What You Need to Do to Get a Real ID in Indiana

To get a Real ID in Indiana, you visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch in person with specific documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. Indiana Real IDs are driver's licenses or ID cards that meet federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You cannot get one by mail or online — the BMV requires you to appear in person so they can verify your identity and take your photograph.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the BMV, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your Real ID will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another federally acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, proof of Indiana residency, proof of Social Security number, and payment for the fee.
  • Indiana charges $28 for a Real ID driver's license or $20 for a Real ID ID card, and the card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
  • You cannot renew a Real ID by mail — every Real ID requires an in-person visit to the BMV.
  • A Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 7, 2025, but not for driving or voting.

Documents You Must Bring to the BMV

The BMV requires four categories of documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You do not need to bring all documents listed in each category, but you must bring at least one from each group.

Proof of identity: A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it — hospital-issued birth certificates do not count.

Proof of Indiana residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Indiana address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Your name must appear on the document.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A Social Security letter from the Social Security Administration also counts.

Payment: Bring a debit card, credit card, or cash. The BMV does not accept checks.

Real ID vs. Standard Indiana Driver's License

Indiana offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID. The main difference is that a Real ID meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access. A standard Indiana driver's license cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.

Both cost money to obtain. A Real ID driver's license costs $28, while a standard driver's license costs $20. Both are valid for eight years. If you already have a standard Indiana driver's license and want to switch to a Real ID, you must visit the BMV in person — you cannot upgrade by mail.

If you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still legal for driving and voting. However, the BMV recommends getting a Real ID now to avoid a rush closer to the May 2025 important date.

Finding a BMV Branch and Making an Appointment

Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the branch nearest you on the Indiana BMV website at in.gov/bmv. The site lists hours, phone numbers, and whether each branch accepts appointments.

Many BMV branches now allow you to schedule an appointment online through the same website. Scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly — some branches report wait times of 30 minutes or more during peak hours, while appointment holders are usually seen within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. If your local branch does not offer online scheduling, you can call ahead to ask about wait times.

Some BMV branches are busier than others. If your local branch has long waits, visiting a branch in a nearby county may be faster. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to present.

What Happens During Your BMV Visit

When you arrive at the BMV, you will check in at the front desk and present your documents. A BMV employee will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you to sign a form confirming your information and that you understand the rules of the road.

Next, you will have your photograph taken. Wear something you do not mind appearing in for eight years — the photo will be on your Real ID. The BMV has specific rules: no hats, no sunglasses, no filters, and a neutral background. Your face must be clearly visible and centered.

After your photo, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your Real ID will be mailed to the address on your process within two to three weeks. The BMV will print a temporary paper license you can use when ready while you wait for your card to arrive.

Real ID Fees and Payment Options

A Real ID driver's license costs $28 in Indiana. A Real ID ID card (for people who do not drive) costs $20. These are one-time fees that cover the eight-year validity period of the card.

The BMV accepts debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Some branches may accept other payment methods — call ahead to confirm. If you are renewing a Real ID that has expired, you pay the same fee as a new Real ID.

Indiana does not charge extra for a Real ID compared to a standard license — the difference is $8 for a driver's license ($28 for Real ID versus $20 for standard) and the same price for ID cards. If cost is a concern, remember that a standard license is still legal for driving and voting; a Real ID is only required for federal purposes.

After Your Real ID Arrives

Your Real ID will arrive by mail at the address you provided at the BMV. Open the envelope carefully — your card is inside. Check that your name, date of birth, and address are correct. If anything is wrong, return to the BMV with your temporary paper license and the card to request a correction.

Once your Real ID arrives, you can use it for domestic air travel, federal building access, and driving. You do not need to do anything else — no registration, no set up, no follow-up visit. Keep your Real ID in a safe place, just as you would a passport.

Your Real ID is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew it by visiting the BMV again with the same documents, or you can wait until it expires and renew then. Indiana does not allow mail-in renewal for Real IDs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A birth certificate is one option for proof of identity, but you can also use a valid passport, passport card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, contact the BMV to ask about other documents they may accept in your situation.

What if I moved to Indiana recently and do not have a utility bill in my name?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days also counts as proof of residency. If you just moved and do not have any of these yet, ask your landlord or bank for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address, or contact the BMV to ask what other documents they will accept.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Indiana?

No. A standard Indiana driver's license is legal for driving anywhere in the United States. A Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 7, 2025. You can continue to drive with a standard license indefinitely.

Can I get a Real ID by mail?

No. Indiana requires all Real ID applicants to visit a BMV branch in person so the BMV can verify your identity and take your photograph. You cannot renew a Real ID by mail, even if your previous Real ID is still valid.

How long does it take to get a Real ID after I explore?

Your Real ID will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The BMV gives you a temporary paper license at your visit that you can use when ready for driving and air travel while you wait for your card to arrive.