upgrade and what it requires

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. You'll need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If your current license doesn't have the star, you can upgrade during renewal.

REAL ID renewal costs more than standard renewal — the fee varies by county but is typically $5 to $10 extra. You must provide proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail).

If you renew by mail and want REAL ID, include a new 2x2-inch photo with your process. If you renew in person, the BMV takes your photo at the branch. Online renewal does not offer REAL ID upgrades, so you must use mail or in-person renewal if you want the star.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Indiana driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and whether you're upgrading to REAL ID. A standard six-year renewal costs between $20 and $30. REAL ID upgrades add $5 to $10. Duplicate licenses, name changes, and address corrections may have separate fees.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Indiana BMV. In-person renewal at a BMV branch accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. Do not send cash by mail.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), fees are higher and renewal rules are stricter. CDL renewals require in-person visits and medical certification. Contact your local BMV branch or the Indiana BMV website for CDL-specific information.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring the same documents you would for a first-time license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You'll also take a written test and a driving test.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or in person without retesting. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The BMV treats recent expirations as renewals rather than new licenses, which is faster and simpler.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Renew before your license expires, or stop driving until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I've moved out of state?

No. Indiana only renews licenses for people who still live in Indiana. If you've moved, you must get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Indiana license by mail to any BMV branch, though it's not required.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals arrive within one to two weeks. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. In-person renewals are issued on the spot, though you may receive an updated card in the mail if the branch needs to order it.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew in person at a BMV branch or by mail without the notice — you just won't have the renewal code. If you want to renew online, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to request a replacement notice or to get your renewal code over the phone.

Do I need an appointment at every BMV branch?

Most branches require appointments, which you can book on the Indiana BMV website. A few high-volume branches accept walk-ins, but wait times are often long. Check your county's branch page on the BMV website to see whether appointments are required.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

Yes, but you must do it in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your other standard renewal documents. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes.

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.