Getting A Driver's License
To get an Indiana driver's license you must hold an Indiana learner's permit or an Indiana driver education learner's permit for 60 days. You may not drive in Indiana with an out-of-state learner’s permit. If you have an Indiana learner’s permit and plan to travel outside of Indiana, you should first check the other states’ laws to determine if you may drive in each particular state.
A learner's permit allows an Indiana resident who is at least 16 years old to practice driving without taking a driver education course.
A driver education learner's permit allows an Indiana resident who is at least 15 years old to enroll in a driver education program and practice driving before applying for a driver's license.
If you are a new Indiana resident who has held a driver's license in another state you do not have to hold a learner's permit before applying for an Indiana driver's license.
Changes To Indiana Law For Probationary Drivers
Recent changes to state law affect probationary drivers who obtain an Indiana driver’s license on or after July 1, 2009. A probationary license is issued to drivers who are 16 or 17 years old.
Getting A Driver's License
To get an Indiana driver's license if you have driven with a learner's permit you must be at least 16 years and 180 days old, and have held your Indiana learner's permit for 60 days. You need to visit a license branch and pass a written examination, a driving skills test, and a standard vision screening test. You must also present certain documents of identification.
To get an Indiana driver's license if you have driven with a driver education learner's permit you must be at least 16 years and 30 days old, and have held your Indiana driver education learner's permit for 60 days. You need to visit a license branch and pass a written examination and a standard vision screening test. When you visit a branch to apply for your driver's license you must prove that you have completed a driver education course by presenting your course certificate. You must also present certain documents of identification.
If you are 16 or 17 years old when you apply for a driver's license you must have a parent or guardian sign an agreement of financial responsibility. Your license is considered probationary until you turn 18 years old, and you may only drive during certain circumstances.
- Learn more about the agreement of financial responsibility
- Learn more about driving with a probationary driver's license
The written examination and driving skills test
You may schedule an appointment for the driving skills test by contacting any Indiana license branch. You do not need to schedule an appointment for a written test unless you need to have the test read to you. You must arrive at least one hour before a branch closes to take a written examination or driving skills test.
The vision screening test
The vision screening tests an applicant's visual acuity and visual fields. If your visual ability does not meet state standards you will be referred to an eye doctor for an eye examination.
Documents of identification
When you apply for a driver's license you must present documents of identification proving your identity, residency status, and Social Security number.
How Long Is My Driver's License Valid?
If you are younger than 75 years of age, your Indiana driver's license is valid for six years. If you are 75 to 84 years old, your license is valid for three years. If you are 85 years or older, your license is valid for two years.
You may renew your license at any Indiana license branch up to one year before the license expires. If you are 16 or 17 years old when you get your license, you must renew your license on or before your 21st birthday.
How do I replace my driver's license?
To replace your driver's license you will need to visit a license branch and present certain documents of identification.
Sign-Up For E-Mail Reminders
Congratulations on your new Indiana driver's license! Don't forget to create an online myBMV account to receive e-mail reminders of your driver's license renewal date, print your driving record, and update your personal information.
Still Have Questions? Contact The BMV
- Send us an e-mail about getting a driver's license
- Send us a general e-mail about licenses and permits
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