Where to renew and what you need

You can renew your Indiana driver's license in person at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, or online through the state's official website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Indiana address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The online renewal process requires you to log into your BMV account using your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about any changes to your information, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana allows online renewal for licenses expired five years or less, with no medical restrictions and no address changes.
  • In-person renewal at any BMV branch requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
  • Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and produces a temporary digital license you can use when ready.
  • Your renewed physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or the same timeframe after online renewal.
  • Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so plan your renewal before the expiration date on your card.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The cost of renewal depends on the type of license and the method you choose. An eight-year standard driver's license renewal costs less online than in person. Indiana also charges different fees for a four-year renewal if you prefer a shorter validity period, though most people choose the eight-year option.

The fee covers the license itself and the background check the BMV runs during processing. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), that costs more than a standard renewal. If you're renewing and also changing your address, the BMV processes both at the same time with no additional fee beyond the renewal cost.

When your license expires and how to time your renewal

Your Indiana driver's license expiration date appears on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before that date, so you don't have to wait until the last moment. Many people renew three to six months early to avoid the rush at BMV branches and to may support their new license arrives before the old one expires.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process, but you cannot use an expired license as your primary form of identification. An expired Indiana license can still be used as a secondary form of ID in some situations, but it's better to renew before expiration if possible.

Online renewal step-by-step

Start by visiting the Indiana BMV website and selecting the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number and your date of birth to log in. The system will pull up your existing information and ask you to confirm or update your address, phone number, and emergency contact.

Answer any questions about medical conditions or restrictions. If your answers have changed since your last license, the system may flag you for in-person renewal instead. Once you've reviewed all your information, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Indiana does not accept checks or cash for online renewals.

After payment, the BMV issues a temporary digital license that appears in your phone's wallet app (on iPhone or Android). You can use this temporary license when ready for most purposes while you wait for your physical card. The physical card is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Find your nearest BMV branch on the Indiana BMV website, which lists all locations, hours, and current wait times. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait than visiting at lunch or on Friday.

Bring all required documents in original form (not copies). The BMV staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your temporary license is issued when ready, and your physical card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If the BMV finds an issue with your documents or information, staff will tell you what's missing and what you need to bring back. You cannot complete the renewal that day if documents are incomplete, so double-check before you go.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving with an expired Indiana license is illegal, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary digital license (if you renewed online) or your renewal confirmation email or receipt. This may satisfy the officer, but it depends on their judgment and the situation.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online and must go to a BMV branch in person. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but the BMV may require you to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long the license has been expired. Call your local BMV branch to ask what to expect before you go.

Renewing a license with a different name

If your name has changed since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document must be an original or certified copy. The BMV will not accept photocopies.

You can renew online only if your name has not changed. If your name has changed, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. The staff will verify your name-change document, update your record, and issue a new license with your current name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Indiana?

No. Indiana only renews licenses for people with an Indiana address. If you've moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from that state. If you've moved temporarily but still have an Indiana address (such as a parent's home), you can renew using that address.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You don't need the card itself—you can bring a W-2, 1099, or other document showing your Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number, then return to the BMV.

How long does the temporary digital license last?

The temporary digital license is valid until your physical card arrives. Once your physical card comes in the mail, the temporary license expires and you should use the physical card instead. The physical card is valid for eight years from the date of renewal.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person at the BMV branch to renew your license. The BMV requires you to provide your signature and have a new photo taken. Online renewal also requires you to log in with your own information.

What if my address changed but I haven't moved yet?

You can update your address during renewal even if you're still living at your old address. Bring proof of your new address (such as a lease or utility bill for the new place) along with your other documents. The BMV will update your record and mail your new license to the new address you provide.