Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
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No. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Indiana does not require its residents to report a stolen drivers license. However, the BMV does recommend that you do so to keep your identity safe and your personal information out of the wrong hands.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
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The Indiana written exam is taken from the information featured on the Indiana Driver s Manual. Drivers must pass this test in order to obtain a license to drive. To get a copy of this manual for studying, click here.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- How can I renew my drivers license?
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Indiana residents can renew their driving license online or in person at a license branch office. To renew online, one must meet the following criteria:
- You are a US citizen.
- Your license is an Operator or Chauffeur license.
- You have not changed your name or address.
- Your license has not been expired for more than 180 days.
- You are under the age of 75.
- You are renewing within 12 months of the IN drivers license renewal date.
- You do not need to take any tests or get any medical certifications.
- You did your last renewal in person.
- Your picture is on file at the BMV.
- Your license is not suspended or invalid.
- If you are under the age of 21, you do not have any points on your driving license.
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Your driving record does not feature any of the following restrictions:
- 2: Habitual Traffic Violator Conditional License
- 3: Photo Exempt
- 5: Conditional
- 6: Interlock Ignition Device
- 7: Seat Belt Exempt
- 8: Medical Condition
- 9: Temporary
- J: Other
- You have less than six points on your record.
If you meet the qualifications, all you have to do is log on and provide your birth date, name, address, Social Security Number and credit card information.
On the other hand, in order to renew in person, one must visit a local BMV office and provide the following:
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Proof of ID:
- Expiring drivers license
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Proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security card
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Proof of legal presence:
- Valid I-551
- US passport
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Two proofs of residency:
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
- Payment for IN drivers license renewal fee
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
- How do I apply for a drivers license?
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In order to apply for drivers license credentials in the state of Indiana, one must follow the steps below:
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Pass the written knowledge exam to obtain a learners permit.
- Drivers must hold a permit for at least 180 days.
- Visit a license branch office.
- Provide the following documentation:
- A filled out Log of Supervised Driving.
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Proof of ID:
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
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Two proofs of IN residency:
- Utility bill
- Voter registration card
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Proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security card
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Proof of legal presence:
- US passport
- Valid I-551
- Pass a vision screening test.
- Pass the road skills exam.
- Pay the Indiana drivers license fee (varies).
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
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Pass the written knowledge exam to obtain a learners permit.
- How do I get a hardship license?
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Drivers who have recently incurred a drivers license suspension in Indiana can only hope to obtain probationary driving privileges during this period. In order to obtain a hardship license, the court overseeing their case must determine that they are eligible to receive driving privileges in a limited capacity. In addition, if the court rules in favor of the suspended, they will submit an SR17 form to the BMV for the hardship license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
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Lost or stolen drivers licensescan be replaced online, if military members meet the state s criteria. If they do not, these drivers can complete a Request for Interim/Extension License 54580 form and send it to the address listed on the form. This will help them obtain a 30-day interim license, which can be used until they return to Indiana.
In addition, the drivers licenses of IN military members are valid for 90 days after discharge. So these members of the military may choose to simply wait until they return home to replace documentation.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I know if my license was mailed after it has been restored?
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To find out if your reinstated drivers license has been mailed, contact the Indiana BMV. You can call their Customer Contact Center at 888-692-6841, email them or make an in-person visit at your local IN DMV. You can also check your driving license status through on online driving record.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- How do I obtain a duplicate license?
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Drivers license replacements are available online and in person at a local BMV office. To obtain a replacement in person, visit a local office with the following:
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Proof of your identity:
- US birth certificate (original or certified copy)
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Proof of your legal status in the country:
- Valid I-551
- US passport
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Proof of your Social Security Number:
- Social Security card
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Two proofs of your Indiana residency
- Utility bill
- Pay stubs
- Payment for the replacement fee
If you would prefer to apply online, simply log on to the IN BMV system and follow the prompts. Before you do so, verify that you meet the necessary qualifications:
- Your picture is on file.
- You re a United States citizen.
- You re under 75.
- You have an Operator or Chauffeurdriving license.
- You haven t undergone a name or address change.
- Your license isn t invalid, suspended or expired for more than 180 days.
