What the Indiana BMV Does and Where to Find It
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title transfers, and license plate issues. Unlike some states, Indiana does not use the term "DMV" — the agency is officially the BMV, though you will see both names used interchangeably online.
The BMV operates a central office in Indianapolis and branch locations in most counties. You can visit a branch in person, mail certain documents to the central office, or handle some transactions online through the BMV website. The branch you visit does not have to be in your home county — you can go to any open location.
Hours vary by location, but most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering limited Saturday service. The BMV website lists every branch location, hours, and which services each one offers, since not all branches handle all transaction types.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana's BMV handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title transfers — the same services other states call DMV functions.
- You can visit any BMV branch in the state, not just the one in your county, and many transactions can be completed online or by mail.
- A standard Indiana driver's license is valid for four years, and renewal can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
- Vehicle registration renewal happens annually and can be completed online, by mail, or at a BMV branch without visiting in person.
- Address changes, name changes, and license plate replacements each have specific forms and requirements that differ from routine renewals.
Getting or Renewing Your Indiana Driver's License
A new Indiana driver's license requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch. You will need to bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current Indiana address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring a document showing the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The BMV will take your photograph, administer a written test on traffic laws, and conduct a vision screening. You will then take a driving test in your own vehicle or the BMV's test vehicle. After passing, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in about two weeks.
Renewing an existing Indiana license can often be done by mail or online if you meet certain conditions: your license is not expired by more than five years, your address has not changed, and you have no medical restrictions. The BMV website has a renewal tool that tells you whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal. If you are not may be able to access, you must renew in person at a branch.
Registering Your Vehicle and Renewing Registration
New vehicle registration requires an in-person visit with your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and proof of Indiana residency. The BMV will issue you registration plates and a registration card. Registration is valid for one year from the month you register.
Renewing your registration can be done online, by mail, or in person — you do not need to visit a branch. The BMV sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew online using your license plate number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN). By mail, send the renewal notice with payment to the address listed on the form. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes effect when ready.
If your vehicle registration has expired, you can still renew it without penalty as long as you renew before driving. Expired registration does not affect your ability to register; it only means you should not operate the vehicle on public roads until the renewal is complete.
Changing Your Address on Your License or Registration
An address change on your driver's license can be done online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a branch. Online is the fastest method — you enter your new address, confirm your identity, and the change takes effect when ready. Your new license card will be mailed to your new address within two weeks. There is no fee for an address change.
If you change your address, you must also update your vehicle registration. You can do this at the same time you update your license, or separately. Address changes on registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person. When you renew your registration, the BMV uses the address on file, so updating it before renewal prevents mail from going to an old address.
If you move out of state, you should update your Indiana address before you leave or notify the BMV that you no longer reside in Indiana. This prevents mail from being sent to an address you no longer occupy and keeps your records current.
Handling Name Changes and License Plate Issues
A legal name change — through marriage, divorce, or court order — requires an in-person visit to a BMV branch. Bring your current license and a document proving the name change: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name at no additional cost. The new card is mailed to you within two weeks.
If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license plate, visit a BMV branch or submit a replacement request by mail. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number and current registration. A replacement plate costs a fee that varies depending on the plate type. Temporary plates for new vehicles are issued at the time of registration and are valid for 30 days.
Vanity plates (custom plates with letters or numbers you choose) can be ordered online through the BMV website or requested in person at a branch. The BMV checks whether your requested combination is available. If it is, you pay a fee and the plate is mailed to you. Vanity plates are valid for the same registration period as standard plates.
Documents You Will Need for Common Transactions
| Transaction | Required Documents | Where to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| New driver's license | Photo ID, proof of SSN, proof of address, proof of name change (if applicable) | BMV branch only |
| Renew driver's license | Current license (if may be able to access for mail/online); otherwise same as new license | Online, by mail, or in person |
| New vehicle registration | Vehicle title, proof of insurance, proof of address | BMV branch only |
| Renew vehicle registration | Renewal notice (mailed by BMV) | Online, by mail, or in person |
| Address change on license | Current license, proof of new address | Online, by mail, or in person |
| Address change on registration | Current registration, proof of new address | Online, by mail, or in person |
| Name change on license | Current license, marriage certificate or court order | BMV branch only |
| Replace lost or stolen plate | Current registration, VIN | BMV branch or by mail |
Online Services and Mailing Addresses
The Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) offers several services you can complete without visiting a branch. You can renew your driver's license if you are may be able to access, renew your vehicle registration, request a duplicate registration card, order vanity plates, change your address, and check the status of a license or registration process. The website also has a branch locator tool and a list of required documents for each transaction type.
For mail-in transactions, the BMV provides specific mailing addresses depending on what you are sending. The main address for most mail-in requests is the BMV's central office in Indianapolis. The BMV website lists the correct address for your specific transaction type. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to process, and your new card or document is mailed back to you.
If you need to contact the BMV by phone, the main customer service line is available during business hours. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the day or later in the week often results in shorter waits. The BMV website also has a chat feature for basic questions about services and locations.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing incomplete documentation to a BMV branch. Proof of address must be dated within 30 days — an old utility bill will not work. Proof of your Social Security number must be an original document or certified copy; a photo of your Social Security card is not accepted. If you are renewing by mail, send the completed form and payment to the correct address for your transaction type, or your request may be delayed.
Another frequent error is not updating your address when you move. If your registration renewal notice goes to an old address and you miss the important date, your registration will expire. Updating your address online takes five minutes and prevents this problem. Similarly, if your name has changed, renew your license before renewing your vehicle registration — the registration system uses the name on your license, and mismatched names can cause delays.
Do not assume that all BMV branches offer all services. Some smaller branches do not conduct driving tests or issue new licenses. The BMV website lists which services each branch provides. If you need a service not offered at your nearest branch, you will need to travel to a larger location or use mail-in options if available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new Indiana driver's license?
Your permanent license card is mailed to you within two weeks of passing your test at a BMV branch. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass your test, so you can drive legally while waiting for your permanent card to arrive.
Can I renew my registration without going to a BMV branch?
Yes. You can renew online using your license plate number and VIN, by mail using the renewal notice the BMV sends you, or in person at a branch. Online renewal is the fastest and takes effect when ready once payment is processed.
What happens if my driver's license or registration expires?
An expired license or registration does not prevent you from renewing — there is no penalty for renewing after the expiration date. However, you should not drive with an expired license or registration. Renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
Do I have to visit a BMV branch to change my address?
No. You can change your address online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person. Online is the fastest method and takes effect when ready. Your new license or registration card will be mailed to your new address within two weeks.
What do I do if I move out of state but still own an Indiana-registered vehicle?
You should register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe required by that state — typically 30 to 90 days after moving. Notify the Indiana BMV that you no longer reside in Indiana so your registration renewal notices do not go to an address you no longer occupy. You can do this by mail or by contacting the BMV directly.