What the BMV renewal process looks like
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is Indiana's state agency that handles driver's license renewals. You can renew in person at any BMV branch, online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet certain requirements, or by mail in limited cases. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, when it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Indiana licenses are valid for eight years. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. However, not everyone can use it — if you've had a suspension, permit denial, or certain medical conditions flagged on your record, you'll need to go in person.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana BMV lets you renew online, in person, or by mail, but online is only available if your license is valid and you haven't had recent suspensions or denials.
- Online renewal costs $15 and takes about 10 minutes; in-person renewal costs $25 and requires a visit to a BMV branch.
- You'll need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Indiana residency for in-person renewal.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person at a BMV branch.
- The BMV mails your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online or in person.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website
Online renewal is available at in.gov/bmv and is the cheapest and fastest option if you're may be able to access. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $15.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have an active suspension or denial on your record, if you need to change your address, or if you've had certain medical conditions reported to the BMV. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
After you submit your online renewal, the BMV processes it within one business day. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file 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
You can walk into any BMV branch in Indiana to renew your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Indiana address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The fee is $25.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a suspension or denial on your record, if you're changing your address, or if you need to update your photo. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the branch.
Wait times at BMV branches vary widely by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Indiana BMV website before you go. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail (limited circumstances)
Mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than two years ago and you don't have any suspensions, denials, or address changes. You'll need to send your current license, a completed process form (available on the BMV website), and a check or money order for $15 to the BMV's Indianapolis office.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the BMV receives your materials. Because of this delay, most people choose online renewal instead. If you choose to mail in your renewal, send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the methods above. If it expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license in person at a BMV branch. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal, and requires a written test, vision screening, and proof of residency.
If your license has been expired for more than two years and you need to drive before you can get to a BMV branch, you cannot legally drive. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you've already started the renewal process.
Suspensions, denials, and why they block online renewal
If the BMV has suspended your license or denied your renewal process, you cannot renew online or by mail. A suspension means your license was temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a medical condition. A denial means the BMV refused to renew your license, often because of a failed vision test, medical flag, or criminal conviction.
You must go in person to a BMV branch to find out why your license is suspended or denied and what you need to do to resolve it. The BMV staff can tell you what documents or steps are required before you can renew. In some cases, you may need to pay outstanding fines, get a medical clearance, or complete a driver improvement course.
Once the suspension or denial is lifted, you can renew online or in person, depending on what other requirements explore to your situation.
Real ID and license renewal
When you renew your license, you can choose to upgrade it to a Real ID-compliant license at the same time. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. If you don't upgrade during renewal, your current license will remain valid for driving and state ID purposes, but you won't be able to use it for federal facilities or flights.
Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit and additional documents: proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and two proofs of residency. The fee is $25 for a Real ID license, the same as a standard renewal. If you renew online, you'll get a standard license; you can upgrade to Real ID at your next in-person visit or renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
No. The BMV will suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or unpaid child support. You must resolve these debts before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the fine or the child support enforcement agency to find out how much you owe and set up a payment plan if needed.
What happens if I renew online but my address changed?
You cannot renew online if you need to change your address. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of your new Indiana address. If you already renewed online with an old address, you can update your address at any BMV branch without renewing again.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for the new one?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. Once your license expires, you must stop driving until your new license arrives. However, if you've submitted an online or in-person renewal before your license expired, you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives in the mail.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the BMV?
Most BMV branches accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments. Check the Indiana BMV website for your local branch's policy. If appointments are required and none are available, you may need to visit a different branch or try again on a different day.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
A lost license is not the same as renewal. You'll need to report it lost and request a replacement at a BMV branch in person. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $15, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.