What the Indiana BMV Does and Where to Find It

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the state agency that issues driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and identification cards. It is not called the DMV — Indiana uses the name BMV, though the services are the same as what other states call their Department of Motor Vehicles. The BMV is part of Indiana's Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

You can reach the BMV online at in.gov/bmv, by phone at 317-615-7293, or in person at one of the branch offices across the state. Indiana has BMV branches in most counties, and you can find the location nearest you and check its hours on the website. Many branches now require you to make an appointment online before you visit, so check before you go.

The BMV handles driver's licenses, learner's permits, vehicle registration and renewal, title transfers, and state ID cards. They also manage commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements. If you need to change your address on your license or registration, update your name, or renew an expiring document, the BMV is where you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana's BMV (not DMV) issues driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and ID cards through branch offices and online services at in.gov/bmv.
  • Most BMV branches now require appointments, which you can book on the website — showing up without one may mean a long wait or being turned away.
  • You can renew your driver's license online if you have a valid Indiana license and meet age and medical requirements, without visiting a branch.
  • Indiana charges different fees for different services: a driver's license costs around $20 to $30, and vehicle registration renewal varies by vehicle type and weight.
  • The BMV accepts payment by cash, check, debit card, and credit card both in person and online.

Getting a Driver's License or Learner's Permit in Indiana

To get an Indiana driver's license, you must first pass a written knowledge test and an eye exam at a BMV branch. If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of those at night) before you can take the driving test. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or proof you do not have one.

Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or another government-issued ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The BMV website lists all acceptable documents — bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The eye exam checks your vision; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return later. There is a fee for each test attempt.

Once you pass both tests, you will take a driving test with a BMV examiner. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered and insured. After you pass the driving test, you will receive your driver's license on the spot or by mail within a few days, depending on the branch.

Renewing Your Driver's License Online or In Person

Indiana allows you to renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired more than one year, you are between 18 and 75 years old, and you have no medical restrictions. You do this through the BMV website without visiting a branch. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online — because your license is too old, you have medical restrictions, or you need to update your photo — you must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents needed for changes (such as a marriage certificate if you changed your name). The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes if you have an appointment.

Indiana driver's licenses are valid for four years if you are under 75, and eight years if you are 75 or older. The BMV will send you a reminder notice about 60 days before your license expires, but it is your responsibility to renew before the expiration date. Driving on an expired license is illegal.

Vehicle Registration and Title Transfer in Indiana

When you buy a vehicle in Indiana, you must register it and obtain a title within 30 days. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork and sends it to the BMV on your behalf. If you are buying from a private seller, you must complete the paperwork yourself and take it to a BMV branch.

To register a vehicle, bring the title (or proof of ownership), proof of residency, your driver's license, and proof of insurance. Indiana requires all vehicles to carry liability insurance. The registration fee depends on the vehicle's type and weight; a standard passenger car costs less than a truck or SUV. You can pay online, by mail, or in person.

If you are transferring a title from another state, bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. The BMV will issue you an Indiana title and registration. If the vehicle has a lien (the bank or lender owns it until you pay off the loan), the lienholder's name will appear on the title.

You can renew your vehicle registration online through the BMV website if your registration is not expired and you have no changes to report. Renewal takes a few minutes, and your new registration sticker will arrive by mail. If your registration has expired more than 60 days, you must renew in person at a BMV branch.

Changing Your Address on Your License or Registration

If you move to a new address in Indiana, you must update your driver's license within 60 days. You can do this online through the BMV website if you are only changing your address and have no other updates. The online change takes a few minutes, and you will receive a new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to make other changes at the same time — such as updating your name or correcting your date of birth — you must visit a BMV branch in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and any documents needed for the other changes (such as a marriage certificate for a name change).

You must also update your vehicle registration address within 60 days of moving. You can do this online or in person. If you do not update your registration, the BMV may send renewal notices to your old address, and you could miss the important date.

Common Scams and How to Protect Yourself

Scam alert: Do not use third-party websites that claim to handle BMV services for you. These sites charge high fees and often submit incomplete or incorrect paperwork, which delays your license or registration. The official BMV website is in.gov/bmv — go there directly, not through a search result that looks like it.

Another common scam is a fake email or text message claiming to be from the BMV and asking you to "verify your information" or "confirm your address." The BMV does not send unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal information. If you receive one, do not click any links or provide any information. Delete it and report it to the BMV if you are unsure.

Do not buy a fake or altered driver's license or registration. It is a felony in Indiana, and you will face criminal charges, fines, and jail time. The same applies to using someone else's license or registration.

If you lose your license or registration, report it to the BMV right away. You can do this online or in person. A lost license can be replaced for a small fee, and a lost registration can be replaced by mail or in person.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times

Indiana BMV fees vary by service. A standard driver's license costs around $20 to $30 depending on whether it is your first license or a renewal. A learner's permit costs about $20. Vehicle registration renewal ranges from $30 to $100 or more depending on the vehicle's weight and type. A title transfer costs around $15 to $25. Exact fees are listed on the BMV website.

The BMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card both in person and online. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. If you pay online, you will need a debit or credit card.

Processing times depend on the service and whether you do it online or in person. Online renewals and address changes take 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person services at a BMV branch usually take 30 minutes to an hour if you have an appointment. Without an appointment, wait times can be much longer, and some branches may turn you away if they are too busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at the Indiana BMV?

Most BMV branches now require appointments, which you can book online at in.gov/bmv. Some branches may accept walk-ins, but wait times are often long. Check your local branch's policy before you go. Booking an appointment takes a few minutes and saves you time.

Can I renew my Indiana driver's license if I am out of state?

If you are out of state temporarily, you can renew online if you meet the requirements (license not expired more than one year, age 18 to 75, no medical restrictions). Your new license will be mailed to your Indiana address. If you have moved out of state permanently, you will need to get a license from your new state.

What do I do if my vehicle registration is expired?

If your registration is expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You must renew it in person at a BMV branch if it has been expired more than 60 days. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. You may face a fine if you are caught driving with an expired registration.

How long does it take to get a new title after buying a vehicle?

If you buy from a dealer, the dealer submits the paperwork to the BMV, and you will receive your title by mail in 2 to 4 weeks. If you buy from a private seller, take the paperwork to a BMV branch in person, and you will receive your title by mail in 2 to 4 weeks. You can drive the vehicle while you wait if you have proof of insurance and a bill of sale.

What happens if I get a ticket while my license is suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Indiana and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If your license is suspended, you must not drive until it is reinstated. Contact the BMV to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to get it back.