What you need to get an Indiana driver license
Indiana issues driver licenses through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To get your first license, you will need to visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot complete this process online or by mail.
Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency that shows your name, date of birth, and photo — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license all work. Proof of residency means a recent document showing your name and current Indiana address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a driving test. The BMV provides a study guide for the written test on its website. You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 to get a full license without parental consent.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get your first Indiana driver license.
- Indiana requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test before receiving a full license.
- A learner's permit allows supervised driving at age 16, but you cannot drive alone until you pass the driving test and receive your full license.
- Your Indiana driver license is valid for four years if you are under 75 years old, and renewal can be done by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
- The BMV charges a fee for each license or permit, and the amount depends on the type of document and how long it is valid.
Getting a learner's permit in Indiana
A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your driving test. You must be at least 16 years old. To get a permit, visit a BMV branch with the same documents you would need for a full license — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
You will take the written test and vision screening at the BMV. Once you pass, you receive your permit when ready. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all other traffic laws.
You can hold a learner's permit for as long as you need to practice. There is no minimum waiting period before you can take the driving test, but the BMV recommends practicing for several weeks. When you are ready, you schedule a driving test appointment at a BMV branch.
Taking the driving test and getting your full license
The driving test measures whether you can safely operate a vehicle on public roads. You will drive with a BMV examiner for about 20 to 30 minutes. The test includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, as well as driving on different types of roads. The examiner watches for safe speed, proper signaling, awareness of other vehicles, and following traffic laws.
You must bring your learner's permit, proof of residency, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start. If the vehicle fails this inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
If you pass the driving test, you receive your full Indiana driver license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the test fee each time.
Renewing your Indiana driver license
Indiana driver licenses are valid for four years if you are under 75 years old. Licenses for people 75 and older are valid for two years. The BMV sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.
If your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your name, address, or medical status, you can renew online through the BMV website or by mail. Online renewal is faster — you pay the fee, upload a new photo, and your renewed license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer because the BMV must process your process manually.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you did for your first license. You will also need to pass a vision screening. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and driving test as well.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver license. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency to a BMV branch. The BMV will issue you a new license with your updated name.
If you move to a new address within Indiana, you can update your address online through the BMV website without getting a new license. The BMV will mail you a new license with your updated address, which takes about one to two weeks. If you move out of Indiana, you will need to get a driver license from your new state.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, visit a BMV branch with proof of identity and proof of residency. The BMV will issue you a replacement license on the spot. You pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the BMV when you explore for your replacement.
Different types of Indiana driver licenses
Indiana issues several types of driver licenses depending on what you will drive. A regular license lets you drive passenger cars and light trucks. A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive large trucks or buses for work. A motorcycle endorsement lets you legally ride a motorcycle.
To get a motorcycle endorsement, you must already have a valid driver license. You take a written test and a riding test on a motorcycle. Some riders can waive the riding test if they complete an approved motorcycle safety course. The BMV website lists approved courses in your area.
If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Indiana driver license cost?
The fee depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A four-year license costs less than a two-year license. Renewal fees are lower than fees for new licenses. The BMV website lists current fees, which change occasionally. Replacement licenses cost less than new licenses.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for several years?
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a BMV branch in person and may need to retake the written test and driving test. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew in person without retesting. Contact your local BMV branch to confirm what you need to bring.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You must pay the test fee each time. The BMV recommends practicing more before your next attempt. There is no waiting period between test attempts, so you can schedule another test right away if a slot is available.
Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?
No. If you renew online or by mail and your license has not been expired for more than five years, you do not retake any tests. You only need to pass a vision screening if you renew in person at a BMV branch.
Can I get an Indiana driver license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You can get a driver license if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document that allows you to be in the United States. Bring your immigration document as proof of identity along with proof of residency and your Social Security number or ITIN. The BMV will issue you a license that is valid only while your immigration status is current.