Is your Indiana driver’s license about to expire?
If so, then you need to renew it already.
Now, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s back to the BMV you go — Indiana offers 2 ways to complete the renewal process. If you qualify, you can do everything from the comfort of your home.
And we’re going to show you how.
Here, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to renew a driver’s license in Indiana. We’ll walk you through all the different renewal channels.
This way, you know everything you need to know, making the process a whole lot easier.
So let’s begin!
Indiana Driver’s License Renewal Requirements
There are 3 ways to renew your driver’s license in Indiana. These are:
- Online
- At a Kiosk
- At a BVM office
Before we get into the details, let’s see what channel you’re eligible for.
Determine Your Eligibility
Go through this list and see how many you can check off:
- You did your last renewal in person (you can only do online every other renewal)
- You don’t carry a CDL or have a For-Hire endorsement on your operator license
- You are a U.S. citizen currently residing in Indiana
- There are no changes in your personal details, such as your name or address
- Your driver’s license is valid. If not, it should be less than 180 days expired
- You are not required to take a written exam or a driving test
- Your renewal date is within the next 24 months
- You are older than 21 but younger than 75
NOTE: Check this box IF you’re 75 or older, but you’ve submitted your vision screening from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. PLUS, you can complete and are planning to complete your renewal within 30 days of your screening date
Don’t forget to ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist to fill out a Vision Screening Documentation (State Form 56520) and submit it to DriverAbility@bmv.IN.gov.
- Your license does not have restrictions J or 2 to 9
- You have a previous photo on file
- Your driving privileges are not suspended, revoked, or invalidated
- You have less than 6 active points on your driving record
A check on ALL the boxes means you can proceed with an online or kiosk renewal. You need to renew at a BMV office if there’s an unchecked box (yes, even if it’s just one).
That out of the way, let’s look at the steps for each renewal process.
How to Renew an Indiana Driver’s License Online
One of the best ways to renew your license is online — whether on the BMV website or through a BMV kiosk. This method allows you to complete the process without stepping a foot inside a BMV branch.
If you’re eligible, grab the opportunity — you won’t encounter a more convenient route.
And if so, here are the steps:
- Go to the myBMV website and log in or create an account.
NOTE: If you want to renew through a kiosk, check out which BMV branch has one. Click this link to see a complete list of locations.
- Have the following information ready and input them when prompted:
- Complete name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s license number
- Pay the renewal fee. The amount varies depending on your age:
- under 75 — $17.50
- from 75 to 85 — $11
- 85 and older — $7
- If your license expired less than 180 days ago — additional $6
- Submit your application and wait for your new license. It’ll arrive via mail within 14 days.
As easy and convenient as that!
How to Renew an Indiana Driver’s License In-Person
Technically, you only need to renew in person every 10 to 12 years. However, you might run into situations where you need to physically appear at a BMV office.
If, after checking your eligibility, you confirmed that you need to renew in person, here are the steps to do that:
- Check the status of your driver’s license to determine whether or not you have to make an appointment online.
| When Did Your License Expire? | What Tests Do You Need? | Do You Need to Schedule Ahead of Time? |
| Still valid | Vision screening | No |
| Less than 180 days ago | Vision screening | No |
| More than 180 days ago but less than 3 years | Vision screening and written test | No |
| More than 3 years ago | Vision screening, written exam, and driving test | Yes |
- Submit the following documents to the BMV:
- (1) Proof of identity
- (1) Proof of lawful status
- (1) Social Security Number (or proof of ineligibility)
- (2) Proofs of Indiana residency
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Court order (if applicable)
NOTE: Click here to see a complete list of documents you can present.
- Pass the vision screening
- Pass the written exam and/or driving test (if applicable)
- Pay the renewal fee:
- Drivers 21 to 75: $17.50
- Drivers 75 to 85: $11
- Drivers 85 and older: $7
NOTE: You must spend an additional $6 if you’re renewing your license past its expiration date.
- Surrender your old license in exchange for a temporary one. Your new license will arrive in the mail within 14.
Sure, it’s a bit more hassle than online renewals. However, as you can see, it’s still very simple to do.
FAQs
Before we go, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about driver’s license renewal in Indiana.
Can I renew my driver’s license by mail in Indiana?
Unfortunately, Indiana does not allow renewal by mail. Your options are doing it online, through a kiosk, or at a BMV office.
When does my driver’s license expire in Indiana?
Driver’s licenses in Indiana always expire on your birthday.
However, licenses have different lifespans, depending on your age.
If you have a probationary license before your 21st birthday, it will expire after you turn 21. So you’ll need to renew your probationary license to a full adult driver’s license by then.
After that, your license expires every 6 years. This timeline applies to all drivers younger than 75.
Starting on your 75th birthday, you must renew your license every 3 years and should continue to do so until you’re 85.
Drivers 85 and older must renew every 2 years.
Do you need an appointment for Indiana BMV?
Regardless of which BMV branch you visit for renewal, it will entertain walk-ins.
However, if you need to take a vision, written, and driving test as part of the renewal process, you must schedule an appointment in advance.
Remember, a driving test only becomes necessary if you renew your license more than 3 years after its expiration.
That said, making an appointment is helpful when taking any test, such as a written or vision test. It can help you avoid long wait times, resulting in a better renewal experience.
What documentation do I need to renew my Indiana driver’s license?
Usually, the only thing you need to present is your proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of legal presence, and driver’s license. However, if your details have changed since your last renewal — such as your name or address — you must show documents to support these.
You can check the BMV’s list of acceptable documents to know what to prepare.
Can you extend your driver’s license expiration date?
You can only request an extension from the BMV if you’re out of state when your license expires. You must submit a Request for Interim License (State Form 54580) to the address on it via mail. Otherwise, there is no grace period in Indiana.
However, you can renew your license up to 2 years before it expires, so if you know you’re traveling, you might want to sort it out before leaving.
Wrapping Things Up
So that was your complete guide on how to renew a driver’s license in Indiana.
If you qualify for online renewal, then AWESOME! You can get it done within a few minutes.
But if you need to go to a BMV office, then it’s best to schedule an appointment to avoid the long lines. That said, the renewal process is still very easy.
Now that you know everything about Indiana driver’s license renewal, what are you waiting for?
You should go and renew your Indiana driver’s license today!