I'm a new resident in Indiana: what do I do with my license?

Compare with the state you moved from

Choose the state you came from to see the main differences from Indiana. Every value comes from that state's official manual (with the page number) or from its license guide. Where a manual does not state a rule, we say so instead of guessing.

Key rules in Indiana

Each rule comes from the Indiana driver manual or from the license guide, with its source.

Licensing and paperwork

• Deadline to switch your license

  60 days after becoming an Indiana resident to get an Indiana driver's license.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says new residents have 60 days to obtain a new Indiana driver's license.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2

• Liability insurance

  Liability insurance meeting the state minimum is required; the minimum is commonly called 25/50/25.

  What the manual says

  • Driving without a current liability insurance policy that meets the state minimum standard is against the law.
  • The state minimum standard is commonly referred to as 25/50/25 liability insurance.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 22

• Change of address

  Notify the BMV of a legal address change and apply for an amended credential within 30 days.

  What the manual says

  • An Indiana credential holder must notify the BMV of an address change and apply for an amended credential within 30 days.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 20

• How long the license lasts

  Six years if under 75; three years at ages 75 through 84; two years at 85 or older.

  What the manual says

  • A driver's license is valid for six years if you are younger than 75 years of age.
  • A driver's license is valid for three years if you are aged 75 through 84.
  • A driver's license is valid for two years if you are at least 85 years of age.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 9

Road rules

• Teen driving hours

  First 180 days: no driving 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Then under 18: Sun-Thu after 11 p.m.; Sat-Sun 1-5 a.m.

  What the manual says

  • For the first 180 days after obtaining a probationary driver's license, you may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • After 180 days, a probationary driver under 18 may not drive Sunday through Thursday after 11 p.m.
  • After 180 days, a probationary driver under 18 may not drive on Saturday and Sunday between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 10

• Passengers for teen drivers

  First 180 days: no passengers unless an approved person sits in front; own child, sibling or spouse allowed.

  What the manual says

  • For the first 180 days after obtaining a probationary license, you may not drive with any passengers unless an approved individual is seated in the front passenger seat.
  • You may drive with your child, stepchild, sibling, step or half-sibling, or spouse without another accompanying individual during the first 180 days.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 10

• Refusing a chemical test

  Refusing a chemical test: one-year suspension; two years with a prior intoxicated-driving conviction.

  What the manual says

  • The officer may ask for a chemical test when there is probable cause to believe the motorist committed an offense under the listed Indiana statutes.
  • Refusing a chemical test results in a one-year suspension.
  • A motorist with a previous intoxicated-driving conviction who refuses a chemical test faces a two-year suspension.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 24

• Seat belts

  Driver and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says Indiana law requires a driver and all passengers to use seat belts at all times when a vehicle is in operation.
  • Indiana law requires all occupants of a motor vehicle equipped with a manufacturer-installed seat belt to wear it any time the vehicle is in motion.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 55, 11

• Child safety seats

  Passengers under eight must be properly secured in a child restraint such as a car seat or booster.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says passengers younger than eight years of age must be properly secured in a child restraint system such as a car seat or booster seat.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 56

• Phone use while driving

  Typing, sending or reading texts or email on a handheld device while driving is banned; 911 calls allowed.

  What the manual says

  • Indiana law prohibits typing, transmitting, or reading a text or email on a handheld telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle.
  • Indiana law prohibits typing, transmitting, or reading a text or email on a handheld device while driving a moving vehicle, but a device may be used to make a 911 emergency call.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 11

• School buses

  Stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm out; barrier or unimproved median: same direction only.

  What the manual says

  • You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended.
  • On a divided roadway you must stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 52

• Move Over law

  Flashing emergency vehicle: move right and stop, or change lanes; if unable, go 10 mph below limit.

  What the manual says

  • The Move Over law requires motorists to yield, move over to the right and stop, or change lanes.
  • If you cannot move over, you must reduce your speed to 10 mph under the posted limit and proceed with caution.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 51

• Headlights

  Headlights are required between sunset and sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 500 feet.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says drivers must use headlights between sunset and sunrise, and any other time visibility is less than 500 feet.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 44

• Right turn on red

  Where permissible, after a full stop, if no "No Turn on Red" sign is posted.

  What the manual says

  • To turn right on red, when permissible, you must come to a full stop and check for vehicles, pedestrians and signs.
  • Before a right turn on red you must also check that there is not a "No Turn on Red" sign and use the correct lane.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 34

• Speed limits

  Most urban residential areas 30 mph; rural interstates 70 mph for passenger vehicles; or lower posted limits, including school zones.

  What the manual says

  • In most urban residential areas, vehicles may not exceed 30 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
  • The manual says passenger vehicles on rural interstates may not exceed 70 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
  • Near a school you must slow down to the lower posted speed limit for the school zone.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 41, 40

• Left lane and keeping right

  Slower vehicles use the right lane; the left lane is for faster-moving or passing vehicles.

  What the manual says

  • Slower vehicles use the right lane, and the left-hand lane is left for faster-moving or passing vehicles.

  Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 37

Official steps for moving to Indiana

• Your first 60 days

  When you become an Indiana resident, you have 60 days to get an Indiana driver’s license if you hold a valid driver’s license from another state. When you apply, you must surrender all valid credentials (identification card, learner’s permit or driver’s license) you hold from other states. You also have 60 days to apply for a vehicle title for any vehicle you own with an out-of-state title. If you are under 18, check the BMV’s New Indiana Residents page and the manual for the steps for your age.

  Source: [1] [2]

• If you have no valid license from another state

  You must hold an Indiana learner’s permit for 180 days before you may get an Indiana driver’s license.

  Source: [2]

• If you are 18 or older with a valid license from another state

  Visit a BMV branch. You present one of these 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 documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Indiana residency, and you must pass a vision screening. If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take a knowledge exam. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must pass a driving skills test as well. The BMV gives you a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while your documents are being verified.

  Source: [1] [2]

• If you have an out-of-country license

  An out-of-country driver’s license cannot be used for identification. To use it toward an Indiana license, it must be in English, or presented with a verifiably accurate English translation, or presented with your International Driving Permit. You must also provide identification documents and pass the vision screening, the knowledge exam and the driving skills exam. All documents are checked through a central verification process, and the BMV issues an interim license valid for 30 days that lets you drive while the documents are authenticated.

  Source: [3]

• Countries with a reciprocal agreement

  The skills exam may be waived if you qualify under a Reciprocal Driver’s License Agreement. The BMV has this agreement with Japan and Taiwan. If you are 18 or older and your license from one of these countries is active or has been expired for less than three years, the BMV waives the vehicle skills exam. You must still pass the knowledge exam and the vision exam.

  Source: [3]

Sources

1. Indiana Driver's Manual, English, published July 2026 (in.gov) — Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
2. New Indiana Residents (in.gov) — Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
3. Residents with Out-of-Country Licenses (in.gov) — Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles