When you move to a different state, what is the first thing that you should do? Going through official paperwork and updating all your documents like voter id, address proof, etc., might come to your mind. Let us tell you that updating your driver’s license is one of the most important things of all because you need to drive whenever you get out of your house.

If you’re planning to move to Indiana, the process of registering your vehicle and changing your address on your driver’s license isn’t as stressful and tedious as it sounds. With the detailed guidelines given below on Indiana DMV change of address, we are sure that you will be done with the work in no time. So read on and learn more

Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving To Indiana From Another State

First of all, it’s a great thing that you have decided to dive into the process and get it done quickly. Now all you have to do is follow the detailed guidelines given in this article. Just keep in mind that you need to keep all the necessary documents handy before you start applying for address change and vehicle registration.

1. Register Your Vehicle In Indiana

You will be happy to know that the Indiana BMV (don’t get confused, it functions the same way as DMV) gives you 60 days to update your vehicle’s registration and change your address on the driver’s license once you move to the state. Isn’t that a lot of time? However, don’t slack off just because you have an ample amount of time because you never know what sort of emergency might arise at the last moment and you might not be able to complete the process in time.

Unfortunately, Indiana BMV does not allow you to register your vehicles online. Because of this, you need to visit the nearest branch of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and complete the registration process in-person. Keep the following documents handy when you visit the BMV office.

  • Proof of Title
  • Proof of Auto Insurance
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Two Proofs of Address (for instance, utility bills, bank statements, approved voting registration form, etc.)
  • Emissions test (only in some cases)

When you are registering your car with the Indiana BMV, you will have to pay $15 of title fee, $21.35 standard registration fee, $25 of an expedited title service fee, $9.50 of license plate transfer fee, and a $5 VIN inspection fee. If you wish to get a more detailed breakdown of the fees, you can see it here.

2. Apply For A Change Of Address

Now that you have registered your vehicle with the Indiana BMV, you can go ahead and apply to change the address on your driver’s license. Note that you have to apply for a change of address within 60 days of becoming a resident of Indiana.

You should know that you have to visit the nearest branch of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and complete the process of changing your address on the driver’s license in-person. Indiana has now issued an announcement that states that all the new licenses need to be a REAL-ID. The state expected this law to go into effect by the end of 2020.

When you visit the local BMV office, you will be expected to carry the following documents with you.

  • Your out-of-state driver’s license
  • Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate)
  • Proof of Indiana residency
  • Your Social Security Card
  • Your Lawful Status

If your name on your current (out-of-state) driver’s license does not match the one given on your proof of identity, what do you do? First of all, do not panic. You simply have to produce a document that is proof of your name change. This document could be something like a marriage license, a divorce decree, or even a court order for a legal name change.

Don’t forget that the law of Indiana does not issue a driver’s license to a new resident if he/she has revocations, cancellations, or suspensions on his/her out-of-state driver’s license. You won’t be able to get an Indiana driver’s license if the IN DMV or an outside court believes that you are an unfit and dangerous driver.

When it comes to fees, anyone under 75 years of age applying for an Indiana driver’s license is expected to pay a $17.50 fee. IN BMV won’t ask you to give a driving test however, you will have to pass a vision test. In addition to this, it is best to brush up on Indiana laws as you will also be asked to pass a written knowledge test as well.

What makes you a resident of Indiana?

Anyone who maintains a residence in Indiana for an entire year (you have to live in Indiana for at least 7 months), registered to vote in Indiana, works in Indiana, or runs a business out of Indiana is considered to be a resident of Indiana.

Also See: Cost to Move from One State to Another | Moving To Indiana – Relocation Guide

Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within Indiana

Indiana DMV gives you an ample amount of time (60 days) to update your address and registration when you move in from outside of the state. However, if you are moving within the state, you will get only 30 days to update your vehicle’s registration and change your address on your driver’s license.

To update your vehicle registration, you simply have to visit the IN BMV office and complete the work in-person. To update your vehicle’s registration, you will need to have your driver’s license, your license plate number, and VIN with you.

Remember that you have to change the address on your driver’s license as soon as possible because it is often used as proof of your identity. You will need to have the following documents handy when you change the address on your driver’s license.

  • Your Old Driver’s License
  • Your Birth Certificate
  • Your Social Security Card
  • Two Documents Showing Your New Address (for instance: pay stubs, bank statements, utility bills)

There are two ways in which you can choose to change the address on your driver’s license namely online or in-person.

1. Online:

Who doesn’t love to sit in their comfortable houses and get stuff done with a simple click of the mouse? To change your address on your driver’s license, you have to visit the BMV website and create an account for yourself. If you already have an account, log in and get started with the process quickly.

2. In-Person

Some people prefer completing all sorts of official paperwork in-person. To change your address, just find an Indiana driver’s license office near your house and fill out the BMV change of address form to update your driver’s license.

You will be glad to know that you can update your address at the Indiana BMV for free when you move within the state. However, you will have to pay a small $9 fee if you wish to get a replacement driver’s license with your new address.

See Also: Top – rated Local Moving Companies in the US

When You Are Moving Out of Indiana

When you move to a new state, you will realize that you will need to take care of numerous things that mainly include updating all the official paperwork (updating address with the BMV, banks, registering as a voter, etc.). Indiana ensures that you don’t have to worry about anything while you leave the state as you already have a lot on your plate.

This means that you don’t need to notify the IN BMV when you move out of Indiana. Whenever your new state of residency issues out a driver’s license to you, IN BMV will automatically cancel your Indiana license. Additionally, giving back your license plates is not mandatory in Indiana. However, if you wish to give it back, you can do that as well.

Read Also: List of Affordable Out of State Moving Companies in the US

Is It Illegal To Not Change Your Address When You Move?

You should know that you might incur penalties like a fine when you don’t update your car registration and the address on your driver’s license. This especially happens if you get pulled over by the cops for violating a traffic rule. You should update your license not only because of penalties, but to make your own life easier.

Your driver’s license comes into use in several situations such as serving to be proof of your identity, establishing your domicile, registering as a voter, etc. If you fail to update your address, the government and other private bodies may send important mail to your old address as they might not have access to your new address.

Additionally, even police use your license to identify you in case of accidents. The bottom line is that it is always wise to take care of this stuff and get the work done as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

All we want to tell you is that changing the address on your driver’s license is a pretty straightforward process. We tend to procrastinate, especially when we deem a particular task tedious. Indiana makes sure that you don’t have to run around and spend excessive time on something as simple as updating your driver’s license. So, get it done as soon as you move there.