How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana BMV License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Indiana driver's licenses expire every eight years, and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date. You can renew in person at any BMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the BMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update information, and how quickly you need the new license in hand.

Your renewal notice will arrive at the address on file with the BMV. If you do not receive one, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement. However, driving on an expired license is illegal in Indiana, so plan ahead rather than waiting until your expiration date passes.

Key Takeaways

Indiana licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and whether your information has changed.
Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other key details.
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid and you do not need to update your address, name, or other information on the license.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your photo.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal, though requirements vary slightly by situation.

Renewing Online Through the BMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and your personal information has not changed. Go to the Indiana BMV website, select the renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against BMV records and, if everything matches, allow you to complete the renewal.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — currently $24 for an eight-year license — and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license has not yet expired.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you want to update your photo, or if the BMV system cannot verify your information. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid and you do not need to make any changes to your information. When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, it will include instructions and a prepaid envelope. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it back to the address provided. Do not send cash — the BMV will bill your credit card or debit card on file, or you can include a check.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. Your new license will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives your completed form. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you will be driving on an expired license, which is illegal — so mail renewal works best if you have several months left on your current license.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by contacting the BMV directly for a renewal form. However, if your license has already expired or if you need to change any information, you must renew in person.

Renewing in Person at a BMV Branch

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you want to update your photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). Visit any BMV branch during business hours — no appointment is needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. You will pay the renewal fee ($24 for an eight-year license) by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be issued on the spot if you are renewing with the same photo, or mailed within 7 to 10 business days if you have a new photo taken. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, unless your current license has already expired — in that case, the BMV will issue you a temporary paper license to use until your new photo license arrives.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a BMV branch in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. When you renew in person after expiration, bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

The BMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, which is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new photo license to arrive in the mail. This temporary license is not a replacement for your actual license — it is only valid during the waiting period. Once your new license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

If you have been driving on an expired license for a long time, the BMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test or vision test before renewing. This depends on how long your license has been expired and whether the BMV has concerns about your driving record or medical status. Call your local BMV branch ahead of time if you are unsure.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you have moved or changed your legal name, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. You cannot change this information online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and if you are changing your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

The BMV will update your address and name in their system and issue you a new license with the updated information. If you are changing your name, your new license will show your new name. If you are only changing your address, your new license will show your new address but the same photo as your current license, so it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Finding Your Local BMV Branch and Hours

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find your nearest branch, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Indiana BMV website. Some branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday hours. A few branches offer express service for certain transactions, though this varies by location.

Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning on weekdays and longest on Fridays and near the end of the month. If you want to avoid a long wait, call your local branch ahead of time to ask about current traffic, or visit during a slower time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Indiana allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to update your photo or address before your renewal notice arrives. You can renew early online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a regular renewal.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must go to a BMV branch in person to report it and renew. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The BMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot and mail your new photo license within 7 to 10 business days. There is an additional fee for a replacement license beyond the standard renewal fee.

How long can I drive after my license expires?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Indiana. Once your license expires, you must have a valid license or a temporary paper license issued by the BMV. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fines.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you are renewing online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license and you will not need a new photo. If you are renewing in person and want to update your photo, you can request a new photo at the BMV branch. A new photo will be taken on the spot, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days instead of being issued when ready.

What if the BMV cannot verify my information online?

If the online system cannot verify your information, you will not be able to complete the renewal online. You will need to renew in person at a BMV branch instead. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The BMV staff can look up your information manually and complete your renewal.

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.