IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.


Mobile Site RSS Feeds

BMV > New Indiana Residents Information For New Indiana Residents

When you become a resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to get a new Indiana driver's license if you hold a valid driver's license from another state. If you do not hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must hold an Indiana learner's permit or an Indiana driver education learner's permit for 60 days before you may get an Indiana driver's license.

You may not drive in Indiana with an out-of-state learner’s permit.

Getting An Indiana Driver's License If You Hold A Valid Driver's License From Another State

If you are a new Indiana resident and need to get an Indiana driver's license, you must visit a license branch and pass a written examination and a standard vision screening test. When you apply for an Indiana driver's license, you must surrender any valid driver's licenses that you hold from other states.

If you are 16 or 17 years old when you get your driver's license, your license is considered probationary until you turn 18 years old and you may drive only under certain circumstances.

The written examination

You should arrive at the license branch at least one hour before the branch closes in order to take the written examination that day.

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.

If you do not have a birth certificate or a Social Security number, you may apply for a driver's license by submitting alternate documents of identification.

How Long Is My Driver's License Valid?

Your Indiana driver's license is valid for six 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.

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.

Getting An Indiana Driver's License If You Hold An Expired Driver's License From Another State

If you are a new Indiana resident applying for a license and have held an unrevoked out-of-state license for at least one year, and your out-of-state license has been expired for less than three years, you must pass a standard vision screening test and the written examination required for your license type.

If you are a new Indiana resident applying for a license and have held an unrevoked out-of-state license for less than one year, or if your out-of-state license has been expired for more than three years, you must pass a standard vision screening test, the written examination required for your license type, and a driving skills test.

Sign-Up For E-Mail Reminders

Congratulations on your new Indiana driver's license! Don't forget to establish 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

Stay Connected

You are leaving the IN.gov website. By clicking OK, you will be taken to a website that is not affiliated with the State of Indiana and may have different privacy and security policies. The State of Indiana is not responsible for, and does not endorse, guarantee, or monitor content, availability, viewpoints, products, or services that are offered or expressed on this non IN.gov portal website.