How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Indiana

Moving within Indiana means updating your address with the state agency that handles driver and vehicle records. If you don’t, important notices and credentials may go to the wrong place.

This guide explains how an Indiana DMV change of address works step by step, using the processes and terminology specific to Indiana.

Indiana State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes?

In Indiana, the “DMV” is called the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

In Indiana, this is typically handled in one system:

  • Driver’s licenses and ID cards
  • Vehicle registrations and titles
  • Address changes for your BMV records

All of these are managed by the Indiana BMV, not by your county clerk, tax office, or court. Depending on your county in Indiana, you may still deal with a local office for things like taxes or plates, but your official address on record for driving and registration is kept by the BMV.

What that means for you:

  • You do not go to a separate agency for a license vs. registration address change.
  • You do need to make sure the BMV has your current mailing and residential address, especially if you live in a rural part of Indiana where mailing and physical addresses differ.
  • Many drivers in Indiana find that updating their address online through the BMV is the simplest option, when available.

If you’re ever unsure where to start, search for the official “Indiana BMV” website and look for sections labeled “Online Services” or “Driver’s License & ID” and “Vehicle Registration.”

Why Updating Your Address in Indiana Matters

In Indiana, a DMV (BMV) change of address matters for several reasons:

1. Driver’s license and ID

Your Indiana driver’s license or ID card must reflect accurate information:

  • Law enforcement and courts rely on the address printed on your license.
  • Some employers and schools in Indiana may use your license as proof of local residency.
  • Outdated license addresses can cause confusion if you’re pulled over or need to verify your identity.

2. Vehicle registration

The Indiana BMV uses your address to:

  • Mail registration renewal notices
  • Issue license plate renewals, stickers, or cards
  • Verify the correct county or taxing district for your vehicle

In some parts of Indiana, tax rates and local fees are tied to your address. An incorrect address can lead to billing issues or late renewals if notices never reach you.

3. Vehicle title

Your Indiana vehicle title is your legal proof of ownership. If your title lists an old address:

  • You may have trouble if the title is lost and needs to be replaced.
  • It can complicate sale, transfer, or lien release processes.
  • Important lien or title notices may be mailed to a previous address.

4. Official notices and compliance

The BMV and Indiana courts may mail you:

  • Suspension or reinstatement notices
  • Traffic and toll violation notices
  • Insurance verification requests
  • Other compliance-related letters

If those go to the wrong address, you might miss deadlines, which can lead to extra steps or complications. While Indiana law controls any specific obligations or time limits, keeping your address up to date reduces risk.

For anyone newly settling in Indiana from out of state, updating your address with the Indiana BMV is a key step to making sure your new IN credentials and vehicles are correctly recorded.

What You’ll Need to Change Your Address

The exact requirements can vary by method (online, in person, by mail), but in Indiana you’ll commonly need:

Basic information

Have this ready:

  • Full legal name (as it appears on your Indiana driver’s license or ID)
  • Indiana driver’s license or ID number
  • Date of birth
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number (often requested for identity verification)
  • Current address on file (your old address)
  • New residential address in Indiana
  • New mailing address, if different (for PO boxes and rural routes)

Many drivers in Indiana find that having their physical address plus mailing address handy is important, especially where 911 addresses and postal addresses differ.

Documents you may be asked for

Depending on how you update and what’s changing, you may need:

  • Proof of identity

    • Example: Your existing Indiana driver’s license, ID card, or another primary ID.
  • Proof of Indiana residency at your new address
    Common examples can include:

    • A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement listing your name and new Indiana address
    • A pay stub or official government mail (such as a property tax bill)
  • Vehicle information (for registration/title updates)

    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    • License plate number
    • Year, make, and model of each vehicle

The Indiana BMV sets specific acceptable documents and may update its list over time. To avoid problems, check the most current list on the official Indiana BMV website by searching for “Indiana BMV residency documents.”

