Documents and information you'll need to bring

To renew your Indiana driver's license, you need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Indiana residency. The state accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as proof of residency. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will also need to provide your date of birth and current address. If you've moved since your last renewal, update your address before you go or bring proof of your new address with you. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will not process your renewal without a matching address on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Indiana license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
  • You can renew in person at any BMV branch, by mail if your license is not expired, or online if you meet specific requirements.
  • The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license; payment by cash, check, or card is accepted.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days by mail or in person; online renewals are typically faster but have stricter may be able to access rules.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing in person at a BMV branch

Walk into any Indiana BMV branch with your documents and a completed process form (Form DL-43, which you can fill out at home or at the branch). Bring a check, cash, or debit card for the fee. The branch will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your temporary license prints when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days.

BMV branches are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but wait times vary. Check the BMV website to find the branch nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

Renewing by mail

If your license is not yet expired, you can mail your renewal to the BMV. Send your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and a check or money order for the fee to the address listed on the BMV website. Include a photocopy of your proof of residency. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the BMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. This method works only if your license is still valid—if it has expired, you must renew in person.

Renewing online

Indiana allows online renewal through the BMV website, but only if you meet strict requirements: your license must not be expired, you must not have any address changes, your name must not have changed, and you must have a valid email address on file. You will need to pay the fee by debit or credit card. The online process takes about 5 to 7 business days.

If you do not meet these requirements, the online system will tell you and direct you to renew by mail or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, but most people who have moved or changed their name will need to use one of the other methods.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $40. The BMV accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards at branches. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order only—do not send cash. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card.

Some BMV branches may charge an additional service fee if you use certain payment methods, so ask before you pay. The fee covers the cost of the license itself and processing; there are no hidden charges.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard process. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a BMV branch. You may also need to retake the written test and vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired. Call your local BMV branch before you go to confirm what tests you will need.

Do not drive with an expired license. Indiana law treats driving on an expired license as a traffic violation, and you can be stopped and cited. If your license has been expired for a long time, renew it as soon as you can.

Processing times and what to expect

In-person renewals are the fastest: you walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent license by mail within 10 business days. Mail renewals take 10 to 15 business days from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Online renewals typically take 5 to 7 business days. "Business days" means Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

Your temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. If your permanent license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the BMV to check the status. Keep your temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I do not have proof of residency?

No. Indiana requires proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, contact your local BMV branch to ask what other documents they will accept. Some branches may work with you if you bring multiple documents that together show your address.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person; mail and online renewal are not available if your name has changed. The BMV will update your name and issue a new license.

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

Most Indiana BMV branches do not require appointments for license renewal. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. However, some branches may offer appointment slots to reduce wait times. Check the BMV website or call your local branch to see if appointments are available in your area.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You need proof of your Social Security number, not the card itself. Bring a tax return, W-2 form, Social Security statement, or other official document that shows your number. A birth certificate alone is not enough—it must be a document that displays your Social Security number.

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

Indiana may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fees. Contact the court or the BMV before you renew to learn about your license is suspended. If it is, you will need to resolve the fine or fee before the BMV will process your renewal.