Indiana driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Indiana driver's license online through the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) website, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. The method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have left, and whether you need to change information on your license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a branch.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Indiana sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the BMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a standard eight-year license, but you cannot change your address or name this way.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Indiana sends you, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; you can update your address on the form.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch is necessary if you need a new photo, are renewing a commercial license, or want to change your name or address when ready.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method; bring your physical license if renewing in person.
- If your license has expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a BMV branch in person.
Online renewal through the BMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than three years ago. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a temporary digital license by email when ready, and your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The cost is $20 for a standard eight-year license. You cannot change your address, name, or photo through online renewal — if you need any of those changes, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal with the renewal notice
If you received a renewal notice from Indiana, you can renew by mail. The notice includes a form and payment instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. You can update your address on the renewal form before mailing. If you need to change your name, you will need to provide a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your form and payment. If you did not receive a renewal notice and your license expires soon, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to request one.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch
Visit a BMV branch if you need a new photo, are renewing a commercial driver's license, want to change your name or address and need it done when ready, or if your license expired more than three years ago. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and a valid payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card).
Processing time at a branch varies by location and time of day. Some branches use an online appointment system; check in.gov/bmv to book a time slot before you go. The renewal fee is $20. If you are changing your name, bring the certified document that proves the change.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than three years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as above. If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a BMV branch in person. The branch will treat this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which may require additional documents or a new written test depending on how long it has been expired.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary digital license (if you renewed online) or your renewal notice (if you renewed by mail) as proof that renewal is in progress, but this does not may provide you will not receive a citation.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you are renewing by mail, you can update your address on the renewal form. Write your new address clearly and mail the form with your payment. The new address will appear on your renewed license when it arrives.
If you need to change your name, you must provide a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail this document along with your renewal form and payment, or bring it in person to a BMV branch. Name changes cannot be made online. If you are renewing in person and need to change your address or name, the BMV can update both when ready, and your new license will reflect the changes when you receive it by mail.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $20 in Indiana. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies based on the type of commercial endorsements you hold — contact the BMV or check their website for the exact amount.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal at a BMV branch accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are paying by check or money order by mail, make it payable to the "Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a different state?
No. You must renew your Indiana license before it expires, even if you have moved. After you renew, you can then transfer to your new state's license. If your license has already expired and you have moved out of state, contact the Indiana BMV at 317-615-7293 to discuss your options.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online through in.gov/bmv without the notice. If you prefer to renew by mail, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 and request a replacement renewal notice. You can also visit a BMV branch in person to renew.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
After the BMV receives your renewal form and payment, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time to the BMV and from the BMV to you is not included in this timeframe, so plan for two to three weeks total from the time you mail your form.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you are renewing in person at a BMV branch. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a branch.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Indiana BMV at 317-615-7293 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.