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
Renewal Notices
How Long is My Driver's License or Identification Card Valid?
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. See below for more specific details on the validity of your driver's license or ID card.
Easily Renew Online or at a Kiosk
Make sure to review the below criteria to confirm you are eligible to renew your driver’s license or identification card online or at a BMV Connect kiosk. Regardless of whether you are doing a renewal or replacement, you will must provide your full name, date of birth, residential address, and Social Security number when you login to myBMV. If you are using a BMV Connect kiosk, you must provide your driver’s license or ID number, legal zip code, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
You can renew the following credentials online ONLY if you meet the conditions listed below each:
When to Visit a BMV Branch to Renew
Many Hoosiers are eligible to renew online every other renewal, which means you only need to visit a branch once every 10-12 years to renew a license or ID. The below circumstances, however, 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).
Find your nearest BMV branch location.
Get Notified About Your Renewals
The BMV sends renewal reminders for driver’s licenses, permits, and IDs. The type of notice you receive depends on preferences within your myBMV account as well as your historical renewal activity.
Here’s how you can find out how you will receive renewal information:
- If you are opted into email reminders, both your registration and credential reminders will be sent by email from "BMV Communications".
- If you are opted into text reminders, both your registration and credential reminders will be sent by text. The text is sent from 46268.
- If you are opted into US Mail and you renewed in a branch, online, or at a kiosk for each of the last 2 years, you will receive a postcard reminder for both your registration and credential.
- If you are opted into US Mail and you renewed through the mail, or over the phone, for either of the last 2 years, you will receive a long-form preprint reminder for your registration and a postcard reminder for your credential.
- If this is your first renewal for a particular vehicle or watercraft, you will receive a postcard reminder for that vehicle or watercraft. This includes new vehicles.
The BMV offers several options for you to renew your vehicle and watercraft registration including online, at a kiosk, at a branch, and by mail. If you have received a text message, email, or postcard renewal reminder for registration and wish to renew by mail, please review the Registration Renewal by Mail process.
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.