Indiana Driver's License
Requirements
Indiana driver's licenses are issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — Indiana's name for what most states call the DMV. The standard non-commercial credential is an Indiana Operator's License (typically referred to as a regular driver's license). Indiana operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system for drivers under 18: a Learner's Permit at 15 (with mandatory driver education), a Probationary License at 16 years 6 months (or 16 years 3 months with completed driver education), and full unrestricted privileges at 18. Indiana issues federally-compliant REAL ID credentials — required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The state also issues "Driving Cards" (a Standard, non-REAL ID credential) to qualifying residents who lack documentation for a REAL ID. Indiana is notable for its convenience: Class A and Class B vehicle classes are well-integrated, BMV branches are extensive, and you can complete most renewals and address changes online at myBMV.com.
Requirements Overview
Must be a resident of Indiana. The BMV requires two documents proving Indiana residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 60 days. Indiana issues a "Driving Card" (a non-REAL ID Standard credential) to qualifying residents without federal lawful-presence documentation.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Indiana DMV website.
- Proof of identity (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or valid permanent resident card)
- Proof of lawful presence in the U.S. (passport or naturalization certificate; W-2 alone is not sufficient)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Two proofs of Indiana residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current IN vehicle registration in your name)
- Indiana driver education completion certificate (under 16-year-olds applying for a Learner's Permit)
- Parental/guardian liability statement signed in person at the BMV — required for applicants under 18
- Two proofs of name (if name on identity document differs from preferred name on license)
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Indiana DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Indiana driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Complete Approved Driver Education (Required Under 18)
Indiana applicants under 16 cannot apply for a Learner's Permit without first completing an approved Driver Education program (30 classroom hours + 6 behind-the-wheel hours). Many Indiana high schools offer it free; private providers charge $300–$600. Adults 18+ may skip Driver Ed entirely.
Study the Indiana Driver's Manual
Download the Indiana Driver's Manual from in.gov/bmv. The written knowledge test is 50 questions; you must answer at least 84% (42 correct) to pass. Topics include traffic laws, road signs, sharing the road with bikes/pedestrians, and Indiana's Move Over law.
Apply for a Learner's Permit at 15 (with Driver Ed) or 16 (without)
Visit any BMV branch with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $9.00 fee. Pass the vision test, the written knowledge test, and (for those who haven't taken Driver Ed) a road sign recognition test. The permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 25+ (or driver-ed instructor).
Pro tip: Use myBMV.com to skip to the front of the line at participating branches.
Hold the Permit for 180 Days and Log 50 Supervised Hours
Indiana requires a 180-day permit-holding period for under-18 applicants. During that time, log at least 50 hours of supervised driving — 10 of which must be at night. The supervising driver must be 25+ with at least 4 years of valid licensed driving experience.
Pro tip: Use the BMV-provided practice log or a smartphone app. The supervising adult signs the log before the road test.
Pass the Road Skills Test
Schedule the skills test online at myBMV.com or call any Indiana BMV branch. Bring your permit, signed driving log, vehicle proof of insurance and registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The skills test takes 20–30 minutes and covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, and lane changes.
Pro tip: Indianapolis-area BMV branches typically have 6–10 week waits — try Greenfield, Lebanon, or Greenwood for shorter waits.
Receive the Probationary License
Pay the license fee. New 16- to 17-year-olds receive a Probationary License with restrictions: for the first 180 days, no passengers under 21 unless they're siblings, and no driving 10pm–5am Sunday-Friday (1am–5am Saturday-Sunday). Restrictions ease at 17 and lift completely at 18.
Upgrade to Full Operator License at 18
On the 18th birthday, the Probationary License automatically becomes a full Indiana Operator's License. Standard 6-year renewal cycle begins. No additional test or BMV visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
A REAL ID-compliant Indiana license has a star in the upper right corner and is required for boarding domestic U.S. flights starting May 7, 2025. An Indiana Driving Card is a Standard (non-REAL ID) credential issued to qualifying residents who lack the federal documents required for REAL ID. Both allow you to drive legally in Indiana, but only the REAL ID works for federal purposes (TSA, federal buildings).
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Indiana DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.