Identification Cards

Importance of ID Cards

If you don't have a driver's license, it is a good idea to have some other sort of photo identification, such as a state identification card. There are just too many occasions in daily life that you are required to provide photographic proof of your identity.

Not the least of these is when you vote. Indiana now requires all voters (with a few exceptions) to provide an acceptable form of photo identification at the polling place before being able to cast your ballot.

The Indiana identification card resembles a driver license, but has a non-driver label at the top. All ages are eligible to receive a state ID. The cards cost $13 and are valid for six years. If you are at least 65 years old or disabled, the cost is $10. If you can't afford to pay for a state ID card, you may be issued one for free if the proper documentation is presented.

How to Apply

To apply for a state ID card, just go to any license agency. Make sure to bring along proof of both your identity and your date of birth from the state's acceptable documentation list. You'll need to provide one document each from the primary, secondary, and proof of residency groups. Or, you can show two documents from the primary group and one from the proof of residency group. Only original documents or certified copies will be allowed. If your Social Security number is not already on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' internal register, you will need to provide proof of that, too, from the acceptable documentation list.

All documents must be in English, and in your name. (English translation is also acceptable.) A foreign driver's license is not an approved form of identification.

If you use documents from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration/Naturalization Service, or Citizenship and Immigration Service, they will need to be approved by the Central Verification Process before a state ID card will be issued.

You may receive a temporary ID document until that verification process has been completed. The fees for this are the same as listed above; if your identification documents are approved, your state ID card will be mailed to you.

If your identification isn't approved, you will receive a letter explaining the steps to appeal that decision; however, you will not be eligible to apply for a refund.

Renewing an ID Card

Indiana ID cards are valid for a period of six years, expiring on the card holder's birthday. The renewal fee is $13; for disabled ID or for ID cards holders older than 65, the fee is $10.

Unfortunately, Indiana does not have mail-in or Internet renewal capabilities for ID cards at this time. You must go in person to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in order to renew your ID card.

Replacing an ID Card

To replace a lost or stolen card, follow the same procedure used to apply for the card. Replacement cards cost $13.