Moving to Indiana, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the deadline for new residents to get an Indiana license.
• You can work out which tests apply when you transfer an out-of-state license.
• You can explain the extra steps for an out-of-country license.
• You can tell whether a card is REAL ID compliant.
• You can plan a renewal and know when retesting is required.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents with a valid out-of-state license have 60 days to get an Indiana license, and must surrender other states' credentials.
• Adults with a valid out-of-state license usually need only documents and a vision screening. An expired license adds the knowledge exam.
• If your old license expired more than five years ago, or you have held it for less than one year, you must also pass the driving skills exam.
• Out-of-country license holders must pass the vision screening, knowledge exam and driving skills exam, except that the skills exam can be waived under Indiana's agreements with Japan and Taiwan.
• A REAL ID compliant Indiana card has a star in the upper right-hand corner.
• An Indiana license is valid for six years under age 75, three years from 75 to 84, and two years at 85 and older.
• You must update your address or name with the BMV within 30 days of a change.

Transferring a license from another state

At a BMV branch, bring your current out-of-state license, a copy of your official driving record or a verification letter, plus proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Indiana residency. You will take a vision screening. The BMV issues a temporary license valid for 30 days while your documents are checked, then mails the permanent card.

Under 18? If you are at least 16 years and 180 days old, you bring your license or driving record and the usual documents and pass the knowledge exam and vision screening. If you held your old license for under 180 days you receive a learner's permit; between 180 days and one year, you also take the skills exam. If you have never been licensed anywhere, you start with an Indiana permit and hold it for 180 days.

Licenses from other countries

A foreign license cannot be used as ID. To apply, present it in English, with a verifiably accurate English translation, or together with an International Driving Permit. Drivers 18 or older from Japan or Taiwan whose license is active or expired less than three years can have the skills exam waived, but still take the knowledge and vision tests.

REAL ID in Indiana

Indiana has issued REAL ID compliant credentials since January 1, 2010. Federal agencies, including TSA airport checkpoints, accept only REAL ID compliant state cards for federal identification. If your card has no star, you can upgrade when you renew, amend or replace it by bringing original or certified documents proving identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Indiana residency to a branch.

Renewing your license

1. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can renew up to 24 months before expiration; temporary residents up to 30 days before.
2. Many drivers can renew online or at a BMV Connect kiosk every other renewal, and the vision screening is not needed when you renew online.
3. Renewing after the expiration date brings an administrative penalty.
4. Expired between 180 days and five years: pay the penalty and pass the knowledge exam and vision screening.
5. Expired five years or more: you also need the driving skills exam.
6. Six or more active points at renewal also means a knowledge exam.

Common mistakes

• Waiting past 60 days to switch licenses after moving, or keeping your old state's license as well. Indiana residents may hold only one credential.
• Bringing photocopies instead of originals or certified copies of identity documents.
• Assuming a foreign license alone is enough without a translation or International Driving Permit.
• Letting a license lapse for more than 180 days and being surprised by the knowledge exam.

Test yourself: Moving to Indiana, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Indiana Bioptic Driver Program
• Indiana Permit Test
• Indiana BMV Points System and License Suspension