How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana driver's licenses expire every 8 years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you renew your license before it expires through three different routes. The online method is fastest if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal works similarly but takes longer overall. In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if you've had major changes since your last license, such as a name change, address change to another state, or if your vision has changed significantly.

Your license is valid for 8 years from the date it was issued. Indiana sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the reminder — you can renew anytime in the 180 days before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date; it straightforward resets the 8-year clock from the date you renew.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo.
You must renew in person if you've changed your name, moved to a different state, or had significant vision changes since your last license.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total but requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the BMV.
Indiana licenses expire every 8 years, and you can renew anytime during the 180 days before expiration.
A valid form of identification and proof of Indiana residency are required for all renewal methods.

Online renewal through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV website offers online renewal if you meet certain conditions. You're may be able to access if your license hasn't expired yet, your address hasn't changed since your last renewal, you don't need a new photo, and you're not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start.

The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll answer questions about your current information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee for an 8-year renewal is $36.50. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your current license remains valid.

Online renewal is not available if you've had any changes to your name, address, or vision prescription since your last license was issued. If any of those explore to you, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal works for the same situations as online renewal — no name change, no address change, no vision changes, and not a CDL. You'll need to complete Form DL-44, which you can read from the BMV website or request by phone at 317-615-7293. You'll also need to send your current, valid license along with the completed form and the renewal fee of $36.50.

Mail your materials to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions. You can track your process status on the BMV website using your license number and date of birth. Your current license remains valid while your renewal is being processed, so you can continue to drive.

If the BMV finds an issue with your process — a missing signature, illegible information, or an incorrect fee — they'll contact you by mail. This adds time to the process, so double-check the form before mailing. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if your name has changed since your last license, your address has changed to a different state, your vision has changed significantly, or you need a new photo. You'll also renew in person if you're renewing a CDL or if you want to change other information on your license.

Bring your current license, proof of Indiana residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a valid form of identification if your name has changed. If your vision has changed, bring your current eyeglass or contact lens prescription or a statement from your eye doctor. Visit the BMV website to find your nearest branch and check wait times before you go.

In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the branch's current volume. You'll have a new photo taken, answer questions about your information, and pay the renewal fee of $36.50. You'll receive a temporary license to use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you'll need for any renewal method

For online renewal, you need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. That's all — no documents to gather or mail.

For mail renewal, send your completed Form DL-44, your current valid license, and the renewal fee. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of Indiana residency dated within 90 days. If your name has changed, also bring a valid form of identification showing your new name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your vision has changed, bring your eyeglass or contact lens prescription or a letter from your eye doctor.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill. It must show your current Indiana address and be dated within the last 90 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Renewal fees and what happens if your license expires

An 8-year license renewal costs $36.50 in Indiana. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation. You can still renew after expiration, but you'll need to renew in person at a BMV branch — online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. The renewal fee remains $36.50.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, the BMV may require you to retake the written test or vision test. Contact your local BMV branch to find out what's required in your situation before you go in.

Checking your renewal status and getting help

You can check the status of a mail or online renewal on the BMV website. You'll need your license number and date of birth. The status page shows whether your process has been received, is being processed, or has been mailed. If you don't see your process listed after 5 business days, contact the BMV.

Call the BMV customer service line at 317-615-7293 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. They can answer questions about your renewal, help you start an online renewal, or direct you to the nearest branch for in-person service. You can also visit the BMV website at in.gov/bmv to read forms, find branch locations, and check wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses that haven't expired yet. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written or vision test. Contact your local BMV branch to confirm what's required before you go.

What if my address changed but I'm still in Indiana?

You can renew online or by mail if only your Indiana address changed. You'll update your address during the renewal process. If you've moved to a different state, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the BMV processes your process, plus mail time. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total from when the BMV receives your envelope.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not for online or mail renewal — your current photo stays on file. If you want a new photo or if you're renewing in person for another reason, a new photo will be taken during your in-person visit at no extra charge.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You'll need to replace your lost license first, which requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Contact the BMV to find out whether you can do both at the same visit.

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.