Identification Cards

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.

Identification Card FAQs

Photo Exempt Identification Card

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

Identification Card FAQs

A Motor Driven Cycle Class B (MDC - Class B) endorsement 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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

Be a Hero. Save a Life.

You can register your decision to become an organ donor when renewing or updating your identification card with the BMV. You can also register to become an organ donor at any time by visiting the Donate Life Indiana website.

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,
   A documented affirmation of your sincerely held religious belief against the taking of your photograph
2. Plus, a documented 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 use State Form 55920 and also include a copy of IRS Form 4029 if applicable.

Photo Exempt Identification Card FAQs

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.

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

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

   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 endorsement 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.

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

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

   No, a photo exempt identification card may only be issued to United States Citizens and Nationals. The fee for an initial, renewal, amended, or replacement photo exempt identification card is $9.00.

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

   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.

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

   Still Have Questions?

   Send us an email about driver education programs.