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You don t have any of the following restrictions on your record:
- Other (J)
- Habitual Traffic Violator Conditional License (2)
- Photo Exempt (3)
- Conditional (5)
- Interlock Ignition Device (6)
- Seat Belt Exempt (7)
- Medical Condition (8)
- Temporary (9)
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
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Proof of your identity:
- How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
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The main difference between a standard reinstatement and the process to reinstate revoked drivers licensecredentials for a Habitual Traffic Offender is the timetable. Whereas other suspensions last for up to one year, Habitual Traffic Offenders lose their privileges for at least five years and up to 10. Once their revocation period is over, they may provide proof of financial responsibility and pay all reinstatement fees to get back their drivers license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- How do I reinstate my suspended license?
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The process to reinstate a suspended license varies based on the original offense committed. A standard breakdown of the reinstatement procedures is as follows:
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Wait for the predetermined suspension period to end.
- This does not apply to suspensions that relate to unpaid fines or child support.
- Have your car insurance provider submit proof of financial responsibility to the BMV electronically.
- Pay all reinstatement fees and applicable fines online, by phone or by mail.
- Obtain your new Indiana driving license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
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Wait for the predetermined suspension period to end.
- How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
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The drivers licenses of Indiana residents in the military remain active for 90 days after discharge. In order to renew drivers license credentials while away, one must do so online, following the same steps as civilians. If a member of the military is not eligible for online renewal, he or she must use a Military Extension Letter or request a 30-day extension by filling out a Request for Interim/Extension License 54580 form and mailing it to the address listed on the form.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
- How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
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Non-US citizens are required to obtain duplicate drivers licenses in person at a nearby BMV office. In addition, they must bring with them all of the following items:
- Payment
- One proof of ID
- One proof of Social Security Number
- One proof of legal status in the country
- Two proofs of residency in Indiana
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
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If you are experiencing issues with a lost drivers license while out of state, you may be eligible to replace your credentials online. If not, you may fill out a Request for Interim/Extension License 54580 form and mail it to the address listed on the form in order to obtain a 30-day interim license.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- How does the DMV check my vision?
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The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles values safe driving above all else. Thus, whenever a resident applies for a drivers license, he or she must pass a vision exam that tests both field and color vision. Drivers who do not pass the exam may have to buy correctional lenses.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
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In the event a driver refuses to take a chemical test when they are pulled over by a police officer, he or she will incur a one-year IN drivers license suspension. This will be added on to other suspensions or revocations the driver receives for their violation.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
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If you are a United States citizen, you can renew drivers license documents up to one year in advance of the expiration date. On the other hand, non-US citizens can only begin the renewal process up to 30 days before their documentation expires.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
- If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
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Due to the fact that the Indiana BMV does not require drivers to report lost or stolen drivers licenses, the bureau will not cover the fees associated with replacing your documentation. Fortunately, it is not expensive to replace these credentials.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- If my drivers license has been lost or stolen, how can I get it flagged with the DMV?
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The DMV might flag your license number if another driver is pulled over by the police and presents your driving license as your own. In order to avoid possible fraud and identity theft, make sure that you report your IN drivers license as lost or stolen with your local police department or with the IN BMV. Find an Indiana DMV near you by using our DMV locator.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- Is there an age limit to renew your license?
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No. If you have a drivers license in Indiana, then you are allowed to renew you credentials when the expiration date approaches.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
- What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
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Your Indiana drivers license replacement will be mailed to the address that is listed on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you are currently traveling out of state or are stationed elsewhere and require a replacement, be sure to provide your out-of-state address when applying.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
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Seniors must follow the same steps as non-seniors when renewing drivers license credentials. The only difference between the two groups is how long their renewed licenses are valid for. When a driver is between the ages of 75 and 84 years of age, they must renew every three years. When he or she is 85 years old or older, they must renew their IN drivers license every two years.
For more information: Senior Drivers in Indiana
- What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
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There is a variety of ways that one can incur a suspended drivers license in Indiana. The most common violations include:
- Driving under the influence.
- Refusing a chemical test.
- Driving with a suspended credential.
- Accruing too many points on your license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
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Drivers who are caught operating a motor vehicle with a suspended drivers license in Indiana will be penalized for breaking their suspension. The minimum punishment for this offense is an additional 90-day suspension, which can go up to two years.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
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The standard fee for a drivers license replacement in Indiana is $10.50. This is also the price required to amend an operator license.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
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The amount of money one must pay to reinstate suspended drivers license documents varies based on the number and severity of the offense. Subsequent and more severe offenses come with higher fines and more complex reinstatement procedures.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
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The Indiana court that sees the case will determine whether or not the driver is eligible to receive a hardship drivers license. If the court chooses to give said driver probationary driving privileges, they will notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles by submitting an SR17 form.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
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Drivers who fail a road skills exam must wait 14 days before they can retake the driving test. If a driver with a learners permit fails the driving test three times, he or she must wait two months after their most recent exam to take it again in hopes of obtaining an Indiana driving license.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
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All applying drivers must provide a number of documents in order to receive a new driving license in Indiana. The list of documents you need to bring is as follows:
- A completed Log of Supervised Driving.
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Proof of identification:
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
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Two proofs of residency in Indiana:
- Utility bill
- Voter registration card
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Proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security card
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Proof of legal status in the country:
- US passport
- Valid I-551
Both citizens and non-citizens are required to provide all of the above documentation.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
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If a driver is not eligible to renew online or simply chooses to go in person to renew drivers license documents, he or she must provide the documents below:
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One document that proves ID:
- Expiring driving license
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One document that proves Social Security Number:
- Social Security card
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One document that proves legal presence:
- Valid I-551
- US passport
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Two documents that prove IN residency:
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
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One document that proves ID:
- What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
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Drivers who choose to replace drivers license credentials at a nearby BMV office must provide the documents listed below:
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Two documents that verify your IN residency:
- Bank statements
- Utility bills
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A document that shows proof of ID:
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
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A document that verifies your legal status:
- US passport
- Valid I-551
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A document that shows proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security card
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
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Two documents that verify your IN residency:
- What languages is the written test available in?
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The Indiana written exam is available in 12 different languages. They are:
- English
- Arabic
- Burmese
- Chin
- German
- Japanese
- Korean
- Simplified Chinese
- Punjabi
- Russian
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
These exams are available in any license branch office that features touch-screen Automated Testing Terminals.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
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Drivers who wait until their licenses are expired will have to pay a $5 late fee. In addition to the added drivers license renewalcosts, there are other penalties based on the amount of time that elapsed since the expiration date:
- If the license is expired for less than 180 days, you must take a vision test.
- If the license has been expired between 180 days and three years, you must take a written knowledge test and a vision exam.
- If the license has been expired for more than three years, you must pass a written knowledge test, a road skills test and a vision exam.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
- What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
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If your new license does not show up within 10 business days of your Indiana drivers license renewal, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A few minutes on the phone with a BMV representative will help you find out where your license is and how long you will have to wait.
For more information: Indiana DMV Office Contact Information
- What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
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In the state of Indiana, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires all driving applicants to take three separate exams before they are given an IN driving license. The exams are:
- The written exam, to test your knowledge on the road regulations and signs of the state.
- The vision test, to make sure your sight is sufficient for safe driving.
- The driving test, to make sure you can abide by road rules and traffic signs.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- What type of noncommercial license will I need?
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When applying for a drivers license, it is important to know the name of the credential you require. As opposed to a CDL license, standard drivers in Indiana pursue what is called an operator driver license.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
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The timetable for reinstating suspended drivers license credentials varies depending on the offense in question. Some violations require drivers to wait up to a year to reinstate while others can be satisfied immediately. A few examples include:
- A failure to pay citations: Reinstatement is possible after paying the fines.
- A failure to pay child support: Reinstatement can begin once the support is paid.
- Not having auto insurance: Reinstatement can be done once proof of financial responsibility is shown to the BMV.
- Point-based suspensions: A license can only be reinstated after the predetermined suspension period is over.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Indiana
- When will I need to renew my license?
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One must renew drivers license credentials before the expiration date listed on the card. Each drivers license expires at midnight on the holder s birthday.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
- When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
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Applicants should receive their duplicate drivers license in Indiana within 10 business days of applying. If 10 business days pass and you still do not have your replacement, contact the BMV office.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Indiana Driver’s License or ID Card
- Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
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In order to find out the status of your Indiana driving license, the best thing to do is obtain your driving record. These records feature a full report of violations, license suspensions, revocations and even cancellations.
For more information: Your Indiana Driving Record
- Where can I find the DMV locations?
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Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:
- Where can I get a new drivers license?
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Applicants can visit any local license branch office to obtain a license to drive in Indiana. Luckily, finding a nearby location is easy because these offices are spread all throughout the state for the convenience of residents.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Indiana
- Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
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Yes. Whether you are renewing drivers license credentials early or late, drivers who visit a license branch office must perform a vision screening. If you drive with prescription glasses, be sure to bring them when you go to renew credentials.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana
- Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
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No. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not mail out drivers license renewal notices for its residents. It is their responsibility to know when and where they must renew their credentials.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Indiana