Chapter 4 · Lesson 3 of 5
License renewal for U.S. Armed Forces personnel
2 min read · Renewing, Amending, or Replacing a Credential
Explanation
A driver’s license held by someone temporarily living outside Indiana due to U.S. Armed Forces service stays valid for 90 days after discharge, post-deployment, or after they’re no longer temporarily residing outside Indiana for that service. This grace period covers the return transition.
If the license is already expired by the time of discharge, renewing it requires a BMV branch visit with Department of Defense documentation proving discharge — such as the long form DD 214.
Example
A soldier deployed overseas returns to Indiana after her Indiana driver’s license expired during deployment. To renew, she visits a BMV branch with her long form DD 214.
Common mistake
Assuming the 90-day grace period lets you renew online with no documentation. If the license is already expired, the manual requires an in-person branch visit with DoD discharge documentation.
What the manual says
your driver’s license remains valid for 90 days following your discharge from service, post-deployment, or after you are no longer temporarily residing outside Indiana because of service in the armed forces of the United States.
Sources
- Manual p. 19
“If you are temporarily living outside of Indiana because you are serving with the United States Armed Forces, your driver's license remains valid for 90 days following your discharge from service, post- deployment, or after you are no longer temporarily residing outside Indiana because of service in the armed forces of the United States.”
- Manual p. 19
“If your Indiana driver's license is expired and you wish to obtain a renewed license after you have been discharged, you must visit a BMV branch to provide Department of Defense documentation showing proof of military discharge or your long form DD 214.”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3