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Indiana driver guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Renew an Indiana Driver's License
Indiana driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and many drivers can renew online. Here is how long a license is valid, who can renew online or at a kiosk, when you need a BMV branch, and what happens if your license has expired, from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
6 yearslicense validity if you are 74 or under
24 monthshow early most Hoosiers can renew
$6.00BMV penalty to renew after expiration
180+ daysexpired this long or more: written test required
The short answer
Most Indiana drivers can renew up to two years before their license expires on their birthday. You can renew online through myBMV or at a BMV Connect kiosk if you meet the BMV's conditions, including being a U.S. citizen and Indiana resident aged 21 to 74 whose last renewal was in a branch. Otherwise, renew at a BMV branch.
How long an Indiana driver's license is valid
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says a driver's license or identification card expires at midnight on your birthday. If your birthday falls on a day when all BMV branches in your county are closed, it expires at midnight on the next business day.
| Your age | License valid for |
|---|---|
| 74 or under | Six years |
| 75 to 84 | Three years |
| 85 or older | Two years |
| Probationary license (under 21) | Expires at midnight 30 days after your 21st birthday |
A motorcycle endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license. Most Hoosiers may renew up to two years before the license expires; the BMV says people with temporary lawful status can renew only up to 30 days before expiration.
From the Indiana BMV's Renewing a Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Identification Card page, read November 10, 2026.
Who can renew online or at a BMV Connect kiosk
You can renew a driver's license online through myBMV, or at a BMV Connect kiosk, only if all of these apply, per the BMV:
- You are a U.S. citizen and an Indiana resident, with no change to your name, residential address or other personal information.
- Your previous renewal was done in a BMV branch.
- Your license is not expired for more than 180 days, you are within 24 months of your renewal date, and you are not required to take an exam.
- You are at least 21 and under 75. Drivers 75 or older who submitted a vision screening from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist may also renew online or at a kiosk within 30 days of the screening.
- Your previous photo is on file; your license is not suspended, revoked or invalidated; and you do not have six or more active points.
- Your license does not carry restriction J or restrictions 2 through 9.
Online, you sign in to myBMV with your full name, date of birth, residential address and Social Security number. At a kiosk, you enter your driver's license or ID number, legal ZIP code and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The BMV says many Hoosiers can renew online every other renewal, so they only need to visit a branch once every 10 to 12 years.
From the Indiana BMV's Renewing a Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Identification Card page, read November 10, 2026.
When you have to renew at a BMV branch
Age 75 and older
Licensed drivers 75 and older must visit a branch to renew, unless they qualify for online renewal with a recent vision screening as described above.
CDL or For-Hire endorsement
Commercial driver's license holders and drivers with a For-Hire endorsement must renew at a branch.
Name or address change
Visit a branch and bring documentation of the change.
Six or more points
With six or more points on your driving record, you must take the written test to renew.
Last renewal was online
You must pass a standard vision screening at the branch or submit Vision Screening Documentation (State Form 56520) from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Foreign nationals
Drivers with permanent or temporary lawful status must visit a branch and bring documents for each renewal.
From the Indiana BMV's Renewing a Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Identification Card page, read November 10, 2026.
Renewing an expired Indiana license
| Expired for | What the BMV requires |
|---|---|
| Less than 180 days | $6.00 administrative penalty and a standard vision screening (or State Form 56520) |
| 180 days to five years | $6.00 administrative penalty, a written test and a vision screening (or State Form 56520) |
| More than five years | $6.00 administrative penalty, a written test, a driving test and a vision screening (or State Form 56520) |
The BMV adds that there is no administrative penalty to renew an expired identification card.
From the Indiana BMV's Renewing a Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Identification Card page, read November 10, 2026.
Renewing while you are away from Indiana
If your license expires, or is lost or stolen, while you are out of state, the BMV says you may renew or replace it online if you meet the online requirements, or request a 30-day interim license with State Form 54580 by mail. Service members temporarily living outside Indiana keep a valid license for 90 days after discharge, and can print a Military Interim Letter if their license expires while they are away and they are not eligible to renew online.
The BMV sends renewal reminders by email, text or mail, depending on your myBMV preferences and how you renewed before.
From the Indiana BMV's Renewing a Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Identification Card page, read November 10, 2026.
Keep your vehicle road-ready at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. See our Indiana title and registration guide for vehicle paperwork.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana license renewal FAQ
How early can I renew my Indiana driver's license?
Most Hoosiers can renew up to two years (24 months) before the license expires. The BMV says people with temporary lawful status can renew only up to 30 days before expiration.
How long is an Indiana driver's license good for?
Six years if you are 74 or under, three years from 75 to 84, and two years at 85 or older, per the BMV. It expires at midnight on your birthday.
Can I renew my Indiana driver's license online?
Yes, if you meet every BMV condition: for example, you are a U.S. citizen and Indiana resident, at least 21 and under 75, your last renewal was in a branch, your name, address and other personal information have not changed, your license is not expired more than 180 days, and you have fewer than six active points.
Do I need to take a test to renew?
Not usually. The BMV requires a written test if you have six or more points, or if your license has been expired 180 days or more; a driving test is added once it has been expired more than five years.
What is the penalty for renewing an expired Indiana license?
The BMV charges a $6.00 administrative penalty to renew a driver's license after its expiration date. There is no penalty to renew an expired identification card.
When does a probationary Indiana license expire?
At midnight 30 days after your 21st birthday, according to the BMV. It cannot be renewed until your 21st birthday.
Planning a drive?
Get your vehicle checked at Michigan City Ford, or read our Indiana hands-free driving law guide.
Sources
License validity, renewal eligibility, branch requirements, expired-license penalties and out-of-state rules are from the Indiana BMV's Renewing a Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Identification Card and Driver's License pages, read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Renewing a Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Identification Card, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- Driver's License, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026