Top Determine the Status of Your License

State law requires that all residents have a legally valid license before getting behind the wheel. Luckily, the process for renewing your driver's license is fairly simple.

Keep in mind that proof of financial responsibility is also required for all drivers in the state. Typically, purchasing a car insurance policy is the easiest way to satisfy this requirement. Visit our Insurance Center for more information on choosing a policy that fits your needs.

Valid License

Your operator's license is valid for four years if you are 18 to 75 years old, three years if you are 75 to 85 years old, and two years if you are older than 85. If you are younger than 18, your driver's license is probationary and expires on your 21st birthday.

You can renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires.

To see if your license is still valid, request a copy of your driving record or check the listed expiration date.

NOTE: To learn how to renew your commercial driver's license, visit our CDL section.

Expired License

Your driver's license expires on your birthday. If your birthday falls on a day on which the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) license branches are closed, the license will expire on the next business day. If you fail to renew your license by this date, there is a $5 penalty. You may also receive a ticket if a law enforcement officer sees you are driving without a valid license.

You can see if your license has expired by requesting a copy of your driving record or checking the date listed.

Suspended License

Requesting a copy of your driving record is the best way to see if your driving privileges have been suspended. If your driver's license has been suspended, you'll receive a notice when you are eligible for renewal. The notice will contain instructions for completing the requirements needed to regain your driving privileges.

In many cases, you may find that your insurance premiums go up after your license has been suspended. However, comparing rates through our Insurance Center may help you save money when getting back on the road.

For additional information on this topic, please see our section on suspended licenses.

Lost License

If you've lost or misplaced your driver's license, you will need to request a duplicate license as soon as possible. See our page on Replacing a Lost License for more information.

Top Renew Online

Although the state once allowed online driver's license renewals, this practice has been discontinued due to security concerns.

Top Renew By Mail

Renewing your license by mail is only an option if you are temporarily residing outside of the state as a college student, missionary, member of the military, or business traveler. In this case, you must request a photo exempt license by completing the Request for Photo Exempt License/ID Card.

Top Renew In Person

Renewing your license in person is a fairly simple matter.

1. Take your current license to the license agency.
2. Recite your Social Security number as registered with the BMV. If your Social Security number is not on the BMV internal record, you will need to provide proof of your number.
3. If your address has changed, you will need to produce one document that shows proof of Indiana residency.
4. Complete a vision screening test.
5. Complete a written exam if your license has been expired for two years or more.
6. Complete a driving test if your license has been expired for three years or more.
7. Pay the requested renewal fee:
• Four-year: $19
• Three-year (75-85 of age): $11
• Two-year (85 or older): $7
• Probationary: $16
• Replacement: $10

Top Update Your Driving Skills

As you're renewing your driver's license, you may also want to consider taking the time to update your driving skills. Completing a supplemental traffic school course can help refresh your memory regarding the rules of the road while possibly reducing your annual insurance premiums.

If your current auto insurance policy doesn't offer a discount for taking this type of course, consider shopping our Insurance Center for one that does.

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