Why address change requests get rejected

In Indiana, address change requests are often delayed or rejected because:

  • Information doesn’t match BMV records (name, date of birth, or SSN mismatch)
  • The new address is incomplete (missing apartment number, rural route details, or zip code)
  • The address isn’t recognized by the system (common with new developments or some rural addresses)
  • Required documents are missing or expired
  • You attempt to change more than just the address online (e.g., name and address together, when only certain changes can be done online)

If you run into any of these issues, an in-person visit to an Indiana BMV branch is usually the most efficient way to straighten things out.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Indiana

In Indiana, a DMV change of address can often be done:

  • Online
  • In person at a BMV branch
  • By mail, in limited situations

Exact availability can change, so confirm what applies to you on the official Indiana BMV site.

Do license and registration update together in Indiana?

In many cases, changing your address on your driving record (license/ID) and on your vehicle record (registration/title) can be done through the same Indiana BMV system. However:

  • You may need to select both license and vehicle services within your online account.
  • If you own multiple vehicles, updating your driver’s record may not automatically update every vehicle’s registration; you might need to confirm each vehicle.
  • If you recently moved into Indiana from another state, getting an Indiana license and registering your vehicle are separate processes, though both go through the Indiana BMV.

Check the instructions carefully during the process to make sure all of your records are updated.

1. How to Change Your Address Online in Indiana

Online service is often the easiest option if you qualify.

In Indiana, this is typically handled by the BMV’s official online portal that lets you manage your driver’s license and vehicle services.

To find it safely:

  1. Go to your web browser.
  2. Search for “Indiana BMV online services”.
  3. Click the official result from the in.gov domain (Indiana’s official state site).

You can also directly visit the state’s BMV site at:
https://www.in.gov/bmv/

Once on the site, look for a link or section for “Online Services” or “View/Manage My Account.”

Typical online steps

Although the exact layout can change, the process usually looks like this:

  1. Create or log in to your BMV account
    • Enter your driver’s license or ID number, date of birth, and possibly the last four digits of your SSN to verify identity.
  2. Locate the address change option
    • Look for wording like “Change My Address”, “Update My Profile”, or similar under driver and/or vehicle services.
  3. Enter your new address
    • Fill in your new residential address in Indiana.
    • Add a mailing address if different (for PO boxes or rural delivery).
  4. Select which records to update
    • Confirm whether you’re updating your:
      • Driver’s license/ID only
      • Vehicle registration(s)/title(s)
      • Both
  5. Review and submit
    • Double-check spelling, apartment numbers, and zip codes.
    • Confirm and submit your request.
  6. Save your confirmation
    • Print or save any confirmation number or email. In Indiana, this can be useful if questions come up later about when you submitted the change.

Depending on the service, you may be given the option to order a replacement license or registration document showing your new address. If fees apply, they will be shown before you pay; do not proceed if the site does not clearly identify itself as the official Indiana BMV portal.

2. How to Change Your Address In Person at an Indiana BMV Branch

Some situations require or are easier to handle with an in-person visit. This is especially true if:

  • You’re also changing your name.
  • Your ID is expired or nearly expired.
  • Your online request was rejected.
  • You live in an area of Indiana where the system doesn’t accept your address due to mapping issues.
  • You’re a new Indiana resident switching from an out-of-state license and registration.

To locate a branch, you can use the “Branch Locations” section on the official BMV website at https://www.in.gov/bmv/ and search for offices near your ZIP code.

What to bring to an Indiana BMV branch

Plan to take:

  • Your current Indiana driver’s license or ID
  • Proof of your new Indiana address, if required (a document showing your name and new address)
  • Vehicle information if you’re updating registration or title (plate number, VIN)
  • Any Indiana BMV change of address form you’ve been instructed to complete (if the website or branch indicates a specific form; if you’re unsure, staff can usually provide the correct one when you arrive)

In some counties in Indiana, BMV branches can be busier on weekends or near the end of the month, so consider visiting earlier in the day or mid-week if possible.

Typical in-person steps

  1. Check in at the front desk or kiosk.
  2. Tell the clerk you need to change your address.
  3. Complete any required form provided by the BMV staff.
  4. Show your identification and proof of new address (if requested).
  5. Confirm updates to your driver’s record and each vehicle you want updated.
  6. Ask whether a new license/ID or registration document will be issued and how to obtain it.

