You can renew your Indiana driver's license online if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal
Indiana's online renewal system lets you complete the process from home without visiting a branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). You pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, receive a temporary digital license when ready, and your physical card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. The online option works only for standard renewals — not for your first license, a replacement after loss or damage, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
The entire process takes about ten minutes. You will need your current Indiana driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. If any of your personal information has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a BMV branch instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no active medical suspensions or name and address changes.
- You can renew at in.gov/bmv using your license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card.
- You receive a temporary digital license when ready after payment and your physical card within seven to ten business days.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start at in.gov/bmv and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will be directed to create or log into your BMV account. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address and a password of your choice.
Once logged in, enter your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and display your current information. Review it carefully — if anything is incorrect, stop and renew in person instead. Select your renewal term: Indiana offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year renewals, each with different fees. Pay the renewal fee using a debit card or credit card.
After payment is processed, you will receive a temporary digital license on your screen that you can screenshot or save. This temporary license is valid when ready and can be used for identification purposes while you wait for your physical card. Your permanent card will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within seven to ten business days.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than five years ago, the BMV requires an in-person renewal. The same applies if you have a medical suspension on your record — the system will flag this during the online process and direct you to a branch. You also cannot renew online if you have changed your name since your last renewal, even if the change was due to marriage or court order.
Address changes do not require in-person renewal if you are updating your mailing address only. However, if you have moved to a different county in Indiana or out of state, you must renew at a BMV branch. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call the BMV at 317-615-7293 before starting the process.
What to do if your temporary digital license is not working
Your temporary digital license should appear on your screen when ready after payment. If it does not, refresh the page or log back into your BMV account — the license should be stored in your account dashboard under "My Licenses." You can screenshot it or read it as a PDF to keep on your phone.
If you cannot locate your temporary license after an hour, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293. Have your confirmation number from the renewal transaction ready. The BMV can resend your temporary license or provide you with a confirmation that your renewal is in progress, which some employers and law enforcement will accept as proof of a valid renewal.
Tracking your physical card after renewal
The BMV does not send tracking numbers for renewed licenses. Your card will arrive at the address on file within seven to ten business days under normal circumstances. If you need your card sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would need to renew in person at a BMV branch and request expedited service, which costs extra.
If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your confirmation number. The BMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if necessary. Keep your temporary digital license until your physical card arrives, since the temporary license is your proof of a valid renewal.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Indiana charges different fees based on the term you choose. A one-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal, which costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amounts vary slightly and are displayed on the renewal screen before you pay. You can pay only by debit card or credit card — the BMV does not accept cash, check, or electronic bank transfer for online renewals.
If your payment is declined, check that your card number, expiration date, and CVV are entered correctly. If the problem persists, try a different card or renew in person at a BMV branch, where you can pay by cash, check, or card. The BMV does not charge a fee for paying in person.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online renewal system will not allow you to proceed. You will see a message stating that you must visit a BMV branch in person. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical conditions, or administrative holds. You must resolve the underlying issue before the BMV will allow you to renew.
Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take. In many cases, you will need to provide proof that the issue has been resolved — such as a receipt showing a ticket has been paid or a letter from a court or agency confirming the hold has been lifted. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. Indiana's online renewal system only works for licenses that expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
What if I changed my name since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must visit a BMV branch in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Is the temporary digital license valid for driving?
Yes. Your temporary digital license is valid for identification and driving purposes when ready after you receive it. You can screenshot it or save it to your phone. It remains valid until your physical card arrives, and then your physical card becomes your primary license.
What if my physical card does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 with your renewal confirmation number. The BMV can check whether your card was mailed and reissue it if it was lost. Continue using your temporary digital license until your replacement arrives.
Can I renew online if I moved to a different state?
No. If you have moved out of Indiana, you must renew in person at a BMV branch or transfer your license to your new state. If you are renewing before moving, you can renew online using your current Indiana address, then update your address in person or through your new state's DMV after you move.