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Hi there from the Hoosier State! You need to know how to get an Indiana driver’s license, and we’re here to help. In this article, you will learn about the documents and fees you need to pay to receive your Indiana driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Let’s get started!

Types of Indiana Driver’s Licenses

There is more than one type of Indiana driver’s license. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of Indiana driver’s licenses.

  • Full Indiana Driver’s License: a Class D driver’s license for the state of Indiana. This license is the standard driver’s license.
  • Class L Driver Endorsement: an endorsement allowing Indiana residents to operate a motorcycle.
  • For-Hire Endorsement: an endorsement that is required to operate vehicles that have a maximum of 16-passenger capacity (including the driver) that is operated solely for transporting passengers for hire or for the operation of vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of a minimum of 16,000 lbs. and a maximum of 26,000 lbs. Vehicles that meet these criteria must be used solely for transporting property.

Endorsements are additions to your IN driver’s license and do not allow you to operate commercial vehicles that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

  • Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL):
    • Class A (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that allows individuals to operate a combination commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that has a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) that does not exceed 26,000 lbs. The towed vehicle or unit should have a GVWR that exceeds 10,000 lbs. Examples of Class A vehicles include semi-trailers, truck trailers, and truck-trailer vehicle combinations.
    • Class B (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that allows individuals to operate single or combination vehicles that have a GCWR that exceeds 26,000 lbs. The towing vehicle or unit can’t exceed 10,000 lbs. Vehicles in the Class B CDL include buses, trucks, and trailers.
    • Class C (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that allows the operation of any commercial vehicle that doesn’t fall under Class A and Class B. Individuals with this CDL can operate a CMV that doesn’t exceed a weight of 26,000 lbs. and a tow that doesn’t exceed 10,000 lbs. Commercial vehicles that fall in Class C (CDL) category include trucks that are allowed to carry hazardous materials and buses that can transport more than 16 passengers, including the driver.

Indiana Driver’s License Requirements

To be eligible for an Indiana driver’s license, you are required to:

  • Attain a learner’s permit for at least 180 days (if you are under 21 years old)
  • Be at least:
    • 16 years old and 270 days or 16 years old and 90 days and have completed Driver’s Ed

AND

  • Have completed 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours of night driving) Your driving hours must be recorded in a Log of Supervised Driving Practice.

How to Apply for an Indiana Driver’s License

When you’re ready to apply for your IN REAL ID driver’s license, you must visit your local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (IN BMV) office and:

  • Submit proof of:
    • Identity (1 document)
    • Social security number (1 document)
    • Lawful US status (2 documents)
    • Indiana residency (2 documents)
  • Pass the:
    • Driving skills exam (may be waived if you completed your test as part of a Driver’s Ed course)
    • Vision screening
  • Submit a Log of Supervised Driving (must be completed and signed)
  • Pay the required fee:
    • Younger than 75 years old: $17.50 (valid for 6 years)
    • 75 to 84 years old: $11 (valid for 3 years)
    • 85 years old and older: $7 (valid for 2 years)

You must pass a written knowledge test to obtain your Indiana learner’s permit.

The Indiana Driving Skills Exam

You must schedule an appointment to complete your Indiana driving exam. Make sure you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. You are required to provide a vehicle that is properly registered and in safe working condition.

You will be tested on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on the public roads of Indiana. Different maneuvers you will be asked to perform include:

  • Backing (including out of a parking space)
  • Proper use of an intersection
  • Parallel parking
  • Proper signaling

If you fail the road test, you must wait at least 14 days before attempting to re-test. If you fail the test 3 times, you must wait 2 months from your last testing attempt before you can re-test.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Indiana

In the state of Indiana, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for a new IN driver’s license.

  • Acceptable Identification documents:
    • Passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Birth certificate
    • Permanent resident card
    • Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office)
  • Acceptable full name verification documents:
    • Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
    • Marriage certificate
    • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
    • Name change documents that contain your legal name both before and after
  • Acceptable Indiana residency documents:
    • Insurance documents
    • A record of a financial institution
    • Resident utility bills (including cell phone bills)

Obtaining an Indiana Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

The Indiana BMV regulates the requirements and issuance of driver’s licenses to teenagers and adults throughout the state.

New Indiana Teenage Residents

If you currently do NOT have a valid driver’s license or you have an out-of-state learner’s permit, or your out-of-state learner’s permit expired, you must attain an Indiana learner’s permit for 180 days before you will be eligible to apply for an Indiana driver’s license.

