Welcome to Indiana! When move to this state, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you hold a valid driver's license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of any vehicles you own from your previous state to Indiana.
View the New Indiana Resident Packet to learn how to obtain an Indiana credential and transfer your vehicle registration and title to Indiana.
Obtaining a Driver's License
When you apply for an Indiana driver's license, you must surrender all valid credentials (identification card, learner’s permit, or driver's license) you hold from other states.
Residents Not Holding a Valid Driver's License From Another State
If you do not hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must hold an Indiana learner's permit for 180 days before you may obtain an Indiana driver's license.
Residents 18 Years Of Age or Older Holding a Valid Driver's License from Another State
If you are at least 18 years of age and have a valid out-of-state driver's license from your prior previous state, you must visit a BMV branch to:
- Present ONE of the following three items:
- Your current out-of-state driver's license,
- A copy of your official driving record, or
- A verification letter.
- You must also present documentation proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency.
- And you must pass a vision screening.
If your out-of-state license is expired when you move to Indiana, you must take a knowledge exam. If it's been expired for more than five years, or if you’ve had a valid out-of-state license for less than one year, you must also pass a driving skills test. The BMV will give you a temporary license that’s valid for 30 days while your documents are being verified.
Residents Younger than 18 Years of Age Holding a Driver’s License from Another State
If you're under 18 but at least 16 years and 180 days old, and you've had a valid out-of-state driver's license for less than 180 days, you must go to a BMV branch to:
- Present your current out-of-state driver’s license or a copy of your official driving record.
- You must also present documentation proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency.
- Pass a knowledge examination and a vision screening.
- Apply for a learner's permit.
If you're under 18 but at least 16 years and 180 days old, and you've had a valid out-of-state driver's license for at least 180 days but less than one year, you must go to a BMV branch to:
- Present your current out-of-state driver’s license or a copy of your official driving record.
- You must also present documentation proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency.
- Pass a knowledge examination and a vision screening.
- Pass a driving skills exam.
Residents with an Out-of-Country License
If you have a driver’s license from another country and plan to live in Indiana, visit this webpage to learn how to get an Indiana license.
Titling and Registering a Vehicle
When you move to Indiana, you have 60 days to apply for a vehicle title or submit a completed Request for Title – State Form 1014 for all vehicles you own with an out-of-state title. If you don't, you will be charged an administrative penalty. You must visit a BMV branch to apply for your Indiana certificate of title and registration.
Estimate the Cost of Your Registration
Documentation Requirements for Titling and Registering a Vehicle in Indiana
When you visit the branch to apply for your Indiana title and registration, you will need to bring some documents with you:
- Certificate of title.
- Vehicle inspection of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
You must bring your vehicle to the BMV branch for an inspection. If you cannot bring your vehicle, you must submit a Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft – State Form 39530 completed by law enforcement. - Proof of address.
A driver’s license or ID card may be used as proof if the address on the card is correct. If the address is not correct, any document from the approved BMV documentation list may be used as proof. Note: it must be 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.
Acceptable proofs of SSN/FIN are located on the BMV documentation list. - Proof of insurance.
You must provide financial responsibility information to purchase a license plate and certificate of registration. - Emission testing
Vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties are required to undergo emissions tests. Refer to the Vehicle Emissions Testing Program webpage for more information.
Need Help Titling & Registering Your Vehicle?
Check out our interactive guide to walk you through what to expect when you need to get a title and registration!