Where to Report Your Address Change in Indiana

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles address changes for driver's licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations. You do not need to visit an office in person for most address changes — Indiana allows you to update your address online, by mail, or in person at any BMV branch.

The method you choose depends on what document needs updating and how quickly you need the change recorded. Online is the fastest route if you have a valid driver's license or ID card. Mail works if you prefer not to go online. In-person visits are necessary only if you need a replacement card issued the same day or if you are updating a vehicle registration that requires a title transfer.

Indiana does not charge a fee to change your address on your driver's license or ID card. Vehicle registration address changes are included with your renewal or can be updated separately at no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your driver's license or ID address online through the BMV website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • The online method requires your current license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Mail-in address changes take two to three weeks to process, while online changes are recorded when ready.
  • Vehicle registration address changes can be made online, by mail, or at a BMV branch, and do not require a new title unless you are transferring ownership.
  • You must update your address within a reasonable time after moving; Indiana law does not specify an exact important date, but driving with an outdated address can complicate traffic stops and vehicle registration renewals.

Changing Your Driver's License or ID Address Online

The Indiana BMV website lets you update your address in minutes without leaving home. Go to in.gov/bmv, select "Change Address Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the address currently on file.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your card. The BMV will not mail you a new card — your current card remains valid, and the address change takes effect when ready in the BMV database. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you must request one at a BMV branch or pay a replacement fee through the online system.

The online system works for driver's licenses and identification cards only. If you also need to update a vehicle registration address, you will need to handle that separately through the vehicle registration process.

Updating Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read the "Change of Address" form from the BMV website or request one by phone at 888-692-6841. Fill in your current license or ID number, your name, your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks. During that time, your address in the BMV system will not change, so if you renew your license or register a vehicle before the change is processed, you may receive documents at your old address. For this reason, mail is slower than the online method and should be used only if you cannot go online.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you do not receive confirmation within four weeks, call the BMV to verify the change was received.

Changing Your Address in Person at a BMV Branch

You can update your address at any BMV branch by bringing your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The branch staff will update your address in the system when ready.

In-person visits are useful if you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it the same day, though you will pay a replacement fee (typically $15 to $20, depending on card type). If you only need the address changed in the system and do not need a new card, the in-person update is free.

Wait times at BMV branches vary by location and time of day. Check the BMV website for your local branch's hours and current wait times before you go. Many branches allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

Updating Your Vehicle Registration Address

Your vehicle registration address can be changed separately from your driver's license address. If you own a vehicle registered in Indiana, you can update the registration address online through the BMV website, by mail, or at a branch office.

To change it online, log into your BMV account, select your vehicle, and update the address. The change takes effect when ready. By mail, use the same "Change of Address" form and specify that it applies to your vehicle registration. At a branch, bring your vehicle registration card and proof of your new address.

Changing your registration address does not require a new title unless you are transferring ownership to another person. If you are the sole owner and only moving, the title remains valid at your new address.

What Happens If You Move but Do Not Update Your Address

Indiana law does not set a specific important date for updating your address, but driving with an outdated address creates practical problems. If you are stopped by police, an address mismatch between your license and your actual residence can raise questions and complicate the stop. When your license or registration expires, renewal notices will go to your old address, and you might miss the important date.

More importantly, if you are involved in an accident or receive a traffic citation, the court or insurance company will use the address on your license to contact you. An outdated address means you might not receive legal notices or insurance documents. Vehicle registration renewal notices also go to the address on file, so you could miss the renewal important date and face late fees or registration suspension.

Update your address as soon as reasonably possible after moving. There is no penalty for updating late, but the sooner you do it, the fewer problems you avoid.

Proof of Address Requirements

If you are changing your address in person at a BMV branch, you must bring proof that you live at the new address. The BMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days, including utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, or government mail (such as tax documents or benefit statements).

The document must show your name and your new address. A bank statement or credit card bill usually works. A cell phone bill does not, because it does not prove residency. If you live with someone else and the lease or utility bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, along with the document in their name.

Online and mail address changes do not require proof of address — the BMV assumes you are updating your own record. If someone else tries to change your address without permission, that is a separate issue you would report to the BMV directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

No, not automatically. Your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it. The address change takes effect in the BMV database, but the physical card does not change. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you must request a replacement card and pay the replacement fee, which is typically $15 to $20.

How long does an online address change take?

An online address change is recorded when ready in the BMV system. You can verify the change by logging back into your BMV account within minutes. If you need the new address to appear on a physical card, you must order a replacement card separately.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you change it in person at a branch, bring your expired license along with proof of your new address. The address change is separate from license renewal, so you can update one without the other.

What if I move to a new state?

If you move out of Indiana, you do not need to notify the Indiana BMV. You should obtain a driver's license or ID from your new state within the timeframe that state requires. Your Indiana license remains valid for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive in another state on an Indiana license once you become a resident there.

Can I change my address for a vehicle I am financing?

Yes. The registration address and the lienholder's address are separate. You can change your registration address at any time. The lienholder (your lender) will receive their own notices from the BMV, and they may also require you to notify them of an address change under your loan agreement. Contact your lender to confirm their requirements.