New teenage residents of Indiana who are at least 16 years and 180 days, and older and who have attained a valid out-of-state driver’s license for at least 180 days in their previous state can transfer their current out-of-state license to an Indiana license without being required to obtain an Indiana learner’s permit. If you fall in this category, you must transfer your out-of-state license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state of Indiana.

To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Indiana, you must visit your local IN driver’s license branch and:

  • Submit your out-of-state driver’s license
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity (1 document)
    • Social security number (1 document)
    • Citizenship or lawful presence in the US (1 document)
    • Indiana residency (2 documents)
    • Pass the vision exam
    • Pass the IN BMV written test

About the Indiana GDL Program

The state of Indiana implements a graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program for first-time teenage drivers. The GDL program is designed to give teenagers increasing levels of driving privileges and responsibilities as they reach certain milestones related to their age and experience.

In the state of Indiana, the GDL program requires you to obtain an Indiana learner’s permit, then drive with a provisional license BEFORE you will be eligible to earn your full Indiana unrestricted driver’s license.

Driver’s Education in Indiana

Although the completion of the driver’s education (Driver’s Ed) course is not required as part of your GDL program, it will help you with obtaining your Indiana learner’s permit and your probationary license earlier than if you chose not to complete this program.

In Indiana, Driver’s Ed consists of:

  • 30 hours of classroom/online instruction
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional driving instructor

You must be at least 15 years old BEFORE you can start your Driver’s Ed course. However, you are allowed to enroll before the age of 15, but you will not be eligible to start the classroom or behind-the-wheel portion before you turn 15 years old.

Your Driver’s Ed provider will give you a Certificate of Driver Education (CDE) form to take with you when you apply for your learner’s permit. Be advised that an online Driver’s Ed provide CAN’T issue the completion form. You must sign up for your 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a licensed driver’s education school, which will issue the CDE to receive your permit.

Indiana Driving Test Waiver

If you take Driver’s Ed and have your learner’s permit, you may be eligible to complete your driving skills test at the end of your driver’s education course, instead of at the driver’s license office when you apply for your probationary license.

You are eligible for the Indiana driver’s education skills test waiver if:

  • Your learner’s permit is valid and unexpired
  • Your driver’s education program participates in the BMV’s driving test waiver program
  • You did not fail either portion of your driver’s education course (the classroom or behind-the-wheel portion) with a grade of 79% or lower.

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, any subsequent attempts must be made at the licensing office. You must also complete the exam at a licensing office if your driver’s education program is not a part of the BMV’s driving skills test waiver program.

Indiana Driver’s License Age Requirements

The driver’s license age requirements are as follows:

  • 15 years old: eligible for a learner’s permit WITH enrollment in driver’s education
  • 16 years old: eligible for a learner’s permit WITHOUT enrollment in driver’s education
  • 16 years old and 90 days: eligible for a probationary driver’s license WITH completion of Driver’s Education
  • 16 years old and 270 days: eligible for probationary license WITHOUT completion of driver’s education
  • 18 years old: eligible for a full unrestricted driver’s license

Indiana Learner’s Permit

To earn your Indiana learner’s permit, you have two options:

  • You may apply at 15 years old (provided you are enrolled in a Driver’s Education program)

OR

  • You may apply at 16 years old IF you choose NOT to take a Driver’s Ed course.

When you’re ready, you need to visit your local driver’s licensing office with your parent or guardian and:

  • Provide proof of:
    • Identity (1 document)
    • Social security number (1 document)
    • Citizenship or lawful presence in the US (1 document)
    • Indiana residency (2 documents)
  • Submit your Certificate of Driver’s Education (CDE) form, if you’re enrolled in Driver’s Ed
  • Have your parent or guardian sign the application
  • Pass the vision exam
  • Pass the BMV written knowledge test

You can check here for the BMV’s list of acceptable documents for each requirement.

Once you pass your exams, you will receive your Indiana learner’s permit. You must attain your learner’s permit for a minimum of 180 days (approximately 6 months) before you will be eligible to apply for your provisional license.

Indiana Learner’s Permit Driving Requirements and Restrictions

Once you’ve earned your Indiana learner’s permit, you can complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training for your Driver’s Ed course if you have chosen to enroll in the program.

Additionally, all Indiana learner’s permit holders are required to complete 50 hours of driving practice. Of these 50 hours, 10 hours must be driven at night.

