What to bring to the BMV for license renewal

To renew your Indiana driver's license, you need to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. Indiana does not allow online or mail renewal for standard driver's licenses, so you will make an appointment or walk in during business hours.

Bring your current Indiana driver's license or ID card. If you no longer have it, bring a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate instead. You also need one document showing your current Indiana address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will not process your renewal without it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a BMV branch in person; Indiana does not offer online or mail renewal for driver's licenses.
  • Bring your current license, one form of ID, and one document showing your current address dated within 60 days.
  • If your name has changed, bring the legal document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Standard renewals cost $20 and are valid for four years; the BMV will tell you the exact fee when you arrive.
  • You can schedule an appointment online through the Indiana BMV website to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted.

How to schedule your BMV appointment

The Indiana BMV allows you to book an appointment online at in.gov/bmv before you visit. Click "Schedule an Appointment" and select your county and preferred branch. You will choose a date and time, and the BMV will send you a confirmation.

Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance during busy seasons, so schedule as soon as your license is within six months of expiration. If you cannot find an appointment time that works, you can still walk into any BMV branch without one — you will straightforward wait longer during peak hours.

Some branches are busier than others. If your local branch has long wait times, try a branch in a nearby county. The BMV website shows current wait times for each location, updated throughout the day.

Renewal fees and how long it takes

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $20 in Indiana. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel), the cost is $32. The BMV will ask which type you want when you arrive.

Processing takes about 15 minutes once you are called. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The BMV will give you a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

If you need your license sooner, some BMV branches offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Ask the staff member when you check in whether expedited processing is available that day.

When you can renew early

Indiana allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the BMV — there is no penalty for renewing late. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so bring a second form of ID if you plan to drive home from the BMV.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, the BMV will not process a renewal until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence.

Before you go to the BMV, check your license status on the Indiana BMV website. If it shows a suspension or revocation, contact the agency listed (usually the court or the Indiana Department of Revenue) to resolve the issue first. Once it is cleared, you can renew normally.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate unless your current license is lost or stolen. The BMV already has your information on file from your last renewal or initial license process.

You do not need to take a new written test or vision test for a standard renewal unless the BMV specifically requests one. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), different rules explore — contact your local BMV branch for CDL renewal requirements.

Renewing if you have moved out of state

If you have moved to another state, you cannot renew your Indiana license. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence instead. Indiana will not process an out-of-state renewal request.

If you still live in Indiana but moved to a different address, bring your new address proof (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and the BMV will update your address during renewal. You do not need to visit the BMV twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I do not have a current address in Indiana?

No. You must have a current Indiana address and proof of that address dated within 60 days. If you are homeless or living temporarily, contact your local BMV branch to ask about alternative documentation they may accept.

What if I lost my license and cannot find it?

Bring a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate instead of your current license. The BMV will process your renewal the same way. You will pay the standard $20 fee for a four-year license.

Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?

Not for a standard renewal. The BMV only requires a vision test if your license has restrictions (like corrective lenses) or if the BMV staff member suspects a vision problem. You will be told if one is needed when you arrive.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the paper license is a backup in case of mail delays. Do not rely on it beyond 30 days.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the BMV. A parent, spouse, or attorney cannot renew on your behalf. The only exception is if you have a documented disability that prevents you from visiting — contact your local BMV branch to discuss accommodations.