Where to Report Your Address Change in Indiana
In Indiana, you report an address change to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which is part of the Indiana Department of Revenue. You can make the change in person at any BMV branch, by mail, or online through the BMV's website. The online method is the fastest if you have a valid Indiana driver's license and a computer with internet access.
Indiana does not require you to get a new physical license card when you change your address — the BMV updates your record in their system, and your current license remains valid. However, if you want the new address printed on your card, you can request a replacement card for a fee.
The address you report to the BMV becomes your official address on file. This is the address the BMV will use for all future correspondence, including license renewal notices and vehicle registration documents.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at any BMV branch location.
- Your current Indiana driver's license remains valid after an address change — you do not need a new card unless you request one.
- If you want your new address printed on your license card, you must order a replacement card and pay the replacement fee.
- The address you report to the BMV is used for all official correspondence and vehicle registration documents.
- Online address changes typically process within one business day, while mail submissions take five to seven business days.
Changing Your Address Online
The online method is available through the BMV's official website at in.gov/bmv. You will need your current Indiana driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You will also need your new address and a valid email address to receive confirmation.
After you submit your information, the BMV sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Open that email and click the link to complete the change. Once you confirm, the address change is processed and your record updates within one business day. You will receive a second email confirming the update is complete.
This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license status is not clear, contact the BMV before attempting an online change.
Changing Your Address by Mail
To change your address by mail, you need to send a signed letter to the BMV that includes your full name, current driver's license number, date of birth, old address, and new address. You can mail this letter to the BMV's Indianapolis office at Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Do not send your original license or any original documents; the BMV will not return them. Processing takes five to seven business days from the date the BMV receives your letter.
Keep a copy of your letter for your records. If you need proof that you submitted the change, you can reference the date you mailed it and the contents of your letter.
Changing Your Address in Person at a BMV Branch
You can walk into any BMV branch location in Indiana and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — the same documents accepted by mail work in person (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days).
Tell the BMV employee you want to change your address on file. They will update your record in the system when ready, and you will receive a receipt showing the change was processed. Your license remains valid with the old address printed on it unless you pay for a replacement card.
BMV branch hours and locations vary. You can find the branch nearest you and its hours on the BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Some branches are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean shorter wait times.
Getting a Replacement Card with Your New Address
If you want your new address printed on your physical license card, you must order a replacement card. The replacement fee in Indiana is $20 for a standard driver's license. You can request a replacement card when you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch.
When you request a replacement online, you will be asked if you want to order a new card. If you choose yes, you will pay the fee through the BMV's online payment system, and the card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you request a replacement in person at a branch, you pay the fee at the counter and receive the card by mail at your new address.
A replacement card is optional. Your current license with the old address printed on it is still legal to use for driving and identification purposes. The address on file with the BMV is what matters for official records — the printed address on the card is for reference only.
What Happens If You Move Before Your License Expires
You do not have to renew your license early just because you moved. Your license remains valid until its expiration date, even if the address printed on it is outdated. However, you should report your address change to the BMV so that renewal notices and other correspondence reach you at your new location.
When your license does expire and you renew it, the BMV will print your current address on the new card automatically. If you change your address and then renew your license within a short time, you will only pay one fee — the renewal fee — and the new card will have your updated address.
If you move out of state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Indiana will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send your original license to the BMV by mail. The BMV does not need it to process an address change, and it will not be returned to you. Send only a copy of a document showing your new address.
Do not assume your address change is complete without confirmation. If you change your address online, wait for the second confirmation email before considering it done. If you change it by mail, allow five to seven business days and then check your account online or call the BMV to confirm the update went through.
Do not confuse your address on file with the address printed on your license card. These are separate things. Your address on file is what the BMV uses for correspondence. The address on your card is just what is printed there — it does not have to match your current address for your license to be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new license card if I change my address?
No. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. You only need a new card if you want your new address printed on the physical card, which costs $20 and is optional.
How long does an address change take in Indiana?
Online changes process within one business day. Mail submissions take five to seven business days from the date the BMV receives your letter. In-person changes at a BMV branch are processed when ready.
What document do I need to prove my new address?
You need one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Send a copy, not the original.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
You can change your address by mail or in person at a BMV branch. Online changes require a valid, unsuspended license. Contact the BMV directly if your license status is unclear.
What if I move and do not report my address change?
Your license remains valid, but the BMV will send renewal notices and other correspondence to your old address. You may miss important important date if you do not update your address on file.