How to Get an Indiana Driver’s License Reinstatement
Reinstating your Indiana’s driver license can be expedited without fees by submitting and maintaining an SR-22 certificate with the BMV.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
To reinstate your Indiana driver’s license, you’ll have to check the specific requirements of your suspension order and submit proof of fulfillment to the BMV. You can often avoid paying a fine, and sometimes you can even avoid the suspension by providing an SR-22 certificate with your fulfilled requirements.
If you're facing a license suspension in Indiana, it’s up to you to stay on top of your reinstatement so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. Sometimes it’s as simple as submitting a form, but the exact process depends on the severity of the offense and the origin of the suspension.
The process to reinstate a suspended license varies from state to state, and it can get muddy if you don’t know your specific requirements. Keep reading for a complete guide to reinstating your Indiana license and lowering your
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Why you might need a license reinstatement in Indiana
If the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (IN BMV) suspends or revokes your license for an offense, you’ll have to reinstate your license to regain your driving privileges. This doesn’t happen automatically when your suspension period ends. Instead, you’ll have to submit paperwork and pay reinstatement fees to complete the process.
Check your Viewable Driver Record on the
BMV’s website
at no charge to be sure why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place and what is required for a successful reinstatement. Pay close attention to the “Reinstatement Requirements” and “Suspensions Information” sections for the most relevant information.How to get a license reinstatement in Indiana
To get your license reinstated, you’ll need to provide documentation to the BMV to prove you’ve fulfilled requirements based on the origin of your license suspension. The fee to reinstate a suspended license is $250 for your first suspension, $500 for a second, and $1000 for any subsequent suspensions.
You may be able to avoid paying fees if you file an SR-22 with the BMV for 180 consecutive days. Providing an
SR-22
may also allow you to stay a suspension of your license from the court or BMV, depending on the specific requirements outlined on your order. If you choose to pay reinstatement fees over SR-22 coverage, you can do so by one of the following means:
- Call 888-692-6841 and provide the access code found on your reinstatement notice
- Submit the reinstatement coupon found in your reinstatement notice by mail
- Download a Reinstatement Fee Submission Form if you no longer have your reinstatement coupon
- Use a self-service Connect kiosk at your local BMV
Court ordered suspensions
If your license suspension was ordered by a court, you’ll need to contact that court to find out the exact requirements you’ll need to meet to get your license reinstated. Only go to the BMV to reinstate your license once you have documentation from the court to verify your eligibility.
Administrative suspension
If your license was suspended by the BMV, review your Official Driving Record (ODR) to find out the exact requirements you’ll need to meet to get your license reinstated. You can view your ODR by completing a
Request for Certified Records (State Form 53789)
and submitting a $4 fee to the BMV.If your license was suspended for lack of insurance, you can have your suspension removed once you meet
Indiana’s minimum insurance requirements
. Have your insurance company provide a Certificate of Compliance (COC) to your BMV to finalize the fulfillment of your requirements.Key Takeaway Providing an SR-22 certificate to your BMV for a minimum of 180 consecutive days can help you avoid paying any reinstatement fees and may even allow you to stay your suspension.
How to get a hardship license in Indiana
Transportation is likely to become a significant challenge for drivers with a suspended license, but you can apply for a hardship license to accommodate specific needs. With a hardship license, you’ll be able to take advantage of certain restricted driving privileges to get to and from authorized locations like school and work.
To get a hardship license, you’ll need to file a hardship license petition in the county where your case originated or the county where you reside (depending on the origin of your suspension). You can process your filing in person at the county clerk or
online
.All applicants have to pay a $157 filing fee and submit an
Initiating Party Appearance form
with one additional copy. All pleadings must be on 8.5” by 11” paper, and applicants should include a stamped self-addressed envelope for return copies. Other required documents will depend on the type of violation that caused your suspension in the first place.Applying for a hardship license after a civil infraction
If the BMV suspends your license for a non-criminal violation, such as failing to pay a ticket or insufficient insurance, you’ll have a much easier time filing your hardship license petition. Here are the types of documents and numbers of copies you’ll need to include in your file:
- Service of complaint: one copy per defendant served
- Court’s file: original and one copy
- Attorney’s file or pro se file: one copy
- Initiating Party Appearance form: original and one copy
Contact your local county clerk, your attorney, or check the
guides on efiling
if you need help identifying and getting a hold of these required documents.Applying for a hardship license after a criminal infraction
If your license is suspended for a serious moving violation that is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, you’ll have to supply much more documentation while filing your hardship license petition. Here are the documents and number of copies you’ll need to include in your file:
- Service of summons by a sheriff or certified mail: original and three copies of the summons, two copies of all papers signed by the judge, and one copy of any motions or pleadings served with the summons (6+ total documents)
- Court’s file: original copy of all pleadings with additional copies as required by the specific court
- Attorney’s file or pro se file: one copy
- Initiating Party Appearance form: original and one copy
If you want to file for a hardship license while you are currently a defendant in a court case or on probation for driving while intoxicated, or if you have lost your driving privileges under Indiana Code S. 35-48-4-15, you will have to file directly through the circuit court or superior court where your case is being or was tried.
MORE: High-risk car insurance: Everything you need to know
What is an SR-22 certificate?
An
Indiana SR-22 certificate
provides legal proof of future financial responsibility and is a common requirement when reinstating a suspended license in the Hoosier State. You’re likely to be required to submit an SR-22 after a license suspension for the following offenses:- Failure to provide proof of insurance
- Failure to appear in court or pay a fine
- Certain convicted court-related violations
You can request an SR-22 certificate from your insurance provider, who will electronically submit the proof of your insurance directly to the BMV. You’ll often need to maintain your SR22 insurance for 180 consecutive days to enjoy the fee-wavering and suspension-lifting effects of the certificate.
It may sound easy, but be forewarned—filing for an SR-22 will cause a massive increase in your insurance rates.
MORE: How to fill out and file an SR-22
How to save money on car insurance in Indiana
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