The BMV verifies who you are before issuing any credential. For a new license, permit, or ID card, bring originals or certified copies in four categories. Residency takes two documents.
For a NEW credential, bring originals or certified copies of:
- One document proving your identity
- One document proving your lawful status in the U.S.
- One document proving your full Social Security number
- Two documents proving your Indiana residency
Identity documents include:
- U.S. birth certificate: original or certified government copy (hospital certificates NOT accepted)
- Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certified amended birth certificate showing a legal name or date-of-birth change
- Unexpired foreign passport with a U.S. visa and an approved I-94
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Card
- Unexpired Indiana Real ID-compliant credential
Know the rule
If you were born outside the U.S., a delayed birth certificate may prove identity but not lawful status.
Handbook p. 73 ↗Proof of a change to your name or date of birth:
- Marriage license
- Divorce decree
- Court order approving the change
Know the rule
For U.S. citizens, the identity document also proves lawful status. Other lawful status proofs include a verifiable Notice of Action (I-797) and proof of an asylum application verified by DHS.
Handbook p. 74 ↗Social Security number documents (name + full SSN):
- Social Security card
- W-2 Form
- 1099 or non-SSA 1099 Form
- Pre-printed pay stub
Know the rule
If you don't qualify for an SSN, you must show you aren't authorized to work in the U.S.; you may be asked for a valid I-94 instead.
Handbook p. 74 ↗Know the rule
A post office box can't be your residential address unless you're in the Indiana Attorney General's Address Confidentiality Program.
Handbook p. 74 ↗Residency documents (name + residential address) include:
- Computer-generated utility, credit card, doctor, or hospital bill issued within 60 days
- Bank statement or pre-printed pay stub dated within 60 days
- W-2, property/excise tax bill, or pension statement from the current or prior year
- Homeowner's, renter's, or vehicle insurance policy dated within one year
- Vehicle loan payment book, mortgage, lease, or rental contract
- Indiana voter registration card, or USPS change-of-address confirmation (CNL107)
- Court or agency first-class mail, or FSSA child support stub, dated within 60 days
- Licensed survey of your Indiana property, valid Indiana handgun permit, or school records
No two residency documents? An Indiana Residency Affidavit is allowed if you:
- Are incapacitated: signed by your guardian or caregiver, 18+, who lives with you
- Are homeless: signed by a government or nonprofit representative who accepts your mail
- Live with a relative or friend 18+, who signs at a branch
- Live in a motor vehicle such as a mobile or motor home: signed by an Indiana resident
Know the rule
The BMV accepts only originals or certified copies from the issuing agency, and it may refuse any document that appears fraudulent, unreliable, altered, or expired.
Handbook p. 76 ↗Know the rule
Documents must be in English or come with a verifiably accurate English translation. Your legal name and date of birth must match Social Security Administration records.
Handbook p. 76 ↗Know the rule
U.S. citizens holding a valid non-compliant Indiana credential may choose a non-compliant credential instead of a Real ID.
Handbook p. 76 ↗Put it into practice
For a new permit you bring a certified birth certificate, your Social Security card, and last month's gas bill. You're one short, because residency needs two documents. Add something like a bank statement dated within 60 days.