Indiana driver's license renewal basics
Indiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how long you want it to last, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew every four or eight years, depending on their age and the type of license they hold.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a unique code you'll need if you renew online. If you don't receive one, you can still renew in person or by mail, but you'll need to bring your current license and proof of your Indiana residency.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana offers online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
- If you renew online or by mail, you keep your current photo; renewing in person at a BMV branch lets you update your photo.
- Standard licenses last four years; licenses for drivers 75 and older last two years; REAL ID licenses last eight years.
- You must renew in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your name, address, or organ donor status.
- The BMV charges different fees depending on the license type and length of validity you choose.
Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) online renewal system is the fastest option if your license is valid and you don't need a new photo. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. The system will verify your information and ask you to review your current address and other details.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email when ready, and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot change your photo, address, or name through online renewal—if you need any of those changes, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is valid and you don't need to update your photo. Send your current license, your renewal notice (if you have one), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the BMV address listed on your notice. Include a note with your current address if it has changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your materials. There is no tracking system, so you won't know the exact status of your renewal while it's in process. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the BMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
Renewing in person is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to update your photo. Bring your current license, proof of Indiana residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the renewal fee. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
BMV branches operate by appointment in most counties. Visit in.gov/bmv and use the branch locator to find your nearest office and book a time slot. Walk-ins are accepted at some branches, but wait times vary. The appointment system shows you real-time availability, so you can often get an appointment within a few days. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready; your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
License types and renewal length in Indiana
Indiana offers three main license types, each with different renewal periods. A standard driver's license is valid for four years and costs the least. A REAL ID-compliant license is valid for eight years and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings; it costs more but lasts twice as long. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has its own renewal rules and typically must be renewed in person.
Drivers who are 75 years old or older must renew every two years, regardless of license type. When you renew, you can choose to upgrade from a standard license to a REAL ID license, or vice versa. The BMV website shows the current fee for each type before you complete your renewal.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. An expired license is still valid identification for the renewal process, even if you cannot legally drive with it.
If your license expired more than a year ago, the BMV may require you to retake the written test and vision screening. Call your local BMV branch or check the website to confirm what you need to bring before you visit. Renewing an expired license takes longer than a standard renewal because of the additional testing, so plan for a longer appointment.
Fees and payment methods
Renewal fees vary by license type and length. A four-year standard license costs less than a REAL ID license valid for eight years. The BMV accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card at branches. Online and mail renewals require payment by check or money order; you cannot pay by card through those methods.
If you renew online or by mail, include your payment with your process. If you renew in person, you can pay at the branch when you complete your renewal. The BMV does not accept payment plans or partial payments—you must pay the full renewal fee at the time of renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if you have your renewal notice code. If you're out of state permanently, you should update your address through the BMV website or at a branch when you return to Indiana, because your license is tied to your Indiana residency.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online without the notice if you have your driver's license number and date of birth—the BMV website will look up your record. If you prefer to renew by mail or in person, bring your current license and proof of residency instead.
How do I change my photo during renewal?
You must renew in person at a BMV branch to update your photo. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The BMV will take a new photo during your appointment.
What happens if my license expires while I'm waiting for my new one?
If you renewed online or in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid until your new plastic card arrives. If you renewed by mail, print a temporary license from the BMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Indiana?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for driving. REAL ID is required only if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. When you renew, you can choose which type you want.