How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. You can renew online through the BMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your address or name. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a BMV branch in person. The method you choose depends on how soon you need the renewed license and whether your situation has changed since your last renewal.

Your Indiana license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The BMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the BMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $28 if your address and name have not changed and your license is not yet expired.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the BMV, and takes about two to three weeks for processing.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is fastest if you need the license when ready, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have changed your name or address, or if you have certain medical conditions that require BMV review.

Online renewal through the BMV website

The BMV website at in.gov/bmv has a renewal tool that works if your license is still valid and your personal information has not changed. 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 and costs $28. Once you complete the transaction, the BMV mails your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, if you wear corrective lenses and need to update that information, or if you have a medical condition the BMV needs to review. In those cases, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal with the BMV

To renew by mail, you need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Indiana Driver's License), which you can read from the BMV website or pick up at any BMV branch. Include your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $28 made payable to the Indiana BMV. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form—currently the BMV's Indianapolis office, though you should verify the current mailing address on the BMV website before sending.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your packet. The BMV does not send a confirmation that your renewal arrived, so keep a copy of what you send. If you need proof of renewal before your new license arrives, you can contact the BMV at 317-232-2894 to ask for a temporary document, though availability varies.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Visiting a BMV branch is the fastest option if you need your new license the same day. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and $28 in cash or card. The BMV takes your photo and processes the renewal on the spot. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at BMV branches vary widely depending on location and time of day. Smaller branches in rural areas often have shorter waits than branches in Indianapolis or other cities. The BMV does not take appointments for standard renewals, so you may wait anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch and costs more than renewal. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The process is similar to a first-time process.

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but not online. Bring your expired license along with the other documents listed above. The BMV will accept the expired license as proof of identity for renewal purposes.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person or by mail—online renewal will not work. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee remains $28.

For mail renewal with an address or name change, include the same documents with your Form DL-44 and current license. Processing takes longer when documents need review, so allow four to six weeks instead of two to three. If you are unsure whether your documents meet the BMV's requirements, call 317-232-2894 before mailing to avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch and additional documents. If it expired less than a year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The BMV typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after processing your renewal. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total from the date the BMV receives your packet. If you visit in person, you get a temporary paper license the same day and the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I need to drive before my new license arrives?

If you renew in person, the BMV gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renew by mail or online, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives, since you renewed before it expired. If your license is already expired, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a BMV branch?

No. The BMV does not take appointments for standard license renewals. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. Visiting early on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends.

What payment methods does the BMV accept?

For online renewal, you can use a credit or debit card. For in-person renewal, the BMV accepts cash and card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made payable to the Indiana BMV. Do not send cash by mail.

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.