You may ONLY operate a motor vehicle with:

  • A licensed driving instructor
  • A licensed supervising driver who is at least 25 years old
  • Your spouse who is at least 21 years old

You must document your driving hours in the Log of Supervised Driving (Form 54706) and submit this form to the IN BMV with your parent or guardian’s signature when you apply for your IN provisional license.

Indiana Provisional Driver’s License

Before you can apply for your Indiana provisional license, you must first:

  • Have attained your IN learner’s permit for at least 180 days (unless you are transferring a valid out-of-state driver’s license
  • Have completed 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours of night driving

You must also have reached the required age of eligibility, which depends on whether you completed a Driver’s Education program.

  • If you completed a Driver’s Ed course, you may apply at 16 years old and 90 days
  • If you DIDN’T complete a Driver’s Ed course, you may apply at 16 years old and 270 days

Once you meet the above requirements, you can schedule an appointment for your driving skills test through the online appointment scheduling system (MyBMV – click here). If you are signing into the system for the first time, you must create a username and password.

If your Driver’s Ed program participates in the driving skills waiver program and you have already completed and passed your driving skills test, you will not be required to make an appointment or take an additional exam at the driver’s licensing office UNLESS you failed your first attempt with your Driver’s Ed school and need to re-take the test.

When you are ready, you can make your way to your local driver’s licensing office with your parent or guardian and:

  • Turn in your learner’s permit (be prepared to provide your proofs of identity, SSN, lawful status, and proof of IN residency you used for your IN permit application).
  • Submit your completed Log of Supervised Driving (must be signed by your parent or guardian or certified driving instructor.
  • Provide your certificate of completion for Driver’s Ed (if applicable)
  • Have your parent or legal guardian sign the license application
  • Pass the vision exam
  • Pass the BMV written test (if you didn’t previously take and pass a knowledge exam for your learner’s permit
  • Pass your driving skills test (if you already completed your driving test as part of your Driver’s Ed program, you do not need to take an additional test UNLESS you didn’t pass the test on your first attempt. You must submit any documentation of passing that you are given as proof.

Once you pass the BMV road test, you will receive your Indiana provisional license. Your license will be probationary until you turn 21 years old.

Indiana Provisional License Driving Restrictions

During your provisional license driving period, you may only drive under the following restrictions:

  • For the first 180 days:
    • You may NOT operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 10 PM and 5 AM
    • You may NOT carry any passengers, UNLESS:
      • You are driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old or a spouse who is at least 21 years old in the front seat
      • Your passenger is your spouse, child, or sibling
  • After 180 days:
  • You may carry passengers in your vehicle who are not immediate family
    • You may not drive during the following times:
      • After 11 PM (Sunday – Thursday)
      • Before 5 AM (Monday – Friday)
      • Between 1 AM and 5 AM (Saturday and Sunday)

Exceptions to the above-listed driving hour restrictions are when you are driving to and from work, school, or church, or if you are driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old, or a spouse who is at least 21 years old. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to the passenger restrictions.

Getting Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Indiana

As a new resident of Indiana with a valid driver’s license from your previous state, you have a maximum of 60 days to transfer your driver’s license to the state of Indiana.

To apply for an Indiana driver’s license, you must:

  • Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license (you don’t have to surrender a driver’s license from a different country if you are issued an Indiana driver’s license)
  • Submit a copy of your driving record

OR

  • Submit a verification letter

Your Indiana driving test will be waived if you are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, or if you have a driver’s license that has expired for 5 years or less. The IN driving test will also be waived if you are younger than 18 years old, but older than 16 years and 180 days old, and attained an out-of-state driver’s license for at least 180 days, or have attained a driver’s license from a different state before.

The Indiana Written Exam

The Indiana written exam has a total of 50 questions. You must answer at least 42 of the 50 questions correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 84%. The minimum age to apply to take the IN written exam is 15.

Taking the Indiana Road Test

The Indiana road exam tests your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. You will be tested on your ability to turn, park, reverse, follow Indiana traffic laws, and more. Keep in mind that the driving instructor can cancel the road test at any time.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you’ve changed your name, you need to provide proof of your legal name change to receive your new IN driver’s license or ID in your true full name. You may be required to submit a marriage license to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name on your identification documents is different from the name you provided on your Indiana driver’s license or ID application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name, which can include:

  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A marriage certificate
  • A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership that contains the legal name as a result of the court action
  • Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Indiana?

