Identification Cards in Indiana

Identification Cards in Indiana

Indiana offers a non-driver ID card for residents who either do not wish or are unable to obtain a driver's license. You should consider applying for an IN state identification (ID) card if you're an Indiana resident without a driver's license but need identification to prove your age, identity, or residence.

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.

Indiana ID Card Eligibility Requirements

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues REAL IDs to residents who do not wish to carry a license to drive. There is NO minimum age requirement for obtaining an Indiana ID card.

You cannot hold an Indiana ID card and driver license at the same time.

If you're interested in applying for an Indiana driver's license, read our pages on applying for an adult driver's license, applying for a teen driver's license, and taking Driver's Ed.

Apply for an Indiana ID Card

You must visit an IN BMV branch office to apply for your Indiana REAL ID. You cannot apply for an IN state ID card online, by phone or mail. All new customers and non-citizen applicants applying for an Indiana identification card for the first time will be required to apply for a REAL ID.

The IN BMV does NOT accept appointments for original Indiana identification card applications. You'll need to wait in line, so check out the suggested times to visit the BMV.

When applying for an ID card in Indiana, you must bring proof of:

  • Identity (1 document), such as:
  • Social Security number (1 document), including:
    • Social Security card.
    • W-2 form.
    • SSA-1099 or Non-SSA-1099 form.
  • Lawful Status (1 document), such as:
    • Certificate of birth (original or certified copy filed with a U.S. vital statistics office).
      • If you were born in Puerto Rico, you must show a birth certificate issued on or after July 1, 2010.
    • Valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
    • Naturalization document issued by the United States.
  • Indiana residency (2 documents), such as:
    • Current insurance policy (automobile, life, or premises liability).
    • Indiana certificate of title.
    • Computer-generated utility bill (electric, phone, cable, etc.).
      • NOTE: If you are under 18 years old and cannot provide proof of residency, you must bring someone to:
        • Sign a residency affidavit.
        • Show a valid IN driver's license or ID card.
        • Provide:
          • 2 documents to prove his or her identity.
          • 2 documents to prove Indiana residency.
  • Payment for the application fee. See the “IN State Identification Card Fees" section below for fee information and accepted payment methods.

The IN BMV provides complete lists of documents acceptable to prove your identity, Social Security number, lawful status, and residency.

NOTE: The IN BMV only accepts documents that are original or certified copies. If you have difficulty gathering your documents, you may contact the IN BMV directly for further assistance.

The IN BMV will issue an interim credential in person. Your new Indiana REAL ID card will be mailed to you within 14 days.

Foreign Nationals

The Indiana ID card application process is the same for foreign nationals. The Indiana BMV requires you to bring specific original documents to a local BMV branch office to apply for an Indiana identification card.

To get information about acceptable documents for foreign nationals, visit the Indiana BMV website.

IN State Identification Card Fees

Indiana ID card fees at the BMV (new, renewed, updated, replacement) vary depending on your age and voting eligibility.

  • $9.
  • An ID Card that shows you are eligible to vote in the next election: free.

Indiana BMV branch offices accept the following payment methods for transactions made in person:

  • Cash.
  • Visa or MasterCard (credit or debit cards).
  • Checks (payable to “BMV"):
    • Personal (one-party).
    • Money orders.
    • Cashier's checks.
    • Certified cashier.
    • Corporate/company.

For online transactions, the IN BMV accepts payment by:

  • E-check.
  • Visa or MasterCard (credit or debit cards).

Renew Your Indiana ID Card

Your Indiana ID card is valid for 6 years at a time.

You may be eligible to renew your Indiana ID card online or in person at your local BMV office. If you already obtained your Indiana REAL ID card, you will not be required to bring all of your original documents when you go to renew.

NOTE: The IN BMV allows you to renew your IN state ID card up to 2 years before it expires. Those with lawful status (temporary or permanent) may renew up to 30 days prior to expiration.

Online Indiana ID Card Renewal

To be eligible to renew your IN state ID card online, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You are a U.S. citizen.
  • There has been no change in your name, address, etc.
  • Your ID card is less than 180 days past its expiration.
  • Your renewal date is no more than 2 years away.
  • The IN BMV has your previous photograph on file.
  • Your BMV record does not have 3, 7 or 9 restrictions.
  • You do not plan to switch from a standard ID to a REAL ID.
    • You MUST apply for a REAL ID in person.

Once you've determined your eligibility, visit the BMV's online renewal portal. During this process, be prepared to enter your:

  • Full name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Indiana residential address.
  • Social Security number.

In-Person Renewal

When you go to renew your Indiana ID in person at your local BMV office, you will be asked to apply for an Indiana REAL ID card.

For specific instructions on how to apply for an IN state ID card, please read the "Apply for an Indiana ID Card" section above.

