Renewing your Indiana license at the BMV

You can renew your Indiana driver's license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, you can mail your process or visit a branch in person, though in-person visits often mean waiting in line.

Your may be able to access to renew depends on your current license status, how long it's been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Indiana licenses are valid for eight years, so you'll receive a renewal notice from the BMV about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice tells you which method you can use.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana offers online renewal for most drivers, which is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes from your computer.
  • You must renew before your license expires; if it's been expired for more than five years, you'll need to take the written test and road test again.
  • The BMV mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration and includes instructions for online, mail, or in-person renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and typically involves waiting time.
  • Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail after online or mail renewal; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot.

Online renewal through the BMV website

Online renewal is available to most Indiana drivers and is the method the BMV recommends. You go to the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv), select "Renew Your License," and answer questions about your current license and address. The system checks whether you're may be able to access — you can't renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions listed on your record.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You'll need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $24 for an eight-year license. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why and direct you to mail or in-person options. This happens most often when your address has changed or when your license has been expired too long.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you received a renewal notice from the BMV. The notice includes a form and instructions. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for $24 (made payable to "BMV"), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — expect 3 to 4 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. The BMV processes mail applications in the order they arrive, so sending it early helps. Include a copy of your current license or a valid ID with your process if you're changing your address. If you're unsure what to include, the renewal notice spells it out.

Mail renewal is a good option if you don't have internet access or prefer not to pay online. It's also useful if you're renewing before you travel and have time to wait for the new license to arrive.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You can walk into any Indiana BMV branch and renew your license on the spot. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The renewal fee is $24, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. You'll be given a number and called when it's your turn. The BMV will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on paper that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is the best choice if your license has been expired for more than five years (you'll need to take the written test), if you need to change your address or other information, or if you need your temporary license right away. You can find your nearest BMV branch and check wait times on the Indiana BMV website.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. The BMV treats a recently expired license the same as one that's still valid — you don't need to retake any tests.

If your license has been expired for five years or longer, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a BMV branch in person, take the written test, pass a vision screening, and take the road test. This is treated as a new license process rather than a renewal. You'll need to bring the same documents as in-person renewal, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency.

If you're unsure how long your license has been expired, check the expiration date on your license or call your local BMV branch. They can tell you which path you need to take.

Changing your address or other information during renewal

If you've moved since your license was issued, you need to update your address. Online renewal won't let you change your address — if you've moved, you must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, tell the BMV staff that you've moved and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). They'll update your record and print your new address on your license.

If you're renewing by mail and have moved, include a note with your process and a copy of your proof of residency. The BMV will update your address before mailing your new license.

You can also change your name, update your sex marker, or correct other information on your license during renewal. In-person renewal is the fastest way to make these changes because you can speak directly with BMV staff and they can update your record when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail no matter where you live, as long as your Indiana address on file is current. If you've moved out of state and need to update your address, you must renew in person at an Indiana BMV branch or by mail with proof of your new address. Many people keep an Indiana address on file (a parent's home, for example) to renew by mail.

What if I lost my renewal notice from the BMV?

You don't need the notice to renew. You can go to the Indiana BMV website and start an online renewal, or visit a BMV branch in person. If you want to renew by mail, call your local BMV branch and ask them to mail you a renewal form, or read the form from the BMV website.

How much does it cost to renew in Indiana?

The renewal fee is $24 for an eight-year license. This is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some BMV branches may charge a small additional fee for certain services, but the base renewal fee is $24.

Can I renew my license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The BMV recommends renewing about 60 days before expiration so your new license arrives before the old one expires. If you renew early, your new license's expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the BMV or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to resolve the issue first. Once it's cleared, you can renew normally. Call your local BMV branch to find out what you need to do.