How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License

Indiana driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Indiana lets you renew your driver's license through the mail, online, or at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch. The method you can use depends on how much time is left before your license expires, whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting a branch, but some situations require an in-person appointment.

Your current Indiana license shows your expiration date on the front. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail methods — you must go to a BMV branch in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the BMV website works if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order sent to the BMV.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch is required if your license is expired, you need a REAL ID, or your address or legal name has changed.
Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and renewal fees vary depending on whether you choose a standard or REAL ID license.
You can schedule a BMV appointment online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted at most branches.

Online renewal through the BMV website

The Indiana BMV website allows you to renew online if your license is not yet expired and you meet a few conditions. You cannot have changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, and you cannot be renewing for a REAL ID license for the first time. If all of these explore to you, go to the BMV's online renewal portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You do not need to visit a branch or provide any documents — the BMV verifies your information against its existing records.

Mail renewal with a form and check

To renew by mail, read or request the DL 44 form from the BMV website or call 317-615-7293. Fill out the form completely, include your current driver's license, and send both along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. Send your documents well before your license expires so there is time for processing and delivery. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the BMV needs to contact you about missing information.

In-person renewal at a BMV branch

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a REAL ID for the first time, or if you have changed your legal name or address since your last renewal. Bring your current Indiana driver's license (or expired license if that is all you have), proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name if it has changed — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV website lists all branch locations and hours.

You can schedule an appointment online through the BMV website to reduce wait time, though most branches also accept walk-ins. Appointments often fill up weeks in advance, especially in larger cities, so book early if you have a important date. The renewal fee is paid at the branch by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

REAL ID versus standard license 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 meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you already have a REAL ID license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your other information has not changed. If you are renewing a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you must do so in person at a BMV branch.

To get a REAL ID for the first time, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), proof of your date of birth (such as a birth certificate), and two forms of proof of your current address (such as a utility bill and a lease). The REAL ID renewal fee is slightly higher than a standard renewal fee.

Renewal fees and license validity

Indiana driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. The renewal fee for a standard license is $20, and the fee for a REAL ID license is $25. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the BMV website for the most up-to-date amounts before you send payment by mail or visit a branch.

If you renew before your license expires, your new license will be valid for eight years from the expiration date of your old license, not from the date you renew. This means you do not lose any time by renewing early.

What to do if your license has already expired

Once your Indiana driver's license expires, you cannot drive legally and you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a BMV branch in person with your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, the BMV may require additional documents or may ask you to take a new written test — call 317-615-7293 to ask what you need to bring before you go.

Do not drive with an expired license while waiting for your renewal to be processed. If you are pulled over, you can face a traffic citation.

Scheduling a BMV appointment and what to expect

The BMV website has an online appointment scheduler where you can choose your preferred branch, date, and time. Appointments are usually available several weeks out, but availability varies by location. If you cannot find an appointment that works for you, you can still visit most branches as a walk-in, though wait times may be longer.

Bring all required documents and your payment method. The renewal process at the branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have everything you need. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the branch that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Indiana requires you to be a resident to hold an Indiana driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can renew an Indiana license only if you still live in Indiana.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a BMV branch in person with proof of your identity, date of birth, and current address. The BMV can look up your license information and issue a replacement or renewal at the same time.

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

Online and mail renewals take about 10 to 21 days for delivery. In-person renewals at a BMV branch issue a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. Delivery times may be longer during high-volume periods.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a BMV branch?

Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online reduces wait time. Most branches accept walk-ins, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or longer depending on how busy the branch is that day.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a BMV branch and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.

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.