How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License at the BMV

Renew online, by mail, or in person at an Indiana BMV branch

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at myBMV.com, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a BMV branch. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a branch is when ready if you need your license right away, though wait times vary by location.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how soon you need the new card. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a branch. If you've changed your name, you'll need documents proving it, which complicates mail renewal.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at myBMV.com works only if your current license is still valid and you haven't changed your name, and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, but is not an option if your license has expired or you've had a legal name change.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is the only option if your license is expired, and you'll receive your new license when ready or within a few days depending on the branch.
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.
The renewal fee is $24 for a standard eight-year license, payable by check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method.

Online renewal through myBMV.com

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to myBMV.com, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current Indiana driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the $24 renewal fee. The system will verify your identity and confirm your address. If everything matches BMV records, you're done — no appointment needed.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online process. Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you've changed your name, or if you've had certain violations or suspensions. The BMV website will tell you when ready whether you're able to renew online.

Mail renewal with a form and check

To renew by mail, read or request the process to Renew a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the BMV website or pick one up at any BMV branch. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $24 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions. You cannot renew by mail if your license has expired, if you've changed your name, or if you have an active suspension or revocation. If any of those explore, you must renew in person at a branch.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Visit any Indiana BMV branch with your current license (or expired license if it's been less than five years), proof of your current address, and payment. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as proof of address. If you've changed your name, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.

You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most branches, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the BMV website to find your nearest branch and see whether it requires a reservation. Wait times vary — some branches have short lines, others can have waits of 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. You'll receive your new license when ready or within a few days, depending on the branch's processing method.

What to bring and what it costs

For any renewal method, have your current Indiana driver's license ready. If renewing in person, bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring the legal document proving it — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

The renewal fee is $24 for a standard eight-year license. Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. If you're renewing an expired license more than five years after expiration, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, which changes the process — contact your local BMV branch to confirm.

Expired licenses and late renewal

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires or up to five years after it expires. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it through any method (online, mail, or in person). If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a branch and may be required to retake the written and vision tests.

Indiana does not charge a penalty for renewing late, but an expired license is not valid for driving. If you're stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired or is about to expire.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you're renewing online and need to change your address, you can do so during the online process at myBMV.com. If you're renewing by mail or in person and your address has changed, update it on the form or tell the BMV staff member. Your new license will reflect the new address.

If you've changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring the legal document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired less than five years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Contact your local branch to confirm what's required.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail after you complete the process. In-person renewal is when ready or within a few days depending on the branch. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from when the BMV receives your envelope, plus mailing time.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

If renewing online, update your address during the process at myBMV.com. If renewing by mail or in person, tell the BMV staff or write your new address on the form. Your new license will show the updated address. You do not need to pay an extra fee for an address change during renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Most BMV branches do not require appointments for license renewal, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the BMV website, find your nearest branch, and see whether it offers or requires reservations. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but reservation slots may fill up during busy times.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current license and the legal document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will update your name and issue a new license. Online and mail renewal are not available if you've had a name change.

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.