Indiana License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Indiana
You renew your license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Your license is good for 6 years. It expires on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the BMV renewal portal.
- In person — go to a BMV office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
- Self-service kiosk — use a kiosk at select BMV offices. Fast and easy.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to the IN BMV website. Check if your license is in the renewal window and if your photo is still current.
- Gather documents — Have your license number, Social Security number, and payment ready. For in-person visits, bring ID docs.
- Complete the renewal — Use the BMV portal, visit a branch, or use a kiosk. Answer the questions and verify your info.
- Pay the fee — Pay $17.50 by credit card, debit card, cash, or e-check.
- Receive your license — Get a temp license right away. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Indiana Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $17.50 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $12 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $2 |
| Name change | $11.50 |
| Knowledge test retest | $5 |
| Valid for | 6 years |
You pay $17.50 for a 6-year renewal. That's one of the lowest fees in the U.S. There's no late fee.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Indiana driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Indiana residency
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 180 days
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have a valid Social Security number on file
- You do not need a new photo (photos are valid for 12 years)
You can renew online many times if your photo is current. Photos last 12 years.
Go to BMV online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Indiana License Expires
IN has no grace period. Driving on an expired license is a Class C infraction.
- Before expiry — Up to 1 year before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 180 days after expiry for standard renewal
- Long-lapsed penalty — Expired over 180 days but under 3 years? You may need extra tests. Over 3 years? You must apply as a new driver.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Indiana. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal. Online renewals don't need a vision test.
- In-person visits — You can renew online many times if your photo is current. Photos last 12 years.
- Wait time — Online renewals process in 1 to 2 business days. In-person visits give you a temp right away. Your card arrives in 2 to 3 weeks.
Common Indiana License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not realizing how cheap Indiana renewal is
It's $17.50 for 6 years. That's one of the best deals in the U.S. Don't let cost worry delay your renewal.
Missing the 180-day post-expiration window
You have 180 days after expiry to renew without extra tests. After that, you may need to retake exams. After 3 years, you start over.
Forgetting about the senior 3-year cycle
Once you turn 75, IN cuts your cycle from 6 years to 3. You also need a vision test each time. Plan for more frequent renewals.
Skipping the kiosk option at BMV branches
Many IN BMV branches have self-service kiosks. The wait is much shorter than the counter. Check the BMV site for kiosk locations.
REAL ID Info for Indiana
IN has issued REAL ID licenses since 2010. Most IN licenses already have the gold star. First-time REAL ID needs an in-person visit.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
Senior & Age Rules
Drivers 75 and older renew every 3 years instead of 6. They must pass a vision test each time.
What Makes Indiana Different
IN charges just $17.50 for a 6-year license. That's less than $3 per year.
Your photo lasts 12 years in IN. You can renew online many times in a row without a new photo.
Drivers 75 and older switch from 6-year to 3-year renewal cycles.