An Indiana driver’s license or identification card may be renewed up to two years prior to expiration for most Hoosiers. Individuals with temporary lawful status can only renew up to 30 days prior to the expiration of their current license or identification card.
Renewing a Real ID?
When renewing a Real ID compliant driver’s license or state ID, U.S. citizens do not need to provide documents required for obtaining a Real ID each renewal year. However, non-US Citizens are required to bring additional paperwork. For more information, please review the section below titled: When you Must Visit a BMV Branch to Renew.
License, Permit, & ID Validity Periods
Renewing Online
Renewing at a Branch
Renewing if You're Away from Indiana
When You Must Visit a BMV Branch to Renew
Many Hoosiers are eligible to renew online every other renewal, which means that you only need to visit the BMV branch once every 10-12 years for a license or identification card renewal. However, the below circumstances require you to visit a branch location in order to renew a credential:
- Customers with a Commercial Driver’s License or a For-Hire endorsement must visit a BMV branch to renew their driver’s license.
- If you need to change your name or residential address, you will need to visit a branch and present documentation of the change to amend your license.
- When you apply for a new driver’s license, permit, or identification card, you are required to obtain a Real ID. You will need the following documents:
- One document proving your identity; and
- One document proving your lawful status in the United States; and
- One document proving your Social Security number; and
- Two documents proving your Indiana residency
If you have ever changed your last name, documentation for that change is also required. You can learn more by reading about Real ID requirements and acceptable documents.
- Licensed drivers who are 75 years of age and older must visit a BMV branch to renew.
- Foreign nationals with permanent or temporary lawful status must also visit a branch and provide documentation of identity, lawful status, proof of Social Security Number (or proof of ineligibility) and Indiana residency for each renewal transaction.
- If you have six or more points on your driving record, you must take the written test to renew your driver's license.
- If you are renewing a driver’s license that is not expired because your last renewal was online, you must pass a standard vision screening or submit Vision Screening Documentation – State Form 56520 completed by a licensed ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist.
- If you are renewing a driver’s license that has been expired for less than 180 days, you must pay a $6.00 administrative penalty fee and pass a standard vision screening or submit Vision Screening Documentation – State Form 56520.
- If you are renewing a driver’s license that has been expired for 180 days but not more than five years, you must pay a $6.00 administrative penalty, pass a written test, and undergo a standard vision screening or submit Vision Screening Documentation – State Form 56520.
- If you are renewing a driver’s license that has been expired for more than five years, you must pay a $6.00 administrative penalty, and pass a written test, a driving test, and a standard vision screening (or submit Vision Screening Documentation – State Form 56520).
If you must visit a BMV branch to renew, view this list of BMV branch locations.
Renewing a License If You Are Away From Indiana
If your Indiana driver's license is expired, lost or stolen while you are out of the state, you may renew or replace your driver's license online if you meet the requirements listed above, or you may request a 30-day interim from the date your driver's license expires. To obtain a 30-day interim of your driver's license or a 30-day interim credential you will need to download and complete a Request for Interim License, State Form 54580. After you have completed the form in its entirety, mail it to the address listed on the form. You may be able to print a paper interim license from your myBMV account if you recently renewed or replaced your driver’s license in a BMV branch or online at myBMV.com.
If you are temporarily living outside Indiana because you are serving in the military, your license remains valid for 90 days following your discharge from service. If your license expires while outside of Indiana and you are not eligible for online renewal you may print a Military Interim Letter. While operating a motor vehicle, you should hold in your possession your most current driver's license along with this letter and proof of your service in the Armed Forces. To obtain a renewed license after you have been discharged, you need to visit a branch and show proof of discharge.