Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?

No. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles gives drivers two options for obtaining an IN motorcycle license. They can either take a Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Course or they can pass the written knowledge and road skills exams.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?

Only riders age 17 and younger are required to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle in the state of Indiana. Still, full-head helmets are highly recommended by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for every rider, as this gear reduces the risk of brain injury by 67 percent.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?

No. All CDL drivers within the state of Indiana are required to visit a BMV license branch office in order to renew their license to drive commercial vehicles. These licenses are valid for four years and can be renewed up to one year before the expiration date.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Indiana

Can I take the DMV written test online?

No. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires all resident drivers to take the written knowledge test in person at a local license branch office. In addition, while appointments are not required to take the Indiana driving permit test, applicants must arrive at least one hour before the branch closes in order to take the exam.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?

Interstate CDL licenses can be used anywhere in the United States. Intrastate licenses can only be used for commercial purposes within the state of Indiana.

For more information: Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?

Depending on the classification of your scooter or moped as Class A or Class B, the licensing requirements are as follows:

  • For a Motor Driven Cycle Class A vehicle, you can have:
    • A drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement.
    • A drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement and an MDC Class A restriction.
    • A drivers license with a motorcycle permit.
  • For a Motor Driven Cycle Class B vehicle, you can have:
    • A driving license.
    • A driving permit.
    • An ID card with an MDC Class B endorsement.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?

Only drivers who are under the age of 16 are required to enroll in drivers ed in order to obtain a learning permit in Indiana. These courses combine 30 hours of in-class instruction with six hours of training behind the wheel. In addition, while they are not required for residents 16 or older, these classes are still available to such individuals.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?

If you would like to apply for a veteran designation on your Indiana ID card, visit a license branch office and provide a DD214 form or another similar document issued by the Department of Defense, which proves your honorable discharge from the armed services. If requesting a veteran designation before the renewal window, you will have to pay a fee for the duplicate.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?

If you would like to apply for a commercial driving license in Indiana, follow the steps below:

  1. Pass the written knowledge exam and road skills test for the CDL license class you want to receive.
  2. Provide a completed Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination 649-F form.
  3. Show documents that prove your:
  • Identity (standard drivers license)
  • Social Security Number (Social Security card)
  • Legal status in the country (US passport or Permanent Resident Card)
  • IN residency (utility bill and voter registration card)
    • Two documents are required to prove residency.
  1. Pay the licensing fee.

For more information:Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?

The steps one needs to take to obtain a learning permit in Indiana are as follows:

  1. Visit a license branch office.
  2. Provide proof of the following:
  • Identification:
    • Birth certificate (certified copy or original)
  • Social Security Number:
    • Social Security card
  • Lawful status:
    • US passport
  • Indiana residency (two):
    • Utility bill
    • Voter registration card
  • Financial responsibility:
    • This must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if a minor is applying.
  1. Give a Certificate of Driver Education, if applicable.
  2. Take a vision test.
  3. Pass the written knowledge exam.
  4. Pay the learners permit fee.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?

In order to obtain a motorcycle drivers license in Indiana, follow the steps below:

  1. Pass the written knowledge exam to obtain a motorcycle permit.
  2. Provide the necessary documentation:
    • Proof of ID (drivers license)
    • Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card)
    • Proof of legal presence (US passport or Permanent Resident Card)
    • Two proofs of residency (bank statement or utility bill)
    • An Agreement of Financial Liability, if under 18.
  3. Pass the riding skills exam.
  4. Pass a vision screening test.
  5. Pay the licensing fee.

Note that the written and road skills exams can be avoided if the resident enrolls in and passes a BMV-authorized Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Course.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

How do I get a duplicate ID card?

Residents can replace ID card credentials online or in person. To replace documents online, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • You are a US citizen.
  • You do not have restrictions 3 or 9 on your record.
  • Your previous photo is on file at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • Your current ID card is not expired.
  • You haven t undergone a name or address change.

If you cannot meet the above criteria, locate your nearest BMV office and bring proof of ID, legal presence, residency and Social Security Number, as well as payment for the duplicate fee.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

How do I renew my driving permit?

