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Obtaining a Photo ID

If you do not possess an ID that is acceptable for voting purposes, Public Law 109-2005 requires the BMV to issue an Indiana State ID Card free.

To obtain a free ID card for voting purposes from any BMV branch that issues driver licenses and ID cards, you will need to supply the necessary documentation, as explained on the BMV's Indiana Identification Documentation List web page or print off the "Here's What You'll Need..." flyer to take with you to the BMV. You may also contact the Hoosier Voter Hotline at 1-866-IN-1-VOTE or the BMV at (317) 233-6000.

For more information and convenience:

• BMV Branch Locator
• BMV Branch Current Wait Time Calculator
• Comprehensive List of Acceptable Documents of Identification

How do I get a driver license or ID card if I don't have a birth certificate?
In most cases, to obtain a photo ID you would need to supply a U.S. Birth Certificate. However, Individuals who are 65 years or older, and attest that they have never been issued a Birth Certificate because their birth was never recorded with any State Office of Vital Statistics, may present other forms of identification as a primary document, along with the secondary document, for an Indiana driver license or identification card.

Individuals who are 65 years or older may present, as primary documents:

• Medicaid/medicare Card
• Social Security Benefits Statement
• Property Deed
• Property Tax Statement
• Bank Statements
• US Veteran's Access Photo ID Card
• Marriage/Divorce Decree
• Pension Statement

Please not that Secondary Documents, and other documents proving residency, are still required for most transactions. For more information on acceptable documents of identification, please consult the Indiana Identification Documentation List

Those individuals who are younger then 65 years of age but who do not have an original copy of their birth certificate may:

• bring another document from the Primary Group such as a U.S. passport or a Veteran's identification card,
• or they may contact the health department or department of vital statistics in their county or state of birth to obtain a new copy of their original birth certificate.

PLEASE NOTE:To be accepted by the BMV, birth certificates must be original copies issued by the health department or department of vital statistics in the applicant's county or state of birth. Birth certificates issued by hospitals or other organizations will not be accepted.

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