How to Renew Your Indiana Driver's License at the BMV

Indiana BMV License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Indiana driver's license online through the BMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a BMV branch. The online route is fastest — you'll receive your new license in 7 to 10 business days — and costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a renewal form. In-person renewal at a BMV branch takes about 30 minutes and lets you handle everything the same day, though you'll need to bring specific documents.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether your address is current in the BMV system. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go in person or by mail. If you've changed your name or address since your last license was issued, you'll need to bring proof of the change to an in-person appointment.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the BMV website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $24 for four years or $36 for eight years, but only works if your current license is still valid and your address hasn't changed.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment to the BMV, and takes 2 to 3 weeks to process.
In-person renewal at a BMV branch requires a valid ID, proof of residence, and your Social Security number, and you'll receive a temporary license the same day.
If your license has expired or you've changed your name or address, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not an option.
You can schedule an in-person appointment online to avoid waiting at a BMV branch, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Online Renewal Through the BMV Website

To renew online, go to the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) and select "Renew a License" from the main menu. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity and check that your address on file is current. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.

Online renewal is only available if your license is still valid — not expired — and if you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If either of those conditions applies to you, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. After you complete the online transaction, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You'll receive a confirmation number by email; keep this for your records.

The new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, your confirmation number serves as a temporary license and is valid for 30 days from the date you renew online. Print the confirmation email or show it on your phone to law enforcement if you're stopped.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

To renew by mail, read the "process for Renewal of Driver's License" form from the BMV website (form DL 44), or call the BMV at 317-615-7571 to request one. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24 (four-year license) or $36 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking system for mail renewals, so you won't know the exact day your new license will arrive. If you need to drive during this time, keep a copy of your mailed form and the confirmation that you sent it — this is not an official temporary license, but it shows you initiated renewal. For a true temporary license, you'll need to renew in person instead.

Mail renewal is a good option if you have a valid, unexpired license and your address hasn't changed. If your license has expired or you've moved, you must renew in person or contact the BMV before mailing to update your address in the system.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Branch

To renew in person, visit any BMV branch in Indiana. You can schedule an appointment online through the BMV website to reduce wait time, or walk in without an appointment. Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or card.

The BMV staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll pay $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license at the counter. You'll receive a temporary license printed on paper that day, valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you've changed your name, or if your address is not current in the BMV system. It's also the fastest way to get a temporary license if you need to drive when ready. If you schedule an appointment, you can choose your preferred BMV branch and time slot, which often reduces wait times to under 15 minutes.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Indiana driver's license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal — by mail or in person. You cannot renew an expired license online. If your license expired more than two years ago, the BMV treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal, which requires a written test, a driving test, and a new vision screening. You'll also need to provide proof of residency and your Social Security number.

For licenses expired more than two years, you must go in person to a BMV branch. Bring your expired license, a valid form of ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The BMV will schedule you for the written and driving tests, which typically happen on the same day or within a few days. This process takes longer than a standard renewal and costs more, so renewing before your license expires is worth planning for.

Scheduling an Appointment vs. Walk-In Service

The BMV website allows you to schedule an appointment at most branches up to 30 days in advance. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose your branch and preferred date and time, and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Arriving 5 to 10 minutes early helps the process move smoothly.

Walk-in service is available at all BMV branches during regular business hours, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Indianapolis or other major cities. If you walk in, arrive early in the morning or mid-week to avoid peak times. Even with an appointment, you may wait 10 to 15 minutes, so plan accordingly.

If you schedule an appointment and need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the BMV website at least 24 hours before your appointment time. Canceling online frees up the slot for other customers and helps the BMV manage branch traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired less than two years ago. You can renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license, which includes a written test and driving test. You must do this in person at a BMV branch.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Renew in person at a BMV branch or by mail, and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The BMV will update your address in the system during the renewal process.

How long is a temporary license valid?

A temporary license issued in person at a BMV branch is valid for 30 days. Your confirmation number from online renewal is also valid for 30 days and can be printed or shown on your phone. After 30 days, you must have your permanent license in hand to drive legally.

What if I don't receive my license in the mail after 10 business days?

Wait until day 14 before contacting the BMV, as mail delivery times vary. If you still haven't received it, call the BMV at 317-615-7571 with your confirmation number. They can check the status and reissue your license if needed. There may be a small fee for reissuance.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Outstanding tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent license renewal in Indiana. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before renewing. Contact the BMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to clear it.

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.