How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana lets you renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how much time you have left

Indiana offers three renewal paths: online through the BMV website (fastest, for most people), by mail (takes longer but requires no trip), or in person at a BMV branch (necessary if your license is expired or you need to update information). Which one you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had any address changes, and whether your vision or medical status has changed since your last renewal.

Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires. Indiana sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it—you can start the process as soon as the 180-day window opens. If you let your license expire, you'll have to renew in person and may face additional requirements.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Indiana BMV website works for most people and takes about 10 minutes, but only if your license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your address.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your process, so send it at least three weeks before your expiration date to be safe.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license is expired, you've moved, or you need to update your photo, signature, or medical information.
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to 180 days before expiration without penalty.
You'll need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid Social Security number to complete any renewal method.

Online renewal through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv has an online renewal system that works if your current license is valid (not expired), you haven't moved since your last renewal, and your vision and medical status haven't changed. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system verifies your information against BMV records and issues a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal costs $24 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit or credit card during the process. The new license arrives at the address on file with the BMV, so if you've moved since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal—you must go in person or use mail renewal and include proof of your new address.

If the online system rejects your process, it will tell you why and direct you to renew by mail or in person. Common rejection reasons are an expired license, an address mismatch, or a change in your medical status that requires an in-person review.

Mail renewal when you have time

Mail renewal works for people whose licenses are still valid and who haven't moved. You request a renewal process by calling the BMV at 317-615-7293 or visiting an in-person branch to pick one up. Fill out the process, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address), and mail it to the address printed on the form.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your process, plus mail time both ways. Send your process at least three weeks before your expiration date to avoid running out of time. The new license arrives by mail at the address you list on the process. Mail renewal costs $24 for an eight-year license.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, include a piece of mail showing your new address—a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement. The BMV will not process mail renewal without proof of your current address if it differs from what's on file.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if your license has expired, you've moved and need to update your address, you want to change your photo or signature, or your medical or vision status has changed. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's expired), proof of residency showing your current address, and your Social Security number. If you don't have your physical license, bring a document with your license number on it, such as a renewal notice from the BMV.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at a BMV branch, depending on how busy it is. You can walk in without an appointment at most branches, but some branches offer appointment scheduling through the BMV website to reduce wait time. The cost is $24 for an eight-year license. You'll have a new photo taken unless you request a waiver (available only if you renewed in person within the last four years and your appearance hasn't changed significantly).

Your new license is issued on the spot at most branches, though some may mail it to you. Ask the branch staff before you leave whether you're getting the license when ready or by mail. If you're getting it by mail, ask for a temporary paper license so you have proof of a valid license while you wait.

What happens if your license expires

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot drive legally in Indiana. You must renew in person at a BMV branch; online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The cost remains $24 for an eight-year license, and there is no late fee or penalty for renewing after expiration in Indiana.

However, driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have a valid renewal process in progress. If you're close to expiration and unsure whether you'll make the important date, renew in person to avoid the risk.

Documents you need for any renewal method

All three renewal methods require the same core documents: your current or expired Indiana driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2), and proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you've changed your name since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring documentation of the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll need to renew in person if your name has changed.

If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), you must be able to pass the vision test at renewal. If you've had vision correction surgery or a change in your prescription, tell the BMV staff before the test. If you fail the vision test, your license will be restricted to require corrective lenses while driving.

Medical conditions and license restrictions

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive—such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or a condition that causes sudden loss of consciousness—you must report it to the BMV. Some conditions require in-person renewal so the BMV can assess whether restrictions are needed. If you've been diagnosed with a new condition or your existing condition has worsened since your last renewal, contact the BMV before renewing to find out whether you need to come in person.

The BMV may place restrictions on your license, such as requiring you to wear glasses, limiting you to daytime driving only, or requiring hand controls on your vehicle. These restrictions appear on your license and are legally binding. If your condition improves or resolves, you can request removal of restrictions by contacting the BMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state now?

No. Indiana requires proof of current residency in the state to renew. If you've moved out of Indiana, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. You can keep your Indiana license until it expires, but you cannot renew it without an Indiana address.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your process. The new license arrives by mail at the address on file with the BMV. If you need a license sooner, renew in person at a BMV branch to get it the same day.

What if I lost my current license and can't find it?

You can still renew by mail or in person. Bring a document with your license number on it (such as your renewal notice from the BMV) along with proof of residency and your Social Security number. If you don't have your license number, the BMV can look it up using your name and date of birth.

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

A new photo is taken at in-person renewal unless you request a waiver. You can waive the photo if you renewed in person within the last four years and your appearance hasn't changed significantly. Online and mail renewal do not require a new photo—your existing photo is carried over to your new license.

What if my renewal process is rejected by the online system?

The online system will tell you why your process was rejected and direct you to renew by mail or in person. Common reasons are an expired license, an address mismatch, or a change in your medical status. Contact the BMV at 317-615-7293 if you're unsure why your process was rejected.

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.