The Indiana BMV complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005. This state provides first-time driver’s license applicants with REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses.

REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal ID requirements that are required for different tasks, such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights. New applicants will automatically receive a REAL ID. However, the options may vary for driver’s licenses and ID renewals and replacements.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Indiana?

Obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory in the state of Indiana. If you have the required TSA documents, you can use them to pass TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide and visit secure federal buildings or military installations at any time.

You are not required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID to perform any of the following:

  • Enter a federal facility that doesn’t require a REAL ID (such as a post office)
  • Drive
  • Vote
  • Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)

How Do You Prepare to Apply for an Indiana REAL ID Card?

You can receive an Indiana REAL ID by visiting your local BMV office and submitting the following:

  • Proof of identity and lawful status:
    • US birth certificate
    • Valid US passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization (if your name does not match this document EXACTLY, you are required to present a government-issued document that proves your name has legally been changed (such as a marriage certificate).
  • Proof of social security, which can include your:
    • Social security card
    • Pay stub that contains your social security number (SSN)
    • W-2 or 1099 tax form
  • Proof of Indiana residency (2 documents are required to establish residency), which can include:
    • Utility or credit card bills from within the last 60 days
    • An Indiana voter registration card
    • First-class mail from a state or a federal court agency from within the last 60 days
  • Payment for all applicable Indiana license fees

After you submit the following IN REAL ID requirements, you will be issued an Indiana driver’s license or identification card which will be accepted by commercial agencies, federal facilities, and nuclear power plants.

Indiana REAL ID Fees

The REAL ID fees in the state of Indiana are as follows:

  • Indiana state ID: $9
  • Indiana driver’s license for residents between the ages of 21 and 74: $17.50 (valid for 6 years)
  • Indiana driver’s license for residents between the ages of 75 and 84: $11 (valid for 3 years)
  • Indiana driver’s license for residents 85 years old and older: $7 (valid for 2 years)
  • Indiana commercial driver’s license (CDL): $35
  • Late fee (if you renew your license after its expiration): $6

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Indiana

To qualify for an Indiana commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (if you’re under 21 years of age, you will not be allowed to add a passenger vehicle endorsement to your commercial driver’s license).
  • Attain your current Indiana driver’s license for at least 1 year
  • Provide proof of your US citizenship or lawful permanent residency, which can include:
    • A US birth certificate
    • US passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Permanent resident (green) card
  • Provide proof of your Indiana residency (must provide 2 documents)

Indiana Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you receive your official CDL, you must obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The FMCSA or IN BMV doesn’t require you to first complete a CDL education course. However, obtaining a CDL can be a rigorous process, and the CDL education course will help you on your journey to becoming an official CDL holder.

Once you’re ready to get started on your CDL journey, you must schedule an appointment with your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office and:

  • Present valid documents that prove your citizenship or lawful US residency and Indiana address
  • Have the proper medical documents
  • Pass the eye exam (you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye)
  • Provide information to the IN BMV regarding every state you’ve been licensed in the past 10 years
  • Pay the $17 CLP fee

You will also be required to complete and pass the appropriate Indiana written tests for the class of CDL you need, as well as any endorsements, if applicable. Once you complete the above steps, you will be issued your commercial learner’s permit. Congratulations!

Indiana CLP Restrictions

Your CLP is an essential step toward receiving your CDL. However, you must adhere to all rules and regulations while operating commercial vehicles with your CLP. The FMCSA requires all CLP holders to stick to operating commercial vehicles on public roads ONLY, and under the supervision of a full commercial driver’s license holder.

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days. You can attain a maximum of 3 permits within 2 years. Once you have your CLP, you must practice driving with it for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test that helps you become qualified for your full CDL.

Obtaining an Indiana Commercial Driver’s License

When at least 14 days have passed and you’re ready to complete your CDL skills test, you must schedule your appointment with an Indiana BMV testing site at least 2 days in advance.

You need to make sure you’re completing your skills test in the same type of vehicle you plan on operating with your CDL. If not, you may have a restriction on your license. You will also need to bring the following with you on your testing day:

  • The appropriate medical paperwork
  • Your Indiana CLP
  • Payment for the $35

The skills test consists of the following parts:

  • Pre-trip inspection
  • Road trip test
  • Basic control skills

If you don’t pass your skills test on the first try, you will be eligible to retake the skills test once per day. However, you must pay the full fee each time. Keep in mind that the testing fees vary by company.

