Renewing your Indiana license at the BMV

You can renew your Indiana driver's license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) either online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. The method you use depends on how much time you have left, whether your license is still valid, and what type of license you hold. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a branch, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Indiana lets you renew up to one year before your license expires. Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you cannot have any unresolved traffic violations or unpaid fines. If either of those applies to you, you will need to resolve them before the BMV will process a renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew online or by mail up to one year before expiration.
  • Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes; you will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the BMV sends you, a check or money order for $20, and takes two to three weeks.
  • You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you need to change your name, address, or organ donor status.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and payment; appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you have not had any violations or suspensions. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew a Driver's License," and log in with your Indiana BMV account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your driver's license number and date of birth.

The online form asks for your current address, phone number, and whether you want to be an organ donor. You can update your address during renewal if you have moved. Payment is $20 by credit or debit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your name, or if you have any active suspensions or violations. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you received a renewal notice from the BMV. The notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires and includes a form you fill out and mail back. You do not need to create an online account for mail renewal.

Include your renewal notice, a check or money order for $20 made out to "Indiana BMV," and any documents the notice asks for (usually just your current address confirmation). Mail everything to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. Your old license stays valid during this time.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by phone at 1-888-692-6841 or by visiting a BMV branch. Do not send cash through the mail.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you need to change your name or address and did not renew online; or if you want to update your organ donor choice. You will also need an in-person visit if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you have not renewed in more than eight years.

Bring a valid photo ID (your expired Indiana license counts), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and $20 in cash or card. If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a CDL, bring your current medical certificate as well.

You can make an appointment online at in.gov/bmv or by calling 1-888-692-6841. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your new license on the spot or by mail, depending on the type of renewal and whether you need a new photo.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Indiana license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This means taking the written test and vision screening again, even if you have held a valid license before. You will also need to provide proof of residency and identity documents as if you were a first-time applicant.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person). Your old license remains valid for driving purposes until you receive your new one, so you can renew before your license expires or shortly after.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your current CDL, a valid medical certificate (FMCSA Form 649-C or 649-D), proof of residency, and $20. You may need to pass a vision screening and medical review, depending on your medical certification status.

CDL renewals take longer than regular license renewals because the BMV must verify your medical status with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Plan for your appointment to take 30 to 45 minutes. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone to reduce wait time.

Costs and what to expect after renewal

Indiana driver's license renewal costs $20 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers an eight-year license. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail; if you renew in person, you may receive it when ready or by mail depending on whether a new photo is needed.

Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date of renewal. If you renewed early (before your current license expired), your old license will still show its original expiration date, but it becomes invalid once your new license arrives. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, in case you need to show ID while waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The BMV will not process a renewal if you have unresolved violations or unpaid fines. You must pay the fine or resolve the ticket first. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 to find out what needs to be cleared before you can renew.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal without visiting a branch. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Updating your address does not cost extra and happens as part of the renewal process.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Online renewals are processed within 7 to 10 business days, and your new license arrives by mail. Your old license remains valid for driving during this time. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a BMV branch and receive it when ready.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?

No, you do not retake the written test during a standard renewal. You only retake the test if your license has been expired for more than one year, in which case you must explore for a new license rather than renew.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the BMV or the court. Contact the BMV at 1-888-692-6841 or visit a branch to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.