Indiana driver's license renewal at the BMV

You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at any BMV branch, online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet certain requirements, or by mail for specific situations. The in-person route is the most straightforward and works for nearly everyone. Online renewal is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations. Mail renewal is limited to people over 75 and those with specific hardships.

Your current license must not be expired for more than five years to renew it at all. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to explore for a new license instead, which involves a written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at any BMV branch takes about 30 minutes and works for almost all drivers, requiring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
  • Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is faster but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain traffic violations.
  • Mail renewal is only for people age 75 and older or those with documented hardship, and takes longer than in-person or online options.
  • Your license must not be expired for more than five years; anything older requires a full new license process with testing.
  • Renewal fees vary based on how long you want your license to be valid — typically three, five, or eight years.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Walk into any BMV branch with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Indiana address. You will fill out form DL 44 (the standard driver's license process), have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the branch is.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your new license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license.

Find your nearest BMV branch and check its hours on the Indiana BMV website. Some branches are busier than others, and you can call ahead to ask about wait times. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the BMV will verify it during renewal.

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid (not expired) license, no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements, and no recent traffic violations that would require an in-person visit. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

The process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a new photo or use the one from your current license, review your information, and pay the fee. Your new license is printed and mailed within a few business days, and you receive a temporary paper license by email when ready. You can print the temporary license or show it on your phone at a traffic stop.

Not everyone can renew online. If the BMV website tells you that you are not may be able to access, it means you need to renew in person. Common reasons include an expired license, a medical restriction, a recent conviction, or a suspended or revoked license status. Do not try to force an online renewal if the system says you cannot — go to a branch instead.

Mail renewal for people 75 and older

If you are 75 or older, you can renew by mail without visiting a BMV branch. Request a renewal packet from the Indiana BMV by calling 317-615-7293 or visiting the BMV website. Fill out the form, include a new photo (4x6 inches, color, taken within the last 30 days), and mail it with your payment and current license to the address provided in the packet.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online — typically three to four weeks from the time the BMV receives your packet. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you mail your renewal, so plan ahead. Keep a copy of your mailed packet for your records in case there are questions.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Indiana renewal fees depend on how long you want your license to be valid. You can choose a three-year, five-year, or eight-year license. The longer the validity period, the higher the fee. Exact amounts change periodically, so check the Indiana BMV website for current pricing before you go in or pay online.

Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you renew for five years in 2024, your license expires on your birthday in 2029. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder so you do not accidentally let it lapse.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If it has been expired for more than five years, the BMV treats it as a new license process, not a renewal. You will need to pass a written test, take a vision screening, and pay the new license fee, which is higher than a renewal fee.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can show your temporary paper license or online temporary license as proof that you have renewed, but your old expired card is not valid proof.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring these four items to your BMV branch appointment. Your current driver's license must be valid or expired within the last five years. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address, dated within 60 days. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — the BMV will verify it — or bring a document that shows it. Finally, bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card to pay the renewal fee.

If any of these documents are missing, the BMV will not complete your renewal that day. Check the Indiana BMV website before you go to confirm what counts as proof of residency in your situation, since requirements can vary slightly. Having everything ready means you will not waste a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The BMV will not renew your license if you have an outstanding traffic fine or court-ordered payment. You must pay the fine or resolve the court case first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (a recent utility bill or lease) to your in-person renewal appointment. If you are renewing online or by mail, make sure the address you enter is your current one. The BMV will update it during renewal.

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

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing a required program, or meeting other court conditions. Contact the BMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you renew. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days for in-person renewal, or a few business days for online renewal. If your plastic card does not arrive within 30 days, contact the BMV.

Do I need a new photo for online renewal?

No. You can use the photo from your current license if it is still acceptable. However, you can upload a new photo if you prefer. If you choose a new photo, it must be a clear headshot taken within the last 30 days.