Katie WisemanIndianapolis Star
Before you go stand in line, take a ticket and wait some more at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch, make sure you have everything you need so you don't waste your time.
Also make sure the BMV branch is open before heading out. (Did you know most BMV locations in Indiana are closed on Mondays?)
Here's what else you need to know before heading to the BMV.
When is the Indiana BMV open?
Indiana has 125 BMV locations across the state, and some of them have different hours.
The most common hours for Indiana BMV locations are as follows:
Sun: ClosedMon: ClosedTue: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.Wed: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Thu: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
If you need to visit the BMV on a Monday, there are locations around the state that are open, but you may have to drive a little farther so it is important to plan ahead.
When is my BMV open? Hours differ statewide
If your BMV location is closed on Mondays, they may be open later on Tuesdays.
In Central Indiana, the Indianapolis South, North and East branches; the Greenfield branch; the Greencastle branch; and the Carmel branch are closed on Mondays and open until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
It is crucial to check the hours of the BMV location you're going to ahead of time. Some BMV locations in Indiana are closed on Saturdays; some are also closed on Wednesdays.
In Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Midtown, Madison Ave. and Beech Grove branches are all closed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
To find the BMV location closest to you, see what services they provide and to check their hours, view the interactive BMV map online.
What can I do at a BMV kiosk?
Indiana has BMV Connect Kiosks located across the state. These kiosks are open 24-hours a day and are self-service terminals.
The only time BMV Connect Kiosks are typically unavailable are on Sundays from 5 to 10 a.m. for routine maintenance.
At a BMV Connect Kiosk you can:
- Register a new vehicle (cars, watercrafts, off road vehicles and snowmobiles)
- Renew vehicle registration
- Get a replacement registration sticker (vehicles/trailers only)
- Duplicate your registration card
- Renew your driver's license or ID card
- Replace your ID card
- Duplicate your driver's license (commercial driver's license too)
- Update your contact information
- Get your official driving record
- Pay reinstatement fee
- Duplicate a title
All kiosks accept credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Kiosks located at branch locations also accept cash.
Learn more about the self-service terminals and find the nearest one to you on the BMV website.
What documents prove my identity at the BMV?
When you are heading to the BMV it is essential that you have the right paperwork and documentation with you so you aren't turned away.
Depending on the service you may need different documents, but all documents provided need to be physical copies.
If you need to prove your identity bring one of the following:
- United States birth certificate (must be an original or certified copy)
- Unexpired United States passport
- Foreign passportwith a visa and I-94 form
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
What documents do you need apply for a driver's permit or license in Indiana?
When applying for an Indiana driver's license, you mustsurrender all valid credentials (identification card, learner’s permit or driver's license) you have from other states.
If you are new to Indiana, the BMV has a New Resident Packetwith a checklist to help you prepare for your visit to the branch.
If you do not have a valid driver's license from another state, you must have anIndianalearner's permitfor180 days before you canobtain an Indiana driver's license.
For all information regarding what documentation and tests are required for obtaining a driver's license in Indiana visit the BMV website.
How long is a driver's license valid in Indiana?
If you are under the age of 75, your driver's license is valid for six years.
If you are at least 75 but younger than 85, your license is valid for three years. If you are 85 or older your license is only valid for two years.
U.S. citizens may renew their license up to twenty-four (24) months prior to its expiration while those lawful permanent or temporary status, may renew their driver’s license up to 30 days prior.
A knowledge exam is not required when you renew a driver’s license, unless you have accumulated six or more points on your driver record since your previous renewal or your license has been expired for more than 180 days.
For more information about driver's permits and licenses, visit the BMV website.
What documents are required for titling and registering a vehicle in Indiana?
If you are heading to the BMV to apply for a title and registration on a new vehicle, this is what you will need:
- Certificate of title
- Vehicle inspectionof the vehicle identification number (VIN).The vehicle must be present at the BMV branch for an inspection. If the vehicle cannot be present, you must submit aPhysical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft – State Form 39530, which must be completed by law enforcement.
- Proof of address (driver's license with correct address or a bill with correct address dated within the last 60 days)
- Proof of your full Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Identification Number (FIN)may be required in accordance with Indiana Code 4-1-8-1 (Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, Non SSA-1099 form, pay stub with your name and social security number on it or Social Security Administration documents establishing that you are ineligible for a Social Security number)
- You must provide financial responsibility information to purchase a license plate and certificate of registration (Insurance card)
- Vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties are required to undergo emissions tests. Refer to theVehicle Emissions Testing Program webpagefor more information.
What documents are needed for a Real ID?
A Real ID is indicated by the star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license, permit or state identification card.
Beginning May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, permit, or identification card will be required to board commercial airplanes or enter certain federal facilities.
To obtain a Real ID you need to bring with you to the BMV:
- One document proving your identity (U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa and I-94 form or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
- Legal proof of a change in name, date of birth or gender ( i.e. adoption papers, marriage license, divorce decree, original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate, a physician's statement of gender change)
- One document proving lawful status (U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa and I-94 form or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
- One document proving your social security (Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, Non SSA-1099 form, pay stub with your name and social security number on it or Social Security Administration documents establishing that you are ineligible for a Social Security number)
- Two documents proving Indiana residency (computer-generated bill from a utility company, credit card company, doctor, or hospital, issued within 60 days of the date you visita BMV branch,and containingyour name andaddress of residence, bank statement, pre-printed pay stub or a Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement)
Visit the BMV website to learn more about Real ID requirements.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman.
