How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Renewing your Indiana driver's license in person or by mail

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch or by mail, depending on your situation. Most people can use mail renewal if their license is not expired and they have not had certain violations or address changes. If you go in person, you will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee — the process takes about 30 minutes at a typical BMV location.

The mail route is faster if you are not renewing a commercial license, have not had a suspension or revocation, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. You send your current license, a completed process form, and the fee to the BMV. Processing takes roughly two to three weeks, and your new license arrives by mail.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you have no recent violations or suspensions.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the renewal fee at any BMV branch.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is completed the same day but requires a visit to a BMV office.
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
If your license is expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Indiana driver's license and one document proving your current address. The BMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved and your license shows an old address, bring the proof of residency document even if it seems obvious.

You will also need to pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, an eight-year renewal costs $28.50 for a standard license. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — the BMV accepts all three. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and you cannot use mail renewal.

How to renew by mail

Request the mail renewal form from the BMV website or call 317-615-7293 to have one mailed to you. The form is called the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Do not send cash through the mail. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal — if your address is the same, you do not need to include it. Mail your packet to the BMV address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your packet, and your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process.

When you must renew in person instead of by mail

You cannot use mail renewal if your license is already expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation in the past five years, or if you need to change your address. You also cannot mail-renew a commercial license. If any of these explore to you, visit a BMV branch in person.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to retake the written test and the vision test when you renew in person. If it expired between one and five years ago, you may be asked to retake the written test — the BMV staff will tell you when you arrive. Bring the same documents as above: your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.

Finding a BMV branch and what to expect

Use the BMV branch locator on the Indiana BMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have Saturday hours. A few branches in larger cities stay open into the evening. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, because some branches close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.

Bring your documents and plan to spend 20 to 40 minutes at the branch, depending on how busy it is. You will check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. When it is your turn, the staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewal fees and payment methods

An eight-year standard driver's license renewal costs $28.50. If you are renewing a commercial license, the fee is $56.00 for eight years. These fees are set by Indiana state law and do not vary by BMV branch. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card at any BMV office. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.

Some BMV branches may charge an additional service fee if you pay by credit card, though this is not universal. Ask when you arrive or call ahead to confirm. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the BMV will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. This is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Your new plastic license card will come by mail within two to three weeks. If you renewed by mail, you will not have a temporary license — your new license will straightforward arrive in the mail after processing is complete.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal. The BMV will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your new license expires, reminding you to renew again. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Indiana does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a BMV branch or by mail. Some states have online renewal, but Indiana requires either a visit to an office or a mailed process with your physical license and payment.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a BMV branch if your address has changed. Bring your current license and proof of residency at your new address. The BMV will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your packet. This does not include the time it takes for your envelope to arrive at the BMV office. Plan for four to five weeks total from the date you mail your process.

What if my license is already expired?

You cannot renew by mail if your license is expired. You must go to a BMV branch in person. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will retake the written and vision tests. If it expired within the last five years, you may be asked to retake the written test only.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a BMV branch. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. The process is similar to renewing a standard license but takes place at a BMV office.

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.