Indiana Driver's License

Commercial Driver's License

For those who operate commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is necessary. In Indiana, there are three types of CDLs:

Class A CDL

Indiana Class A CDL is required for operating vehicles having a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more, given that the vehicles being towed have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds.

Class B CDL

Class B CDL holders are for single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or greater or towing vehicles not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class C CDL

This CDL is authorized for a single vehicle or set of cars with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds.

Regular Driver's License (Operator's License)

The most typical driver's license in Indiana, sometimes called an operator's license, allows people to drive regular passenger vehicles. To be authorized for this license, applicants must pass the vision, knowledge, and road skills tests.

Motorcycle License

A motorcycle license is required for individuals who wish to operate motorcycles. If the applicant is at least 16 years and six months days of age, they can include a motorcycle license to their valid driver's license.

Probationary Driver's License

A probationary driver's license is issued to applicants under 21 years old. These licenses come with specific restrictions that apply at various times until the driver's 21st birthday.

Applicants must hold an IN learner's permit for six months when obtaining an IN driver's license. They must be at least 16 years old and three months or 16 years old and nine months to be eligible for a probationary driver's license.

Applicants under 18 may also require a log of their supervised driving hours and a co-signer for financial liability. The adult signing the financial liability agreement must provide identification documents verifying their identity and age. To learn more about this, open the Agreement of Financial Liability.

Learner's Permit

The first step for most individuals is to obtain a learner's permit. This permit allows them to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. To get a learner's permit in Indiana, one must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass a vision screening and written knowledge test.
• If under 18, have a parent or guardian sign an agreement to be financially responsible for any injury or damage they cause.

Once they have their learner's permit, the driver must hold it for at least three months before applying for a driver's license.

New Indiana Residents

If the applicant is a new Indiana resident with a valid driver's license from another state, they have two months to obtain an Indiana driver's license. Applicant must:

• Surrender their out-of-state license
• Provide proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency
• Pass a vision screening

If applicants do not hold a valid license from another state, they must obtain an Indiana learner's permit and keep it for six months before applying for a driver's license.

Applicants must pass various tests and screenings to obtain a driver's license in Indiana. The Indiana BMV provides clear guidelines to help applicants navigate the process. Below is a detailed guide on obtaining a driver's license in Indiana for both new and old residents.

Gather Necessary Documentation

Applicants can apply for a driver's license in Indiana and need to gather the required documents. The Indiana BMV requires specific documents to verify their identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency. They will need:

• Proof of Identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate
• Proof of Lawful Status, such as a permanent resident card or visa
• Social Security number, such as Social Security card, pay stub, or W-2 form
• Proof of Indiana Residency such as utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement (two required proofs)

It's essential to ensure that all documents are current and valid. Applicants should double-check that they have the correct documents before visiting an Indiana BMV branch to avoid delays in their driver's license application process. For a detailed list of acceptable documents, refer to the Indiana driver's license requirements.

Pass the Vision Screening

All applicants must pass a vision screening test administered at the BMV office to meet the minimum vision standards required for safe driving. If someone wears glasses or contacts while driving, they must wear them during the screening.

However, the BMV may exempt the vision screening requirement for learner's permits or driver's licenses if applicants submit completed Vision Screening Documentation (State Form 56520) from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.

If an individual's visual ability falls below state standards, they will be directed to an eye doctor for evaluation. Upon certification from the eye doctor that their vision meets state standards, they can return to the Indiana BMV branch. Even with the eye doctor's statement, passing a vision screening at the branch is still mandatory.

Drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses will receive a Type B restriction on their license. Common restrictions on licenses include the requirement to wear glasses or contacts (Type B), use outside rearview mirrors (Type F), or drive only during daylight hours (Type G).

Take the Knowledge Exam

The driver's knowledge exam in Indiana is a multiple-choice test covering state law, defensive driving, and information from the driver's manual. Passing this exam is a crucial step in gaining driving privileges. Test-takers must understand traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the ability to interpret signs and signals.

The exam is mandatory for various scenarios, including learner's permit applications, new residents with expired out-of-state licenses, individuals with expired licenses, and those with six or more active points on their driving record. Military personnel and their families may also need to take the exam under certain conditions.

