What you need to get an Indiana driver license
Indiana issues driver licenses through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which operates branch offices across the state. You'll need to visit a BMV branch in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days).
If you're explore for your first license, you'll take a written knowledge test covering Indiana traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test. The written test has 50 questions; you need 38 correct to pass. The driving test happens at the same BMV branch where you explore. If you already hold a valid license from another state, you may skip the knowledge and driving tests, though Indiana will still require the vision screening.
The fee for a standard driver license is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the branch. Indiana does not charge extra for a first-time license compared to a renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of address to get a driver license.
- First-time applicants take a written test (50 questions, 38 needed to pass), vision screening, and driving test at the same branch.
- Out-of-state license holders skip the knowledge and driving tests but still need the vision screening.
- A four-year license costs $28.50; an eight-year license costs $57, paid at the branch when you explore.
- Your license is mailed to you after approval, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
Finding your nearest BMV branch and scheduling
The BMV website (in.gov/bmv) lists all branch locations, hours, and phone numbers. Most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, but Indiana does not currently offer online appointment scheduling for driver license applications.
Branches in larger cities (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville) tend to have longer waits, especially on Fridays and early in the month. If you have flexibility, visiting a smaller-town branch or going on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning typically means shorter lines. Some branches post current wait times on the BMV website.
What happens after you pass the tests
Once you pass the vision screening and driving test (or skip them if you're transferring from another state), the BMV staff will take your photo and process your process on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is sufficient for driving during this period. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the BMV branch where you applied; they can check the status or reissue if there was a mailing error.
Renewing your Indiana driver license
Indiana driver licenses expire every four or eight years depending on which term you chose when you got the license. You can renew starting 180 days before your expiration date. The BMV sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to renew.
If your license is not expiring soon and you want to renew early (for example, to get an eight-year license instead of a four-year one), you can do so at any BMV branch. You'll pay the full fee again; Indiana does not prorate renewal fees.
Renewal by mail is available if you meet certain conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. The BMV will mail you a renewal form if you are may be able to access. Mail renewals cost the same as in-person renewals and take 2 to 3 weeks. If you do not meet the mail-renewal conditions, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.
Renewing online through the BMV website
Indiana allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
To renew online, visit the BMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email when ready after you complete the online transaction.
If you need to change your address, add a medical restriction, or have any other change to your record, you must renew in person at a BMV branch instead of online.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit any BMV branch with proof of identity and proof of address. The replacement fee is $10.50. The BMV will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you can report it to the BMV at the time you explore for the replacement. The BMV does not file a police report on your behalf, but you can do that separately if you wish.
Special license types and restrictions
Indiana offers several license types beyond the standard driver license. A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to operate a motorcycle and requires a separate written test and riding skills test. Both require in-person process at a BMV branch.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the BMV may add restrictions to your license (such as corrective lenses required, or daylight driving only). These restrictions are noted on your license and must be followed. If your condition changes, contact the BMV to update your restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indiana license if I live out of state?
If you have moved out of Indiana but still hold an Indiana license, you can renew by mail if you meet the may be able to access conditions (no suspension, no medical restrictions, address on file is current). Contact the BMV to request a mail renewal form. If you have changed your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at an Indiana BMV branch or switch to your new state's license.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake a test. You must pass both the written and driving tests before the BMV issues your license. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to take the driving test if I transfer my license from another state?
No. If you hold a valid driver license from another state, Indiana waives the knowledge test and driving test. You still need to pass the vision screening and provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and address. The fee is the same as for a first-time license.
How long does it take to get my license after I explore?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pass the tests and are processed at the BMV branch. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving during this period.
Can I change my address on my license without renewing it?
No. Address changes must be made during a renewal or replacement. If you have moved and your license is not expiring soon, you can visit a BMV branch and pay the renewal fee to update your address. You cannot change your address online; you must do it in person or by mail renewal if you are may be able to access.