To renew your IN learners permit, all a driver has to do is visit a local license branch office and provide proof of the following:

  • Their identity (name and birth date): Original or certified copy of birth certificate
  • Their legal presence in the US: US passport
  • Their residency in Indiana: Utility bill
  • Their Social Security Number: Social Security card

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

How do I renew my ID card?

When it comes time to renew ID card documentation, residents can complete the process in two ways: online and in person.

To renew online, simply visit the BMV online system and provide your name, residential address, Social Security Number and birth date. To make sure that you qualify for online renewal, verify that you meet the below criteria:

  • You are a US citizen.
  • Your Indiana ID card hasn t been expired for more than 180 days.
  • Your photo is on file with the BMV.
  • You haven t changed your name, address or other personal information.
  • You are renewing within 12 months of the renewal date.
  • You do not have restrictions 3 or 9 on your record.

If you do not meet the above qualifications, visit a license branch office and provide proof of ID, Social Security Number, legal presence and residency to obtain an identification card.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?

To successfully renew your medical report when the time comes around, drivers must have a certified and licensed physician fill out the Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination 649-F form and submit it in one of the following ways:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Attn: CDL Programs

100 N Senate Ave

IGCN, Room N 481

Indianapolis, IN 46204

For more information: Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?

To renew your Indiana motorcycle endorsement, you must follow the same steps required for renewing a standard drivers license. The only difference is that motorcycle riders will have to pay a higher fee. Renewal can be done online or in person at a local BMV office.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Indiana

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?

The process to obtain a motorcycle driving license as a member of the military is very similar to what civilians must do. Applicants must present the necessary documentation, pay the licensing fee and pass the written and riding exams. The only difference is that if the military member chooses to take an out-of-state motorcycle safety course instead of the tests, he or she must provide a copy of the course completion card, a copy of their drivers license and a copy of their motorcycle permit (if applicable) to the Indiana Motorcycle Safety Program State Coordinator.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?

The amount of time you need to have an Indiana learners permit for is 180 days, which is approximately six months. Those who completed a drivers ed course can apply for a license as young as 16 years and 180 days of age. If you did not take a course but have held a driving permit for 180 days, you must wait until you are 16 years and 270 days old.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

How long will it take to get my new ID card?

When you visit a license branch office to apply for ID card credentials in person, a representative will give you an interim ID. Residents can expect to receive their official card in the mail within 10 business days.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?

A commercial drivers license is valid for a period of four years. Renewals for these credentials can be done up to one year in advance of the expiration date.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Indiana

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?

Residents who are outside the state of Indiana and have lost their identification cards should apply for a replacement online. As long as you meet the following criteria, you are eligible to use the BMV s online system:

  • You re a United States citizen.
  • Your picture is on file at the BMV.
  • You don t have restriction 3 or 9 on your record.
  • Your ID card is not expired.
  • You have not changed your name or your address.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?

Yes. There are two age requirements that one must be aware of in regards to commercial drivers licenses in Indiana. First of all, in order to obtain an intrastate license, which only allows you to operate a commercial vehicle within Indiana, you must be 18 years of age or older. On the other hand, interstate licenses can only be obtained by drivers 21 or older.

For more information:Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?

Within the state of Indiana a motorcycle endorsement can only be given to residents who are at least 16 years and 180 days old. In addition, these residents must hold an active IN drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

What are the available commercial license endorsements?

In addition to the classes of Indiana CDL licenses, the BMV also offers a number of endorsements to commercial drivers, including:

  • Hazardous Materials (Endorsement H)
  • School Bus (Endorsement S)
  • Passenger Transport (Endorsement P)
  • Double or Triple Trailers (Endorsement T)
  • Tank Vehicle (Endorsement N)
  • Tank Vehicles and Hazardous Materials (Endorsement X)

For more information: Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?

The breakdown of ID card fees in Indiana is as follows:

  • Standard identification card: $11.50
  • Special identification card: $9

When visiting a nearby license branch office, you will be able to pay with cash, check or a major credit card.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?

