How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Indiana driver's license at any BMV branch (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) in the state, or online through the Indiana BMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster and costs less, but it is only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions on file, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.

If you go in person, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, you will also need to show proof of residency at your new address. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

Indiana lets you renew online if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within 10 business days if you renew online.
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV

To renew online, go to the Indiana BMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and whether any medical conditions explore to your driving.

The online fee is $15.50 for a standard eight-year renewal. Payment is by debit or credit card only. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your confirmation number to track the status of your card.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations on file. If any of these explore, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

Walk into any BMV branch during business hours with your documents. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on the Indiana BMV website.

The staff will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $25 in person. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel starting May 7, 2025), the fee is $32. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the branch that you can use while you wait for your card to arrive.

What happens if your license is expired

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires without any penalty or extra steps. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it in person at a BMV branch, but you cannot renew online. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to take a written test and a driving test before the BMV will issue a new one. Call your local BMV branch to ask whether a test is required in your case, because the rule can vary based on how long the license has been expired and your driving history.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

Indiana offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not have a Real ID license and plan to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need to obtain one.

To get a Real ID license during renewal, you must bring additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, and two documents that prove your current address (such as a utility bill and a lease, or two utility bills). The fee is $32 for an eight-year Real ID license, compared to $25 for a standard renewal.

You can choose to renew as a standard license or upgrade to Real ID at the time of renewal. If you renew online, you will be issued a standard license; you cannot upgrade to Real ID online.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must update it during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The BMV will update your address in the system at no extra cost.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name. This counts as a renewal and costs the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

No. The BMV will not renew your license if you have outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines. You must resolve the tickets first. Contact the court listed on your ticket to pay the fine or arrange a payment plan, then return to the BMV to renew.

How long does my temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your new plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the paper license is a bridge while you wait. If your new card does not arrive within that window, contact the BMV with your confirmation number.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You will need to report it lost and request a replacement before you can renew. Go to a BMV branch with your proof of identity and address. The replacement fee is $15. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it when ready if you wish, or wait until closer to the expiration date.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. The BMV takes a new photo at every renewal, whether you renew in person or online. If you renew online, the system uses your photo from your current license file. If you renew in person, the branch takes a fresh photo at the time of renewal.

What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill in my name?

You can use other documents as proof of address: a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, ask the BMV staff what alternatives they can accept.

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.