If you lost your Indiana ID card and do not have it with you when you renew in person, you'll need to present proof of identity from the list of acceptable identification documents.

For information on how much it will cost to renew your Indiana ID card, refer to the "IN Identification Card Fees" section above.

IDs for Military & U.S. Veterans

U.S. Veteran Designation

The Indiana BMV allows you to add a veteran indicator on your IN state ID card during new applications or renewal transactions. You will need to visit your local Indiana BMV branch office and bring proof of discharge or separation (dishonorable discharges not accepted).

This service is free to U.S. military veterans. However, there is a $9 fee to add the veteran indicator if your Indiana ID card is unexpired and not yet eligible for renewal.

ID Card Renewal/Replacement for U.S. Military

If your Indiana ID card expires while you are stationed out of state, you may be eligible to renew or replace it online. This also applies for the spouses and/or dependents of military personnel as well.

Online Renewal/Replacement

If your name and address have not changed (and you completed your last renewal in person), you may renew or replace your Indiana ID card online.

  • First, you'll need to create an online myBMV account.
  • The online system will request your Indiana ID card number, the ZIP code of your legal address, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

NOTE: You may also apply for a 30 day extension or interim credential. Simply complete a Request for Interim/Extension License (Form 54580) and return it to the address specified on the form.

In-Person Renewal/Replacement

When you return to Indiana, you may apply for a renewal or replacement in person at a local Indiana BMV office and present the following:

  • A current Military ID (exempts you from any delinquent fee).
  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of discharge or post-deployment.
  • Required payment.
  • See the “IN Identification Card Fees" section above.

NOTE: If you're in the military, your Indiana ID card remains valid for 90 days after your discharge from service. If you're not eligible for online Indiana ID card renewal, you may print a Military Extension Letter to carry with your expired IN state ID card.

Replace Your Indiana ID Card

You may apply for a replacement Indiana ID card online or in person at your local IN BMV branch office. If you are replacing a standard ID card WITHOUT changing to a REAL ID, you must renew in person.

Online Replacement

To be eligible to replace your Indiana ID card online, you'll need to visit the myBMV portal and meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • There is no change in your name, address, etc.
  • Your ID card is not expired.
  • The IN BMV has your previous photograph on file.
  • Your BMV record does not have 3, 7 or 9 restrictions.
  • You do not plan to switch from a standard identification card to a REAL ID.

The IN BMV website will prompt you to create a new myBMV account.

Be prepared to provide your Indiana ID card number, the ZIP code of your legal address, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

For further information, you may want to visit our Replacing a Lost License in Indiana page.

In-Person Replacement

If you have a standard Indiana ID card, you may apply for a replacement in person at a local BMV branch office. However, the IN BMV will encourage you to apply for an Indiana REAL ID card.

To apply for a replacement Indiana ID card, you'll need to present proof of identity from the list of acceptable identification documents, plus all other documentation required in the application process outlined above. Be sure to bring original or certified copies of your documents.

For information on how much it will cost to replace your Indiana ID card, refer to the "IN Identification Card Fees" section above.

Change Your ID Card Name/Address

Changing Your Name in Indiana

You must notify your local BMV branch office in person within 30 days of changing your name. You cannot change your name on your Indiana ID card online or by mail.

NOTE: You'll need to first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), as the BMV verifies Social Security records.

To change your name on your IN state ID Card, go to your local BMV office with your existing ID and show your legal proof of your change of name:

  • Marriage certificate.
  • Divorce certificate.
  • Court order.
  • Amended birth certificate (change of gender).
  • Signed and dated statement from your physician noting a gender change.

For more information, read our page about Changing Your Name in Indiana.

Changing Your Address in IN

The Indiana BMV requires you to notify them of your change of legal residence or mailing address within 30 days of moving. You may notify the Indiana BMV of your new address online or in person. You may not change your address by mail.

NOTE: Notifying the IN BMV of your change of address will change your records with the IN BMV only. If you would like a replacement IN ID card showing your new address, you will need to apply for a replacement. See the “Replace Your Indiana ID Card" section above for more information.

Online

To change your Indiana mailing address online, visit the IN state BMV online change of address system. You may ONLY update your legal residential address in person.

You will need to provide your:

  • Full name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Indiana residential address.
  • Social Security number.

In Person

To change your Indiana legal or mailing address in person at your local BMV branch office, you must provide:

  • Your Social Security number.
  • 2 documents proving Indiana residency.

For more information, read our page about Changing Your Address in Indiana.

Forms

54580
Request for Interim/Extension License or Military Extension Letter
Request an interim Indiana driver's license OR an extension on your current license if you're out-of-state and meet the qualifications listed on this BMV form.
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