How to renew your Indiana driver's license

You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Indiana BMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take between 7 and 10 business days if you go through the mail; in-person renewals are typically completed the same day.

Indiana licenses expire on your birthday, four years after they were issued. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date, which gives you flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a BMV branch—online and mail renewals are not available for expired licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four years after issue, and you can renew starting one year before that date.
  • Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or name.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires a completed process form, your current license, and payment by check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license has expired, and you will need to bring your current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residence.
  • The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license, payable by cash, check, money order, or debit card depending on your renewal method.

Renewing online through the Indiana BMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and your information has not changed. Go to the Indiana BMV website (www.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 to start the process. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing record.

Online renewal works only if you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license), your address and name are current, and your license has not expired. You cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, or add or remove endorsements like a motorcycle endorsement. The fee is $20, paid by debit or credit card. Once you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no trip to a BMV branch. Request the renewal process form (Form DL-44) from the Indiana BMV website or call your local BMV branch to have one mailed to you. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license, a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Indiana BMV, and a copy of proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

Send your completed process and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your materials. Do not mail your original documents; send copies only. Mail renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Track your renewal status on the Indiana BMV website using your driver's license number.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial license. Visit any BMV branch during business hours. Bring your current or expired driver's license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or state ID), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The BMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the $20 renewal fee by cash, check, money order, or debit card. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Most BMV branches do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Indiana BMV website for branch hours and locations near you.

What to bring and what it costs

The documents you need depend on your renewal method. For online renewal, you need only your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth—no documents to mail or bring. For mail renewal, send a copy of your current license, proof of residence, and a completed process form. For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired license, a valid ID, and proof of address; if your name has changed, also bring a certified copy of the document showing the change.

The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license in all cases. Online and mail renewals accept payment by debit or credit card (online) or check or money order (mail). In-person renewals accept cash, check, money order, or debit card. No additional fees explore unless you request a duplicate license or add an endorsement at the time of renewal.

If your license has expired

An expired license cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must go to a BMV branch in person. Bring your expired license, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address. The BMV will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than a certain time ago, the BMV may require you to retake the written test or vision test as part of the renewal process. Contact your local BMV branch or check the Indiana BMV website to find out whether a test is required in your situation. Having an expired license does not affect your ability to renew; it only changes where and how you can do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Indiana allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your birthday. Your new license will have a new expiration date four years from the date you renew.

What if I have moved and need to update my address?

You cannot update your address through online or mail renewal. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The BMV will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days from the time the BMV processes your process. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Weekends and holidays are not counted as business days.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a BMV branch. Bring your current CDL, a valid ID, proof of address, and any medical certification documents if required. The renewal process and fee are the same as for a standard license.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a BMV branch in person to report the loss and request a replacement or renewal. Bring a valid form of identification and proof of address. There may be an additional fee for a replacement license; contact your local BMV branch for details.