If you are between the ages of 16 and 18 and are not taking a drivers ed course, you can only drive while a certified driving instructor is in the passenger seat. Spouses 21 or older and licensed drivers 25 and older are also acceptable driving companions when driving with an Indiana learners permit. Drivers who are 18 or older can drive as long as a licensed individual who is 21 or older is in the passenger seat.

In addition, drivers who are enrolled in drivers education can only operate a vehicle after their course is completed and while one of the three types of individuals listed above is in the passenger seat.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?

In order to apply for a license to drive commercial vehicles in Indiana, one must submit a Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination 649-F form. This application must be certified by a member of the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and turned in by one of the following means:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Attn: CDL Programs

100 N Senate Ave

IGCN, Room N 481

Indianapolis, IN 46204

For more information: Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?

Drivers under the age of 18 who hold a learning permit face the same penalties and traffic fines as adults. The only difference is that it only takes two or more offenses, two or more accidents or a combination of the two to result in a mandatory traffic school course.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?

Three-wheel motor vehicles, or autocycles, have specific licensing requirements in Indiana. In order to operate one of these vehicles, one must have one of the following credentials:

  • An Operator license
  • A Chauffeur license
  • A Public Passenger Chauffeur license
  • A CDL license

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?

In addition to testing requirements, anyone submitting a drivers permit application must also provide the following documents:

  • A Certificate of Driver Education from an approved program, if applicable
  • One proof of ID:
    • Birth certificate (certified copy or original)
  • One proof of lawful status:
    • US passport
  • One proof of Social Security Number:
    • Social Security card
  • Proof of financial responsibility
    • This must be signed by a parent or legal guardian on the back of the application.
  • Two proofs of residency in Indiana:
    • Voter registration card
    • Utility bill

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?

If you are getting a motorcycle license in the state of Indiana, you must bring the following documents to the local BMV office:

  • Proof of identity: Indiana driving license
  • Proof of legal status in the country: United States passport or Permanent Resident Card
  • Proof of your Social Security Number: Social Security card
  • Two proofs of residency: a bank statement and a pay stub
  • Proof of Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Course completion, if applicable
  • An Agreement of Financial Liability, for riders under 18

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?

Indiana residents who would prefer not to take a Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Course must pass two exams in order to get their motorcycle license endorsement. These are:

  • The written knowledge exam, which is based on Indiana Motorcycle Operator s Manual.
  • The riding skills test.

In addition, applicants may also be asked to take a vision test.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Indiana

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?

If a driver is convicted of DUI in the state of Indiana, the consequences are severe. Concerning the license, suspension is imminent. The length of the suspension, however, varies based on the circumstances:

  • A first offense results in a one-year drivers license suspension.
  • If the first offense occurred while transporting hazardous materials, the suspension is three years long.
  • Any subsequent violations result in a lifetime CDL license disqualification.

For more information: Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?

The Indiana ID card is a government-issued credential that features a variety of personal information, including one s name, address and date of birth. Thus, it can be used as a primary form of identification for any resident who does not hold a drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?

The written test is made up of 16 traffic sign identification questions and 34 general knowledge questions. In order to pass, an applicant must answer 14 sign questions correctly and get 28 road regulations questions right.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?

First-time drivers in Indiana are required to take the Bureau of Motor Vehicles written knowledge exam and a vision test in order to obtain their IN driving permit. The questions on the written exam are taken from the information that is found in the Indiana Driver s Manual.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?

When applying for a commercial driving license in Indiana, drivers must take and pass a written knowledge exam and a road skills test. In addition, extra tests will also be administered by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles if the applicant in question wants to obtain CDL endorsements. Each endorsement comes with its own test.

For more information: Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?

Identification cards in Indiana are valid for a period of six years. Thus, they must be renewed every time six years pass.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?

If you would like to obtain anID card in Indiana, simply visit a nearby BMV license branch office. These offices are located all throughout the state for the convenience of all Indiana residents.

For more information: How to Apply for an Indiana Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?

Any minor applying for a driving permit in Indiana must have a parent or legal guardian sign a proof of financial liability document. If a parent or guardian cannot be present, any adult who is willing to assume the financial responsibility of the minor can sign it.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Indiana