How to Transfer Your Drivers License to Indiana: A Complete Guide

by Zutobi · Updated Jan 02, 2023

If you just moved to Indiana and established your residency, then your next step is to transfer your out-of-state license within the 60-day time limit. If you have a legal Indiana address, do not claim residency in another state, and you can vote, then you are an Indiana resident, according to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. College students and active-duty military stationed in the state, on the other hand, are not considered state citizens and are not required to have a driver’s license issued by the state.

It may seem like a lot, but there’s no need to worry. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about transferring your driver’s license to Indiana.

How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Indiana

1 – Schedule an Appointment

To begin, if you are over the age of 18, or under the age of 18 but older than 16, and have had a valid out-of-state driver’s license for at least 180 days in your prior state(s), you can make an appointment with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. We recommend scheduling your visit one to two weeks in advance.

You can also go immediately to your local BMV to complete your Indiana license transfer on the same day, but be prepared for long queues and wait times.

2- Documents You Need When Transferring

Preparing all of the essential documentation ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary delays, hassles, and problems, and will make your license transfer as seamless as possible.

If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license from your previous state of residency, make sure you locate and prepare the necessary documents before or after scheduling your appointment. Be sure to bring the following items:

1. One of the Following

● A copy of an official driving record

● A verification letter

2. Proof of Identity & Lawful Status

● U.S. Passport

● U.S. Birth Certificate issued by a state or local authority

● Foreign Passport

● Consular Report of Birth Abroad

3. A Valid Out-of-State Driver License

3 – Pass the Vision Screening

To obtain a license or permit, you must first pass a vision screening. If you normally drive with eyeglasses or contacts, you must wear them when you come to the office for the test.

If your vision does not match state standards, you will be referred to an eye doctor for evaluation. You can then return to the office with a doctor’s note stating that your vision has been corrected. However, you still have to pass a vision exam at the branch.

4 – Pass Knowledge Exam & Driving Skills Examination

If you hold an expired license from another state, you must take a knowledge exam to transfer your license to Indiana.

We provide state-of-the-art courses to help you quickly prepare for any exam you may come across using practice tests, a summarized handbook, and much more. Even if you don’t need to take any knowledge exams, we recommend that you learn the specific traffic laws for your new state as it will save you a lot of headaches (and maybe even tickets) in the future.

You also have to pass a driving skills examination if your out-of-state license has been expired for more than three years or if you held it unrevoked for less than one year. You can schedule an appointment here. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires you to arrange appointments for your driving skills exams at least 48 hours and up to three weeks in advance.

5 – Receive Your New License

If everything goes as planned and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles approves your papers, eye test results, and payments, your old license will be transferred to an Indiana driver’s license.

To begin, you will be issued an interim license that will be valid for 30 days while the department creates your new card and includes all of your information. This temporary document is perfectly legal and can be used to drive around Indiana or as an identification credential.

The new license will be delivered after two weeks to the address you supplied.