Where to renew your license in Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office handles driver's license renewals for Marion County residents. The main office is located at 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. You can renew in person at this location during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. Call ahead at 317-615-7293 to confirm current hours before you go.

Indiana also allows you to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions. Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) is available for drivers whose licenses are not yet expired and who do not need to update their address, name, or vision information.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at the Indianapolis BMV office. The same applies if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you need to add or remove endorsements.

Key Takeaways

  • The Indianapolis BMV main office is at 100 North Senate Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call 317-615-7293 to confirm hours.
  • You can renew online or by mail only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to update your address, name, or vision information.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to your in-person appointment.
  • Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so plan your renewal before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal at the Indianapolis BMV, bring your current driver's license or ID card. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number. The BMV accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form as proof. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

You must also bring proof of your current Indiana address. The BMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax bill or court document) also works. If you have recently moved and do not yet have mail at your new address, bring a signed lease or mortgage statement instead.

If you are renewing after a name change due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring the document that proves the change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will not process a name change without this documentation.

How to renew online or by mail

To renew online, visit the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online system will verify your information against BMV records. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (Form DL 44, available on the Indiana BMV website), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Indianapolis BMV office. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so the BMV can track your process. Mail your materials to 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives your materials, plus mailing time in both directions.

Both online and mail renewal are faster than in-person renewal if you are not in a hurry, but neither option works if your license is expired or if you need to make changes to your address, name, or vision information. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal, call the Indianapolis BMV office to confirm before you submit materials.

In-person renewal at the Indianapolis BMV office

Walk into the Indianapolis BMV office with your documents and take a number from the ticket dispenser. Wait for your number to be called. When you reach the counter, tell the clerk you are renewing your driver's license. The clerk will review your documents, ask you to verify your address and other information, and take a new photograph if your current license photo is more than eight years old or if you request a new one.

You will be asked to read a vision test chart to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, the BMV will not renew your license until you provide a vision report from an eye doctor. You will also answer a few questions about your driving history and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive.

After the clerk processes your renewal, you will pay the fee at the cashier window. Indiana charges $24 for an eight-year renewal for drivers age 21 and older. Payment is cash, check, or debit card; most Indianapolis BMV locations do not accept credit cards. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewal fees and how long it takes

The renewal fee for an eight-year Indiana driver's license is $24 for drivers age 21 and older. If you are renewing a license for a driver under 21, the fee is $19 for a four-year license. These fees cover the cost of the new card and the BMV's processing. The fee does not change based on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

Processing time depends on your renewal method. Online renewal is the fastest: your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction. In-person renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for mailing, but you can walk out of the office knowing your renewal is complete. Mail renewal takes the longest because you must account for mailing time to the BMV, processing time (2 to 3 weeks), and mailing time back to you. Plan for 3 to 4 weeks total for mail renewal.

If you need your license before the standard mailing time, ask the BMV clerk about a temporary license. Some BMV offices issue a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. This is not may provide at all locations, so ask when you arrive.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Indiana driver's license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it in person at the Indianapolis BMV office using the same process as a standard renewal. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will still take a vision test and have a new photograph taken.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Indiana treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to take a written knowledge test and a driving skills test (road test) in addition to the vision test and photograph. You cannot renew by mail or online in this situation. You must go to the Indianapolis BMV office in person, and you should bring the same documents as for a standard renewal. The fee for a new license is the same as for a renewal: $24 for an eight-year license.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Indiana, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license expired more than one year ago, you are driving without a valid license, which carries more serious penalties. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Indiana does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your license if you owe money. The BMV will tell you at the counter if a hold exists. If there is a hold, you must resolve the fine or contact the court before the BMV can process your renewal. Call the Indianapolis BMV office ahead of time if you are unsure.

What if I moved out of Indianapolis but still have an Indiana address?

You can still renew at the Indianapolis BMV office, but you may find it faster to renew at a BMV office closer to your new address. If you moved within Indiana, you can renew in person at any BMV office in the state. If you moved out of state, you must renew your Indiana license in person at the Indianapolis office or another Indiana BMV location before it expires, or you must obtain a license from your new state.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at the Indianapolis BMV?

The Indianapolis BMV office operates on a walk-in basis; you do not need an appointment. However, wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait. Call 317-615-7293 to ask about current wait times before you go.

What if I want to change my address during renewal?

You can change your address during an in-person renewal by telling the clerk your new address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You cannot change your address during online or mail renewal; if you need to update your address, you must renew in person.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the BMV will not renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by paying any fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or BMV. Contact the Indianapolis BMV office or the court that issued the suspension to learn what you must do before renewal is possible.