3. How to Change Your Address by Mail in Indiana

Depending on your situation, the Indiana BMV may allow certain address changes by mail, although online or in-person methods are more common.

Because mail-in processes can change, do not assume that older instructions you find elsewhere are still valid. Instead:

  1. Visit the official Indiana BMV site.
  2. Search for “change of address” or “address change by mail”.
  3. Look for:
    • Any downloadable Indiana DMV change of address form (PDF or similar).
    • A mailing address for sending completed forms.
    • Instructions on required documents and signatures.

If a mail option is available, typical steps include:

  1. Print and complete the form clearly, using ink.
  2. Attach copies (not originals) of any required documents.
  3. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form or on the BMV site.
    • Consider using a trackable mailing service so you have proof it was sent.
  4. Allow time for processing, then verify the change through your online BMV account or by contacting the BMV.

In more rural areas of Indiana, mailing address changes can be especially helpful if you are far from a branch, but expect slower processing than online or in-person options.

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you complete an Indiana DMV change of address (through the BMV), here’s what usually happens:

1. Your BMV record is updated

  • Your driver record should now show your new address.
  • Your vehicle record(s) should also show the new address if you selected them for update.

In Indiana, this is typically handled within the central BMV system, so staff at any branch can see the updated address once it’s processed.

2. You may get confirmation

Depending on the method:

  • Online: You may receive an on-screen confirmation and sometimes a confirmation email.
  • In person: You might receive a printed receipt or updated credential.
  • By mail: Confirmation may not come until you see updated mailings or check your record online.

Keep any confirmation information until you see your new address correctly displayed on your physical license/ID and registration documents.

3. Replacement cards or documents

Whether you automatically receive a new physical document varies:

  • Driver’s license/ID:
    • You may need to request a replacement license with the new address, or you may be asked if you want one during the address change process.
  • Registration card and stickers:
    • Your address may update in the system, but your current registration card might still show the old address until your next renewal or replacement.

In Indiana, it’s common for drivers to choose a replacement license or ID that reflects their current address, especially when they’ve moved to a new city or county.

4. Future mail will go to the new address

BMV notices, renewal reminders, and other official correspondence should now be sent to your new address. Watch your mail to make sure you’re receiving items as expected, especially around your next expiration or renewal date.

Special Situations for Address Changes in Indiana

Certain groups in Indiana have extra details to consider.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders

If you hold an Indiana CDL:

  • You must follow CDL-specific federal and state rules, which can be stricter than those for regular licenses.
  • Some CDL address changes may need to be done in person, especially if you’re updating both address and endorsements.
  • Depending on your county in Indiana, you might also need an updated medical certificate on record if the change coincides with other updates.

Always confirm current CDL requirements on the official Indiana BMV site and, if applicable, check with your employer or safety department.

Active-duty military stationed in or out of Indiana

For service members:

  • If Indiana is your home state but you’re stationed elsewhere, the BMV may still need your correct mailing address for military and driver records.
  • If you’re stationed in Indiana but claim residency in a different state, your situation may involve both Indiana and your home state’s rules.
  • Mail and timing can be more complicated if you’re deployed or frequently moving, so consider using an address where you can reliably receive BMV mail (such as a stateside mailing address).

Check the Indiana BMV site for any military-specific guidance about licenses, renewals, and address changes.

College students in Indiana

Many college students in Indiana live in:

  • On-campus housing
  • Off-campus apartments
  • Temporary or shared housing

Consider:

  • Whether you want your license and registration to show your permanent home address (for example, your parents’ home) or your current Indiana residence.
  • Where you can consistently receive mail, such as registration notices and replacement cards.

Universities in Indiana often provide guidance for in-state vs. out-of-state students on driving and residency, which may be helpful in addition to BMV information.

New residents moving to Indiana from another state

If you’ve just moved to Indiana from elsewhere:

  • Updating your address isn’t just a change-of-address—it usually means:
    • Getting an Indiana driver’s license
    • Registering and titling your vehicle in Indiana
  • These are separate but related processes from a simple Indiana address update.

You’ll likely need:

  • Your out-of-state license
  • Out-of-state title and registration
  • Proof of Indiana residency at your new address

Search the official Indiana BMV site for “new Indiana resident” to see the most up-to-date requirements.

