How to get a driver's license in Indiana as an immigrant

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?

You may drive on a valid out-of-country or international license; if it lacks English subheadings, carry a translation or International Driving Permit.

Deadline after moving

Apply within 60 days of becoming an Indiana resident

License exchange without tests

2 countries (only the road test is waived)

License without immigration status

No

No SSN?

Show one document with your full SSN (card, W-2, SSA-1099, pay stub) or proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.

Driving on a foreign license

You may drive on a valid out-of-country or international license; if it lacks English subheadings, carry a translation or International Driving Permit. Deadline after moving: Apply within 60 days of becoming an Indiana resident.

Exchanging a foreign license

• Japan
• Taiwan

Only the road test is waived.

Partial exchange only: the driving skills exam is waived, but the written knowledge and vision exams are still required. Must be 18 or older; license active or expired less than 3 years. Not for CDL.

If your country is not on the list

Other foreign license holders must pass the vision, knowledge and skills exams; a foreign license must be in English or come with an accurate English translation or an International Driving Permit. No 180-day permit hold if you had a foreign license.

Actively licensed individuals must pass the knowledge and skills exams, unless a reciprocity agreement is in place. www.in.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
• Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• Valid foreign passport with unexpired U.S. visa and approved I-94
• Asylum application (I-589)

License validity: Credential renewal depends on your lawful status end date; a learner's permit is valid two years or until your lawful stay ends, whichever is sooner.

A learner's permit is valid for two years, or until the end of the holder's lawful stay, whichever is sooner. www.in.gov

Social Security number

Show one document with your full SSN (card, W-2, SSA-1099, pay stub) or proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.

You must have either proof of valid SSN or proof of ineligibility. www.in.gov

Proof of residency

Two original documents with your name and Indiana residential address (no P.O. box), e.g. lease, mortgage, utility or bank statement within 60 days, USPS change of address confirmation.

Present TWO original documents with your name and Indiana residential address www.in.gov

Step by step

1. Gather proof of identity, lawful status, SSN (or SSA ineligibility proof) and two proofs of Indiana residency.
2. Visit a BMV branch and pass the vision screening and the knowledge exam.
3. If you were never licensed, get a learner's permit and hold it for 180 days, practicing with a licensed driver age 25+.
4. If you hold a foreign license, bring it with an English translation or International Driving Permit; no 180-day hold is required.
5. Take the skills exam at a BMV branch or a driver education school (waived for Japan and Taiwan licenses).
6. Pay the fee and receive a 30-day interim license; the permanent card is mailed after verification.

Fees

Learner's permit $9.00; driver's license (under 75) $17.50.

Driver's license under 75 $17.50 www.in.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Indiana

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.