Indiana driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Your Indiana driver's license expires on your birthday in the sixth year after you received it. The state lets you renew up to one year before that expiration date. You have three main routes: online through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a BMV branch. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and what documents you currently have on file.
The online route is fastest if you're may be able to access—you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to a branch. In-person renewal is necessary if you've had a name change, need to update your address, or if your license has been expired for more than a year.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana licenses expire every six years on your birthday, and you can start renewing up to one year before that date.
- Online renewal through the BMV website works only if your current license is valid and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires form DL 44 (available on the BMV website) and takes 2 to 3 weeks, but you do not need to visit a branch.
- In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you need to update your address.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
Online Renewal Through the BMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you meet the may be able to access requirements. Go to the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's 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.
Online renewal works only if your license has not expired, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and your address on file is current. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. The fee for online renewal is the same as other methods—currently $25 for a six-year license, though fees can change. You pay by debit or credit card during the online transaction.
After you complete the online renewal, the BMV mails your new license to the address on file. The process typically takes 7 to 10 business days from submission. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, since your old license remains valid until its expiration date.
Mail Renewal Using Form DL 44
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name. read form DL 44 from the BMV website or request it by phone at 317-615-7293. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and current address. You will also need to include proof of residency—a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document showing your name and current address.
Mail your completed form DL 44, proof of residency, and the renewal fee ($25 for a six-year license) to the address listed on the form. The BMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and the entire process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Keep your current license until the new one arrives, since it remains valid during the renewal period.
If you have moved recently and your address on file is outdated, include a note with your mail renewal explaining the address change. The BMV will update your records and mail the new license to your current address. Do not rely on mail forwarding alone—include the new address clearly on your renewal form.
In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch
Visit a BMV branch in person if your license has expired, you have changed your name since your last renewal, or you need to update your address. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government document with your name and address), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, also bring a document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website and check their hours before you go. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary. You can make an appointment online through the BMV website to reduce your wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted. The appointment system shows available times at each branch.
At the branch, a BMV employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The fee is $25 for a six-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What Documents You Need for Any Renewal Method
Regardless of which renewal method you choose, you will need certain documents. Your current or expired driver's license is required for all three methods. You also need proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or other government document showing your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days for utility bills or within the last year for other documents.
You will need your Social Security number for online and mail renewal (you enter it during the process), and you must provide it in person at a BMV branch. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. A certified copy is not required, but the document must be an original or official copy.
If your address on file is outdated and you are renewing by mail or online, the BMV will mail your new license to the address currently in their system. If that address is wrong, use in-person renewal so you can update it when ready, or contact the BMV before renewing to update your address on file.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The standard renewal fee for a six-year Indiana driver's license is $25. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some BMV branches may accept additional payment methods beyond cash and card—call ahead to confirm what your local branch accepts.
If you are renewing online, you pay by debit or credit card during the transaction. For mail renewal, include a check or money order with your form DL 44 (do not send cash through the mail). At a BMV branch, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are unable to pay the full fee at the time of renewal, contact your local BMV branch to discuss options.
What to Do If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than a Year
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a BMV branch in person. The BMV treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal, which means you will need additional documents beyond the standard proof of residency.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or other vital document). You will also need to pass a vision test at the branch. The fee is the same ($25 for a six-year license), but the process takes longer because the BMV must verify more information. Make an appointment online or call your local branch to ask about wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must be an Indiana resident to hold an Indiana driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a license from that state. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn about their licensing process.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and the name-change document.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewal typically result in your new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the BMV to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. You may need to pay fines, complete a course, or meet other conditions before you can renew.
What if I do not receive my new license within the expected timeframe?
Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visit your local branch to report the delay. Have your renewal confirmation number or the date you renewed ready. The BMV can check the status of your license and reissue it if necessary.