Once you pass your skills tests, the test results will be electronically transferred to the IN BMV. You can visit any IN BMV office to pay your $35 CDL fee and receive your official Indiana CDL. Congratulations! Your CDL is valid for 4 years. After 4 years, you can renew your CDL.

CDL Fees in Indiana

The Indiana BMV charges the following for CLDs and related services:

  • Commercial learner’s permit: $17 (Changed or duplicate CLPs: $9)
  • Commercial driver’s license: $35 (Changed or duplicate CDLs: $9)
  • Upgraded or downgraded CLP or CDL: $19

Be advised that the Indiana BMV does not conduct CDL skills tests. Fees for skills tests are determined by third-party testing companies.

Indiana CDL Medical Requirements

All CDL holders are required to be deemed physically fit BEFORE they can earn their licenses. The IN BMV requires all commercial driver’s license applicants to have the following forms completed by an FMCSA-approved doctor:

You can bring these forms with you when you apply for your CLP or submit them by fax at (317) 974-1613. You can also mail them to:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

100 N. Senate Ave.

N481

Indianapolis, IN 46204

You must also declare the type of driving you intend on doing in the state through the self-certification process. You are allowed to self-certify online through the IN BMV’s web portal by clicking here to get started.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify the type of vehicle you’re operating with the IN BMV. You are required to self-certify one of the following categories:

  • Non-excepted interstate
  • Excepted interstate
  • Non-excepted intrastate
  • Excepted intrastate

Applying for an Indiana Motorcycle License

To operate a motorcycle in the state of Indiana, you are required to have a motorcycle endorsement added to your standard Indiana driver’s license. To obtain the motorcycle endorsement, you must first earn a motorcycle learner’s permit, or pass a Motorcycle Operator Safety Education course.

Be advised that some of the laws in Indiana have recently changed. Indiana previously had two permit types: a temporary permit and a learner’s permit. Currently, the state of Indiana only issues a learner’s permit. Indiana also previously offered “Motorcycle Only” licenses, which are no longer distributed. You may apply for a motorcycle endorsement to be added to your current public passenger, current operator, or chauffeur’s license.

New Residents of Indiana

As a new resident of Indiana who attains a valid out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement, you are eligible to transfer the motorcycle endorsement. You must have a valid operator’s chauffeur or public passenger license from the state of Indiana to add the endorsement. To receive an Indiana operator’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, you must complete and pass the knowledge and skills test.

In some instances, the state of Indiana will offer a Certificate of Completion for an out-of-state motorcycle safety course, which may waive the skills test that is required to receive a motorcycle endorsement.

Indiana Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

Unless you are planning on taking the Motorcycle Operator Safety Education course, you are required to obtain a learner’s permit before you will be eligible to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. Applicants who are under 18 years old are required to have their application signed by a parent or guardian.

At any time, the signer of the Agreement of Financial Liability can submit a required to terminate the agreement. To obtain your Indiana motorcycle learner’s permit, you need to visit your local BMV licensing office and:

  • Provide your valid operator, chauffeur, or public passenger chauffeur standard license
  • Present the following types of identification:
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of social security number
    • Proof of lawful status in the US
    • 2 documents that prove your Indiana residency
  • Parent or guardian signature
  • Pass the vision and written knowledge test
  • Pay the $9 fee

Once you are issued your Indiana motorcycle permit, you can begin riding the motorcycle in accordance with the restrictions outlined below, until you feel you are prepared to complete your on-cycle skills exam.

Indiana Learner’s Permit Restrictions

An Indiana motorcycle learner’s permit allows you to operate a motorcycle on the highway for a period of 1 year from the date of issuance, and you may renew this permit once. You are ONLY allowed to ride under the following restrictions:

  • You may NOT operate a motorcycle without a helmet
  • You may ONLY operate a motorcycle during daylight hours
  • You are NOT permitted to carry passengers

If you have not obtained your motorcycle endorsement BEFORE the permit expires, you must wait 1 year and then reapply for another Indiana motorcycle learner’s permit.

Indiana Motorcycle Endorsement

To apply for an Indiana motorcycle endorsement, you must attain a valid motorcycle learner’s permit and pass a skills test or present a Certificate of Completion from an approved motorcycle safety course. All motorcycle riders under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian sign their application.