PO boxes and rural routes

In many parts of Indiana, especially rural areas:

  • Your mailing address (PO box, rural route) may differ from your physical or 911 address.
  • The BMV often needs your physical address for your record, but may also let you keep a separate mailing address for correspondence.

When updating your address:

  • Provide both your physical address and mailing address if they’re different.
  • Make sure the physical address can be found in common mapping systems; if not, in-person help at a local branch may be needed.

Changing your name and address at the same time

If you’ve had a name change (such as after marriage or court order) and you’re also moving:

  • Indiana typically requires name changes to be done in person, with legal documents such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
  • Most people in Indiana will update name and address together during the same BMV visit.

Because this combines two major record changes, online options are usually not available. Bring all required documents and allow extra time at the branch.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Even when you follow the rules, problems can happen. Here’s how to handle common issues with a DMV change of address Indiana.

1. Online address change rejected or not accepted

Common causes in Indiana include:

  • Mismatch between your input and the BMV’s existing records.
  • New address not recognized (new construction, rural route, or unique formatting).
  • Attempting to change additional details (like name) that require in-person verification.

What to do:

  • Carefully re-enter your information to rule out typos.
  • Try entering your address exactly as it appears on a recent utility bill or as formatted by the U.S. Postal Service.
  • If it still fails, contact the BMV using their official contact information or visit a branch in person.

2. You submitted the change, but your records don’t show the new address

If time has passed and your license or registration still lists your old address:

  • Log back in to your Indiana BMV online account and check your profile.
  • Confirm that you completed the full submission and not just partially filled out a form.
  • Look for any messages from the BMV indicating additional steps or missing documentation.

If nothing appears and the address is still wrong, bring your confirmation (if you have one) and visit or call the BMV for help.

3. You receive a rejection or request for more information

If the BMV sends you a letter or email stating that your Indiana DMV change of address couldn’t be processed:

  • Read the notice carefully to see why (documents missing, address not valid, identity verification failed, etc.).
  • Gather the specific documents or details requested.
  • Consider going in person to an Indiana BMV branch with the notice and your paperwork. In-person staff can often clarify the issue faster than back-and-forth mail.

4. Your license updated but your vehicle registration did not (or vice versa)

Sometimes, especially when multiple vehicles are involved:

  • Your driver’s license/ID record might show your new address.
  • Your vehicle registrations might still show the old one.

In Indiana, this can happen if:

  • You updated only the license portion of your account.
  • Not all vehicles were selected or included during the update process.

What to do:

  • Log in to your BMV online account and check each vehicle individually.
  • If needed, use the online system or visit a branch to specifically request a registration address change for each vehicle.
  • Ask whether you should request replacement registration cards showing the new address, or if it’s sufficient that the BMV system is updated for now.

5. You moved out of Indiana

If you moved out of state:

  • You generally need to follow the new state’s rules for licensing and registration.
  • In many cases, you will:
    • Obtain a new driver’s license in your new state.
    • Register and title your vehicles in the new state.
  • After you do that, Indiana’s records may eventually show that your old Indiana registration is no longer active.

If you still receive Indiana BMV mail at your old address:

  • Contact the Indiana BMV through the official website and ask how to close or update your records after moving out of state.
  • Make sure you properly surrender plates or follow any end-of-registration steps that Indiana requires, especially if you receive tax or fee notices.

Moving Forward

To complete a DMV change of address Indiana:

  1. Decide how you’ll update: online (if eligible), in person at an Indiana BMV branch, or by mail (if allowed for your situation).
  2. Gather your information and documents: driver’s license or ID, proof of your new Indiana address, and vehicle details.
  3. Use the official Indiana BMV site (https://www.in.gov/bmv/) to start the process and follow the directions closely.
  4. Verify that all records are updated: your driver’s license/ID record, each vehicle registration, and your title information if applicable.
  5. Keep your confirmation and watch for any mail or updated cards sent to your new address.

Taking a little time to update your address with the Indiana BMV helps ensure you receive important notices, stay current with renewals, and keep your driving and vehicle records accurate in your new Indiana home.