Identification Cards (2024)

Identification cards may be issued to an Indiana resident of any age who does not have a driver’s license. You cannot hold both an identification card and a driver’s license at the same time, even if one is issued by another state.

Required Documentation to Obtain an ID Card

When you apply for a new driver’s license, permit or identification card, you must present original versions or certified copies of the following documents:

• One document proving your identity; and
• One document proving your lawful status in the United States; and
• One document proving your Social Security number; and
• Two documents proving your Indiana residency

• Can I add a Motor Driven Cycle Class B Endorsem*nt to my identification card?

  A Motor Driven Cycle Class B (MDC - Class B) endorsem*nt can be added to an identification card as long as the holder is at least 15 years of age and passes an MDC - Class B knowledge test.

  See Also

  Proof of Financial ResponsibilityElectronic Lien Overview

• Can I have someone else pick up my credential for me at a branch?

  Individuals picking up a credential at a branch for someone else, need to print outLimited Power of Attorney – Credential Pick Up - State Form 55328 to have it notarized.

• What is the validity period of a photo exempt identification card?

  An identification card is valid for six years.The credential holder may apply for a renewal up to 24 months prior to the expiration date listed on the identification card.Identification cards issued to lawful temporary residents expire upon the applicant’s end of lawful presence date and may only be renewed 30 days prior to the expiration date on the card.

  Did you know you can renew or replace an ID card online?

  Visit the pages below for more information.

  Renew Your ID Card Online Replace Your ID Card Online

• What is the fee for an identification card?

  The fee for an initial, renewal, amended, or replacement identification card is $9.00.

  A free ID card may be issued if you are at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and you are eligible to vote.

• How does the renewal process work once I have an identification card?

  Once you have a photo exempt identification card, you may renew it up to 24 months prior to the expiration date listed on the credential.

• If I lose my identification card, can I obtain a replacement?

  Yes, you may obtain a replacement identification card online, at a BMV Connect kiosk, or by visiting your local branch to process the transaction.

  Customers with lawful temporary or permanent status must visit a branch to obtain a replacement ID card.

Photo Exempt Identification Card

You can apply for a photo exempt identification card at any BMV branch if you have a sincerely held religious belief against the taking of your photograph.

In order to apply for a photo exempt identification, you must provide the documents required for issuance of a regular identification card, along with the following documents:

1. A valid Social Security number; or,
   A documented affirmation of your sincerely held religious belief against the issuance of a Social Security number and a completed IRS Form 4029; or,
   Adocumented affirmation of your sincerely held religious belief against the taking of your photograph
2. Plus, adocumented statement from a member of your clergy prohibiting the taking of your photograph
3. Plus, a valid documentary evidence that the applicant is a citizen or national of the United States

In lieu of the above, you may also useState Form 55920 and also include a copy ofIRS Form 4029 if applicable.

• What documentation do I need to provide to obtain a photo exempt identification card?

  The documentation requirements for a photo exempt identification card are the same as a regular identification card requirements, except:

  1. The applicant may provide IRS form 4029 as proof of exemption from a Social Security number (SSN) and benefits. IRS form 4029 must be approved, signed and dated by an authorized member of the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
     1. If IRS form 4029 is provided, the applicant must also provide a documented statement that indicates he/she has a sincerely held religious belief against the issuance of a SSN.
  2. If the applicant has already been issued an SSN, IRS Form 4029 is not required, but may still be submitted with, or without, a documented statement indicating his/her sincerely held religious belief against the issuance of a SSN.
  3. The applicant must provide a documented statement from a member of the applicant’s clergy that indicates the congregation has a prohibition regarding photography.
  4. The applicant must also have a documented statement that indicates he/she has a sincerely held religious belief against the taking of photography.

  *Note the applicants may provide State Form 55920 in lieu of requirements #2, #3 and #4 above.

• Can I hold a photo exempt identification card at the same time as I also hold a learner’s permit, driver’s license or old identification card (with, or without, a photo)?

  No, as with all other credential transactions, Indiana law requires applicants to surrender their previous credential.

• Besides the absence of a photograph, what else is different with a photo exempt identification card?

  There are a number of differences with a photo exempt identification card, including:

  1. A photo exempt identification card cannot be used for any federal identification purposes.
  2. A photo exempt identification card cannot be amended, replaced, or renewed online through myBMV.com.
  3. An applicant can neither add an MDC – Class B endorsem*nt to a photo exempt identification card, nor can an applicant use a photo exempt identification card as authority to operate a motor vehicle.
  4. A photo exempt identification card cannot be used to vote.
• Will I still be required to take a photograph for a photo exempt identification card?

  Yes, Indiana law requires all applicants for photo exempt identification cards to take a digital photo.

• Will the photograph display on my identification card?

  No, it will be run through the facial recognition process to prevent fraud, but it will not display on the identification card.

• What is the validity period of a photo exempt identification card?

  A photo exempt identification card is valid for 6 years. The credential holder may apply for a renewal up to 24 months prior to the expiration date listed on the identification card.

• If I have temporary lawful status in the United States can I obtain a photo exempt identification card?

  No, a photo exempt identification card may only be issued to United States Citizens and Nationals.

• What is the fee for a photo exempt identification card?

  The fee for an initial, renewal, amended, or replacement photo exempt identification card is $9.00.

• Can the fee for a photo exempt identification card be waived if the applicant is of voting age?

  No, the fee cannot be waived if the applicant is of voting age. A photo exempt identification card is not valid for voting purposes.

• How does the renewal process work once I have a photo exempt identification card?

  Once you have a photo exempt identification card, you may renew it up to 24 months prior to the expiration date listed on the credential. Customer must visit a branch location to renew a photo exempt identification card. This transaction is not available online or at the BMV Connect Kiosks.

• If I lose my photo exempt identification card, can I obtain a replacement?

  Yes, you may obtain a replacement photo exempt identification card, but you must visit your local branch to process the transaction.