Apply for a License (Drivers 18+) in Indiana

Getting an Indiana Driver's License

To apply for an IN driver's license, you must visit a BMV office in person and pass both a vision test and driving test. You will need to provide various proofs of age, identity, and residency and pay the required licensing fee. If you have never been licensed before, you must first hold a learner's permit for a specified period of time before applying for your full driver's license.

Continue reading to find out how to obtain your first driver's license from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

NOTE: Before applying for a driver's license, you will need to first hold a learner's permit. See our Driver's Permit page for application instructions. If you're younger than 18 years old, please follow the instructions on our Applying for a Teen License page.

REAL ID Requirements in Indiana

The Indiana BMV complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, meaning it provides first-time driver license applicants with REAL ID-compliant driver licenses. REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal identification requirements required for tasks such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights.

New applicants will automatically receive a REAL ID. (Options differ for renewals and replacements.) For more details, visit the BMV's guide to REAL ID licensing.

New to Indiana?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

If you've just moved to Indiana and have a valid driver's license from your previous state, you have 60 days to have it transferred.

Follow the instructions outlined below to apply for an Indiana driver's license. You will also need to either:

  • Surrender your out-of-state driver's license.
  • You do not have to surrender a driver's license from another country if you are issued an IN driver's license.
  • Submit a copy of your driving record.
    OR
  • Submit a verification letter.

Your driving test will be waived if:

  • You are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license (or one that has been expired for 5 years or less).
    OR
  • You are younger than 18 years old (but older than 16 years and 180 days old) and have held an out-of-state driver's license for 180 days or longer.

You will need to first apply for a driver's permit if:

  • You are younger than 18 years old and haven't held your out-of-state driver's license for at least 180 days.
    OR
  • You have never held a driver's license from another state before.

Types of Indiana Driver's Licenses

The Indiana BMV offers the following types of licenses:

Eligibility Requirements for a Driver's License

To be eligible for an Indiana driver's license, you must:

Refer to the IN BMV's calendar to find out when you're eligible to apply.

How to Apply for an Indiana Driver's License

When you're ready to apply for your Indiana REAL ID driver's license, visit your local IN BMV office and:

  • Submit proof of:
    • Identity (1 document).
    • Social Security number (1 document).
    • Lawful U.S. status (1 document).
    • Indiana residency (2 documents).
  • Pass the:
    • Driving skills exam (may be waived if you took your test as part of a Driver's Ed course).
    • Vision screening.
  • Submit a Log of Supervised Driving (completed and signed).
  • Pay the required fee:
    • Younger than 75 years old: $17.50 (valid for 6 years).
    • 75 to 84 years old: $11 (valid for 3 years).
    • 85 years old and older: $7 (valid for 2 years).

For a complete list of accepted documents, please visit the Indiana BMV website.

NOTE: You will have had to pass a written knowledge to obtain your learner's permit.

Put That Test To Rest

There's one surefire way to pass the written exam on your first try and that's by utilizing an online practice test from our certified partner.

Driving Skills Exam

You will need to make an appointment to take your driving exam. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. You will need to provide your own vehicle that is properly registered and in safe working condition.

You will be tested on your ability to safely drive your vehicle on public roads. Some of the maneuvers you will be asked to perform include:

  • Backing (including out of a parking space).
  • Proper use of an intersection.
  • Parallel parking.
  • Proper signaling.

If you fail the road test, you will need to wait at least 7 days before attempting it again. If you fail 3 times, you will need to wait 2 months from your last attempt before taking the test again.

For more information, visit the Indiana BMV website.

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