What to Bring to the Indiana DMV for Your Permit Test

Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.

Before You Go

  • →Schedule an appointment online to skip the long lines
  • →Fill out the application form online beforehand to save time
  • →Call ahead to confirm if your specific documents are accepted
  • →Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment
  • →Study the Indiana Driver's Manual (it's free online)
  • →Make sure your parent/guardian knows the exact time and location
  • →Double-check that all documents are originals, not copies

Required Documents

Proof of Identity (Primary Document)

  • ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • ✓Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • ✓Valid Indiana Driver's License or ID Card (if renewing)

You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted. For a REAL ID, your birth certificate must be certified by the state of issuance.

Proof of Social Security Number

  • ✓Social Security Card
  • ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
  • ✓Pay Stub with full SSN
  • ✓SSA-1099 Form
  • ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form

Indiana requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you have been assigned a number. They generally do not waive this requirement for minors.

Proof of Indiana Residency

Bring 2 of these:

  • ✓Utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer) issued within 60 days
  • ✓Bank statement issued within 60 days
  • ✓Parent's Indiana driver's license or ID (if living at same address)
  • ✓School report card or transcript with current address
  • ✓Lease or mortgage agreement
  • ✓Official mail from a government agency

For a standard license, one document is usually enough if it matches your name and address. However, for a REAL ID, you typically need two different documents showing your Indiana residency.

Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)

  • ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in person at the BMV
  • ✓Parent must present their own valid photo ID
  • ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent usually signs unless court orders state otherwise
  • ✓Legal guardians must bring court documentation proving guardianship
  • ✓Foster parents must bring specific agency documentation

If a parent cannot come in person, Indiana has specific notarized affidavit forms, but bringing the parent is the easiest and most common way to avoid delays.

Proof of Driver's Education

  • ✓Certificate of Completion from a state-approved driver education course (Form 54000)
  • ✓Certificate of Completion for the classroom portion only (if taking behind-the-wheel later)

In Indiana, teens under 16 years and 90 days MUST complete a state-approved driver education course to get a permit. If you are 16 years and 90 days or older, driver's ed is not strictly required for the permit, but highly recommended.

Fees & Payment

$17.50

This fee covers the learner's permit application and the knowledge test. It is valid for two years. If you fail the test, there is a small re-test fee.

Accepted payment:

CashCredit CardDebit CardCheckMoney Order

Forms

Application for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form 54000)

Available at: Available at any BMV branch or downloadable from in.gov/bmv

Do not sign the form until you are standing in front of the BMV employee; they need to witness your signature.

What NOT to Bring

  • ✗Large backpacks or bags (storage is limited)
  • ✗Your own pen (they provide them, but bring one if you prefer)
  • ✗Friends or siblings who aren't applying (they can't wait inside)
  • ✗Food or drinks
  • ✗Pets (unless service animals)
  • ✗Photocopies of documents (must be originals)
  • ✗Expired or damaged ID cards

At the Office

  • →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple-choice
  • →You must score 80% (16 out of 20) to pass
  • →If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
  • →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit immediately
  • →The official plastic card will arrive by mail in about 10-14 days

Official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) info: www.in.gov/bmv

Take the Free Indiana Practice Quiz →