How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Indiana driver's license at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, online through the BMV website, or by mail. The fastest route is online if you meet the requirements — you'll need a valid Social Security number, your current license number, and a credit or debit card for the fee. If you can't renew online, the BMV branch is your next option; bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. You'll mail your current license, a completed process form (Form DL-44, available on the BMV website), and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes roughly two to three weeks by mail, compared to same-day service at a branch or when ready confirmation online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have no address or medical changes to report.
At a BMV branch, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or number.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and is only available if your license is not expired and your restrictions have not changed.
The renewal fee in Indiana is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license; online and mail renewals cost the same as in-person.

Online renewal through the BMV website

Start at in.gov/bmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access for online renewal — you cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you need to update your address, or if you have medical conditions or restrictions that require a vision test or in-person review.

If you're may be able to access, you'll choose your license type (four-year or eight-year) and pay the fee by credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. You can use your confirmation number as a temporary license if you need to drive before the physical card arrives.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Find your nearest branch on the BMV website and check the current wait times before you go — many branches publish this information online. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document with your number. If your address has changed, bring documentation showing your new address.

At the branch, you'll complete a short form and may be asked to take a new photo and pass a vision test. Processing is usually same-day; you'll walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent card by mail within seven to ten business days. If you need your license the same day, some branches offer a rush service for an additional fee — ask when you arrive.

Renewing by mail

read or request Form DL-44 (process for Indiana Driver's License) from the BMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. You cannot renew by mail if your license is expired, if you have medical conditions or restrictions that need updating, or if you need to change your address. If any of these explore, you must renew online or at a branch.

What happens if your license is expired

You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail. You must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal (current license, proof of residency, Social Security card or number), but be prepared for a vision test and a new photo. The branch will process your renewal the same day, and you'll receive your new license by mail within seven to ten business days.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, the BMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test in addition to the vision test. Ask the branch when you arrive whether this applies to you based on how long your license has been expired.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Indiana offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $20 or an eight-year license for $40. Both are valid for their stated period from the date of issue. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you're over 75 years old, you may be required to renew more frequently — ask the BMV about age-specific renewal rules when you start the process.

Your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. If you renew early (before your current license expires), your new license's expiration date will still be four or eight years from the renewal date, not extended from your old expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

You can renew online only if your address has not changed. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a BMV branch or by mail with updated proof of residency. Bring documentation showing your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I've lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to a BMV branch and bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of your identity (such as a passport). The branch will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old license was not yet expired.

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

Online and in-person renewals result in a new license arriving by mail within seven to ten business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. If you need to drive when ready, ask about a temporary license at the branch or use your online confirmation number.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Online renewals use your existing photo. In-person renewals at a branch include a new photo. Mail renewals use your existing photo unless the BMV requests a new one due to age or other factors.

What if my vision has changed since my last license?

If you renew online, you're confirming that your vision meets Indiana's standards. If you're unsure, renew in person at a branch so the BMV can test your vision. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving or may need to address other vision concerns before your license is issued.

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.