Indiana driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Indiana's renewal process depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you've had any changes to your name or address. Most people can renew online through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website without visiting an office. If you're renewing after expiration or need to update information, you'll have different options and timelines to work with.
The state allows you to renew up to one year before your expiration date, which means you don't have to wait until the last minute. Your expiration date appears on the front of your license and follows the format MM/DD/YYYY.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online starting one year before expiration if you have no address changes or name changes.
- Online renewal through the BMV website costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
- If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person at a BMV branch with proof of your new information.
- Expired licenses can be renewed by mail or in person, but online renewal is not available once your license has expired.
- You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Renewing online before your license expires
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you have no changes to report. You go to the Indiana BMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your current license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system verifies your identity and shows you the information on file.
The fee for online renewal is $15.50 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card, and the BMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving without interruption.
Online renewal is only available if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired, you have no name change to report, you have no address change to report, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to use a different method.
Renewing in person at a BMV branch
In-person renewal is required if your address or legal name has changed, if your license has expired, or if you're renewing a CDL. You'll need to visit a BMV branch in your county and bring specific documents. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The in-person renewal fee is $25 for an eight-year license.
You can find your nearest BMV branch and check its hours on the Indiana BMV website. Some branches accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. During busy seasons, wait times can be longer, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday often means shorter lines.
Renewing by mail if your license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail without visiting a branch. Print the renewal form from the Indiana BMV website (Form DL 44), fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order for $25 to the address shown on the form. Include a photocopy of your current or expired license and proof of your Social Security number.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person methods—typically three to four weeks from the time the BMV receives your form. Your old license will not be valid during this time, so you cannot drive legally. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you'll need to renew in person instead.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it has been expired.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you're only a few days past the expiration date. If you're pulled over, you can face a fine. The good news is that the BMV allows you to renew an expired license, and the process is straightforward once you choose your method.
If your license expired within the last two years, you have the most flexibility: you can renew by mail, in person, or (if you have no address or name changes) you may be able to renew online depending on the BMV's current policies. Check the Indiana BMV website for the most current rules on expired license renewal, as policies can change.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll likely need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test at a BMV branch. You should contact your local branch before visiting to confirm what tests you'll need and what documents to bring.
Finding your BMV branch and checking wait times
Indiana has BMV branches in every county. You can search for your nearest location on the Indiana BMV website by entering your county or city. The website shows each branch's hours, phone number, and whether it accepts appointments or walk-ins.
Some branches publish real-time wait times on the BMV website, so you can check before you go. If your branch doesn't show wait times online, you can call ahead to ask how busy they are. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are usually less crowded than Fridays or Mondays.
If you live in a rural area far from a branch, the mail renewal option may save you time and gas money, even though it takes longer. Weigh the cost of driving to the branch against the wait time for mail renewal in your situation.
Documents you'll need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (valid license, no changes) | Current license number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits | $15.50 | 7–10 business days |
| In person (any situation) | Current/expired license, SSN proof, address proof, name change documents if applicable | $25 | Same day (license mailed within 7–10 days) |
| By mail (expired less than 2 years) | Completed form DL 44, photocopy of license, SSN proof | $25 | 3–4 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?
No. Online renewal is only available if your address on file is still current. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. You can update your address at the same time you renew your license.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a BMV branch in person to report it lost and explore for a replacement. Bring your Social Security card or other SSN proof and proof of your address. The replacement fee is $15.50, and you'll receive a new license with the same expiration date as your original.
How long can I drive on an expired license before I have to renew?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license at all in Indiana. Driving with an expired license is a violation and can result in a fine. You should renew before your expiration date or as soon as possible after if your license has already expired.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a BMV branch?
It depends on the branch. Some BMV locations accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the Indiana BMV website for your specific branch's policy. If appointments are required and you don't have one, you may be turned away or asked to schedule one for a future date.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current legal name. Bring all the same documents as a standard in-person renewal, plus the name change document.