How to get an Indiana Driver's License
Find the details for how to get a new IN driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers for Indiana.
Indiana BMV Driver's License Rules
Under IN BMV guidelines, if you have successfully completed an approved driver education program you must be at least 16 years and 180 days old (approximately 16 years and six months) to apply for an Indiana Drivers License. If you have not successfully completed an approved driver education program you must be at least 16 years and 270 days old (approximately 16 years and nine months) to obtain a driver's license.
All driver's need to be familiar with the Indiana Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's, you will need to apply for an Indiana learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an IN drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 60 days before taking the road skills test.
New IN Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Indiana driver's license upon establishing a permanent residence in IN. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
If you are between 16 years and 180 days of age, but less than eighteen years of age, and currently have held a valid out-of-state driver's license (excluding learner's permits or the equivalent) for at least 180 days in the state, or combination of states, in which you formerly resided, you must visit a license branch to present your current out-of-state driver's license or a copy of your official driving record. You must also present documents of identification and pass a written examination and a vision screening test.
If you are at least 18 years of age and have held a valid out-of-state driver's license from the state of your prior residence you must visit a license branch to present your current out-of-state driver's license, a copy of your official driving record, or a verification letter. You must also present documents of identification and pass a written examination and a vision screening test. If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than three years you must pass a driving skills test.
International Drivers
Indiana honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit for a period of one year. Once you establish residency in Indiana, you must apply for an Indiana learners permit and pass all of the required tests including the written exam, vision screening and road skills test.
Paperwork
Before you head to the DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your driver's license will be valid for 6 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Indiana Driver's Manual |