Additionally, the BMV provides knowledge exams for CDL applicants seeking specific endorsements and those wishing to operate motorcycles, Motor Drive Cycle (MDC), or for-hire vehicles. Test-takers must arrive at least 30 minutes before the IN BMV branch closes to take the computer-based exam, and failing requires waiting until the next business day for a retake.

Complete a Driver Education Course (If Applicable)

In Indiana, individuals seeking a driver's license can complete a driver's education course as part of the licensing process. Those opting for this course must meet specific criteria, including holding a learner's permit, enrolling in a BMV-licensed behind-the-wheel program, and fulfilling classroom and behind-the-wheel training requirements.

The BMV oversees the certification of driver training schools and instructors to ensure compliance with Indiana's driving laws and regulations. The BMV provides detailed information on approved schools and program specifics.

Schedule and Pass the Driving Skills Test

Individuals with a learner's permit who attend an Indiana BMV licensed driver training school participating in the driving skills test program can take their driving skills exam with the school after completing 30 hours of theoretical and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. The exam results remain valid until the learner's permit expires.

Applicants can schedule the driving skills test online at myBMV portal or by contacting their local BMV branch. They must bring their learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle in good working condition.

Apply for a Driver's License

After passing the driving skills test, applicants can apply for their driver's license. Visit their local BMV branch with the following:

• Their learner's permit
• Proof of completion of a driver education course (if required)
• Required documentation (proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency)
• Payment for the applicable fee

Upon completing the driver's license application process, applicants will be issued a temporary paper license that remains valid for one month. This temporary license serves as a temporary form of identification until the permanent driver's license is processed and mailed to the applicant.

Indiana Driver's License Fees

To obtain a driver's license in Indiana, applicants must pay various fees to the IN BMV. The specific fees depend on the type of license and transaction.

The BMV website provides a fee chart listing all the applicable fees for different transactions, such as obtaining a new license, renewing a license, or making changes to an existing one.

In addition to the license fees, there may be other costs associated with obtaining a license, such as fees for driver's education courses and driving skills exams.

For additional information on obtaining a regular Indiana driver's license, read the Indiana Driver Manual. Those interested in commercial driving and motorcycle licenses should study the Commercial Driver Licenseand Motorcycle Operator Manual, respectively.

Renewing a Driver's License in Indiana

When renewing a driver's license, an individual must meet several conditions to qualify for standard renewal procedures.

First, the applicant's current license must not have expired for more than six months. Second, the applicant must not be flagged in the system as someone required to retake written knowledge tests or road skills assessments. Lastly, the renewal application must be submitted within 24 months of the license's expiration date.

Renewing a driver's license in Indiana online is possible if:

• The applicant has a driver's license with or without a motorcycle or For-Hire endorsement.
• The applicant is a U.S. citizen and Indiana resident.
• There is no change in the applicant's name, residential address, or other personal information.
• The applicant's previous renewal transaction was completed in a BMV branch.
• The applicant's driver's license has not expired for more than six months.
• The applicant is not required to take an exam.
• The applicant is available within 24 months of their renewal date.
• The applicant is under 75 years of age.

If the applicants meet these conditions, they can renew their license online on the myBMV portal. To create an account on this system, they must provide:

• Their driver's license number
• The last four digits of their Social Security number
• Their legal ZIP code

Once logged in, users should provide the required information and pay the renewal fee based on their age:

• $17.50 if under 75 years old
• $11 if between 75 and 85 years old
• $7 if over 85 years old

They will receive their new license in the mail within ten business days.

Renewal Cases

Those under 21 cannot renew their license until their 21st birthday and need a duplicate license before then. Military members' licenses remain valid for three months post-discharge, and they may renew them online or by visiting a BMV Branch.

Replacing a Driver's License in Indiana

If an applicant's driver's license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, they can replace it online or at a BMV branch. Applicants can also obtain a 30-day interim credential if their license has been lost or stolen while out of the state.

To replace a driver's license online, the applicant must meet renewal eligibility. However, they can only replace their license online up to ten times. After that, they will need to visit a BMV branch.

When replacing a license online, individuals must provide their driver's license number, the last four digits of their Social Security number, and their legal ZIP code.

For specific steps on replacing a driver's license online, check the "How To Replace Your License, Permit, or ID Card on myBMV" guide prepared by the IN BMV.

If applicants need to change their name or residential address, they must visit a BMV branch to amend their license. Applicants must bring original documents proving their identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and proof of Indiana residency.

The fee for replacing a lost Indiana driver's license is $9.