If you’ve completed a safety course, you have 1 year from the date you passed the course to present your Certificate of Completion to waive the on-cycle skills exam and earn your endorsement. If you have an IN motorcycle learner’s permit, you must take a skills test. To do so, contact your Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) office for appointment details. Make sure you bring:

  • Your motorcycle learner’s permit
  • Registration and insurance for the motorcycle you will use to complete your test
  • Payment for the testing fee (fees vary by provider)

If you fail the test 3 times, you must wait at least 2 months from the last test date to re-test. Once you pass your skills test or your motorcycle safety course, you can contact Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) and:

  • Present proof of identity
  • Provide your social security number
  • Present 2 proofs of residency
  • Provide one of the following documents:
    • Your learner’s permit and proof of passing your on-cycle skills exam
    • Your motorcycle safety course Certificate of Completion
  • Pass the vision test
  • Pay the motorcycle endorsement fee (fees vary depending on the license type)

You will be issued a new Indiana driver’s license with your motorcycle endorsement added. Your endorsement is valid for the same period of validity as your Indiana driver’s license.

Indiana Motorcycle Endorsement Fees

The Indiana motorcycle endorsement fees are as follows:

  • Riders under 76 years old (6-year endorsement): $19
  • Riders between 75 to 84 years old (3-year endorsement): $19

If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, or change information on your endorsement, you must pay the $9 replacement endorsement fee, which is valid until the renewal date of the original endorsement.

Renewing Your Indiana Motorcycle Endorsement

Your IN motorcycle endorsement is valid for the amount of time your license is valid. Your birthday marks the date of expiration for your endorsement and your license. If your license or endorsement expires, you must pay a $6 late fee. If your birthday falls on a day when the office is closed, the endorsement will remain valid until the next business day.

You have a maximum of 2 years before the expiration date to renew your license or endorsement at any IN BMV licensing office. If you were under 21 years old when you received your license, you must renew your license within 30 days after your 21st birthday.

Indiana Motorcycle Safety Courses

There are different motorcycle safety courses in the state of Indiana.

Basic Rider Course

Ride Safe Indiana offers a basic rider course that includes classroom and on-cycle training. This rider course includes 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding exercises. While in class, you will learn about:

  • Different types of motorcycles
  • Protective gear
  • The impact of drugs and/or alcohol on a rider
  • Basic riding skills
  • Mental skills, such as riding strategies
  • Physical skills, such as swerving and advanced training

You are required to have a valid motorcycle learner’s permit that is issued by the Indiana BMV. If you are under 18 years old, you must have a waiver signed by your parent or legal guardian. A motorcycle will be provided for use in the class.

The rider course is provided on a pass/fail basis, and you are required to pass the written and on-cycle exams. If you pass the course, you will be eligible to waive the skills test when you go to receive your motorcycle endorsement.

Basic Rider Course 2

The second Basic Rider Course is a 7-hour course that is completed on your own motorcycle. This course is designed for experienced motorcycle riders to enhance their skills. In this course, you will learn:

  • Mental skills
  • Riding strategies
  • Risk management

To take the course, you must have the following:

  • Proof of a valid Indiana auto insurance policy
  • Current motorcycle permit or motorcycle endorsement
  • Your own motorcycle to use in the class
  • The appropriate gear

You must have experience riding a motorcycle on the road BEFORE taking the Basic Rider Course 2 class.

Required Safety Course Equipment

The following gear is required for participation in ANY motorcycle safety course:

  • Full-fingered gloves
  • Over-the-ankle boots
  • Helmet and eye protection (goggles, face shield, etc.)
  • A long-sleeved shirt or jacket
  • Long pants (no holes and not torn)

Indiana BMV Locations

There are different BMV locations located throughout the state of Indiana where you can handle your driver’s license needs. Check out the list below to find a BMV in your area.

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Indianapolis Branch
1440 Madison Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46225
(888) 692-6841
Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Lawrence Branch
7857 E 42nd St
Lawrence, IN 46226
(888) 692-6841
Tuesday (8:30 AM – 6:30 PM)
Wednesday – Friday (8:30 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Sunday and Monday (Closed)

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Noblesville Branch
405 Noble Creek Dr
Noblesville, IN 46060
(888) 692-6841
Tuesday (8:30 AM – 6:30 PM)
Wednesday – Friday (8:30 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Sunday and Monday (Closed)

BMV Connect Kiosk
5949 W Broadway
McCordsville, IN 46055
(888) 692-6841
Open 24 hours

Now that you know how to get the different types of Indiana driver’s licenses, nothing is stopping you! It’s time to handle business.

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