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How to Get ID & Documents in Indiana

Indiana issues state identification cards through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The state offers one of the lowest-cost state IDs in the country at $13, and provides free voter ID cards to ensure access to the electoral process.

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Quick Answer

To get a state ID in Indiana, visit a BMV branch with a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and proof of Indiana residency. A standard state ID costs $13, and Indiana offers a free ID card for voting purposes to any resident who needs one.

Indiana ID Agency

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

Website: in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/identification-cards

Phone: (888) 692-6841

State ID Card

Cost: $13 (free voter ID available)

REAL ID: $13 (REAL ID compliant included at no extra charge)

Processing: Mailed within 10-14 business days after in-person application

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • One primary identity document (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099)
  • Two proofs of Indiana residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, government mail)
  • Proof of lawful status for non-citizens

Indiana offers a free state ID card specifically for voting purposes. Any Indiana resident who does not have a valid photo ID can obtain a free voter ID at any BMV branch. The regular state ID costs $13, making it one of the most affordable in the nation. BMV branches are located throughout the state.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records

Cost: $10 (certified copy)

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: Walk-in: same day at Indianapolis office. Mail: 2-4 weeks. Online through IN.gov: 7-10 business days

Order online: in.gov/health/vital-records

Indiana birth certificates can be ordered in person at the Vital Records office in Indianapolis, by mail, or online through the IN.gov portal. Indiana has one of the lowest birth certificate fees in the nation at $10. Local health departments in some counties may also issue birth certificates for births that occurred in their county.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) operates a pre-release program that assists inmates with obtaining identification documents before release. IDOC works with the BMV to help returning citizens get state ID cards. Case managers help inmates gather necessary documents including birth certificates and Social Security cards.

Homeless Provisions

Indiana does not have a formal statewide homeless ID fee waiver program. However, the free voter ID card is available to all residents regardless of housing status and can serve as a valid photo ID. Local organizations such as the Homeless Initiative Program and community action agencies often assist with ID costs.

Fee Waivers

Free voter ID cards are available to any Indiana resident at any BMV branch. This provides an accessible path to photo identification for those who cannot afford the $13 standard ID fee. Veterans may receive a veteran designation on their ID at no additional cost.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Indiana: $10 (certified copy).
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the BMV. Cost: $13 (free voter ID available).
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the BMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest BMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the BMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state BMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Indiana-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the BMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some BMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Indiana, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Indiana but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the IndianaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Indiana and register to vote. See our Indiana voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Indiana Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a free voter ID in Indiana?
Visit any Indiana BMV branch and request a free voter ID card. You will need to provide the same documentation as a regular state ID (proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency) but there is no fee. The card is valid for voting and as general photo identification.
Where do I apply for an Indiana state ID?
State ID applications are processed at any Indiana BMV branch. There are over 130 BMV branches across the state. You can find your nearest branch and check wait times on the BMV website. No appointment is needed, but you can schedule one online for faster service.
How do I get a replacement birth certificate in Indiana?
You can order a certified copy from the Indiana Department of Health Vital Records office. Options include walk-in service in Indianapolis ($10, same day), mail requests ($10 plus postage), or online through IN.gov. You need a valid photo ID to request a copy.
Can I renew my Indiana state ID online?
Yes, Indiana allows eligible ID holders to renew online through the BMV website (myBMV.com). You must meet certain criteria including having a current valid ID and no changes to personal information. Online renewal is available every other renewal cycle.
Does Indiana DOC help inmates get ID before release?
Yes, the Indiana Department of Correction has a pre-release program that helps inmates obtain identification documents. Case managers work with inmates to secure birth certificates and Social Security cards, and coordinate with the BMV to facilitate state ID applications before or shortly after release.
What if I lost all my identification documents?
Start by requesting a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration (which can be done online). Then order a birth certificate from the Indiana Vital Records office or your state of birth. Once you have these documents, visit a BMV branch for your state ID. Local legal aid organizations can help navigate the process.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local BMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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