Replacing Your License, Permit Or Identification Card
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles endeavors to safeguard the integrity of driver documents and to protect the public from false or fraudulent applications. The BMV requires documentation to replace an Indiana driver license, identification card, learner permit or driver education permit. Only original documents or certified facsimiles from the issuing agency will be accepted. The BMV reserves the right to refuse any identification presented that appears fraudulent or unreliable, and altered and expired primary documents will not be accepted. All documents must contain the applicant's name and be in English or contain an English translation.
All Immigration/Naturalization Service (INS), Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documentation presented as identification is verified at a central location. A temporary document may be issued at a license branch until the documents presented have been verified.
Replacing your driver's license, permit or identification card
If you need to replace a lost or stolen driver license, identification card, learner permit, or driver education permit you must visit a license branch and present the following documents:
- One primary document; and
- One secondary document; and
- Proof of Social Security number or Social Security ineligibility.
If your address or name has changed since the driver license, identification card, learner permit, or driver education permit was first issued, a document indicating your new address or name must be presented at the license branch. If your address has changed, you will need to present proof of your current address. A primary or secondary document may be used to provide proof of address as long as the document shows your correct name and address. If your name has changed, you will need to present a marriage certificate, or a court order for a divorce or other name change.
Replacing your driver's license or identification card while out of state
If your valid Indiana driver's license has been lost or stolen while you are out of the state, you may request a 90-day verification letter that will allow you to return to Indiana and obtain a duplicate license. To obtain a 90-day verificiation letter, you will need to complete a Request for Photo Exempt License/ID Card for Religious Reasons - State Form 45811 and mail to the address listed on the form.
If you are temporarily living outside Indiana because you are serving with the military, your license remains valid for 90 days following your discharge from service. To obtain a duplicate license after you have been discharged, you need to visit a license branch and show proof of your discharge.
Replacing your driver's license, permit or identification card if you are a foreign national
Any foreign national who needs to replace an Indiana driver's license, permit or identification card should visit a license branch and ask to replace the license, permit or identification card through the Central Verification Process (CVP). This process allows the BMV to verify the applicant's immigration or residency status.
Any documents presented at a license branch establishing an applicant’s immigration or residency status will be forwarded to the BMV's Central Verification Division. The applicant will be issued a document stating that he or she has a temporarily-replaced license, permit or identification card which is valid for 60 days. When the Central Verification Division has verified the applicant’s documents, the permanently-replaced license, permit or identification card will be mailed to the applicant.
