Indiana documents and ID

What to get first when you have nothing

General guidance based on what the agencies ask for; the agencies decide what they can accept in your situation. Call before spending money.

1. Gather anything that shows who you are

   Keep any existing identity documents. If you have nothing, call Indiana Vital Records before paying: ask what identification and proof of relationship it can accept for your situation. Do not assume secondary documents alone will be enough.

   Official source and date

   • Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records: Accepted Primary Documents (1 required) (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records: Accepted Secondary Documents (2 required) (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records: Department of Correction ID Card or Printout Must include a picture (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records: Social Security Card Must be signed (checked Oct. 15, 2026)

2. Ask the birth-record office how to break the ID loop

   For an Indiana birth, ask Indiana Vital Records or the health department where the birth occurred about a certified copy, the identification needed and any fee waiver. If born elsewhere, start with that state's vital records office. Local rules below still need a call.

   Official source and date

   • Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records: please visit the Local Health Department where the birth or death occurred (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records: Must be the county where the event occurred (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana Department of Health, Vital Records: Indiana does not issue birth certificates for individuals born in another state. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)

3. Plan your BMV documents and mailing arrangements

   Use the BMV checklist for identity, lawful status, Social Security and Indiana residency documents. The BMV lists alternatives to the Social Security card. If you have no residence address, ask BMV about the residency affidavit and organization-letter route before visiting.

   Official source and date

   • Indiana BMV: ONE document proving your identity is required. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: ONE document proving lawful status is required. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: ONE document proving your social security is required. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: TWO printed documents proving you are an Indiana resident are required. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: W-2 form. SSA-1099 form. Non-SSA-1099 form. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: Pay stub with your name and Social Security number on it. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: State Form 50879 - Indiana Residency Affidavit (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: Homeless applicants without a residence address. You must complete an Indiana Residency Affidavit. (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: You will also need a letter from a government entity or not-for-profit organization (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: will accept delivery of mail for you (checked Oct. 15, 2026)

4. Choose the next document with the issuing agency

   Use the BMV branch finder for an ID card or driver's license. Check SSA's official page for current Social Security card requirements. Ask each agency what you can use while another document is missing; this sequence is general guidance and the issuing agency decides.

   Official source and date

   • Indiana BMV: Two documents proving your Indiana residency (checked Oct. 15, 2026)
   • Indiana BMV: cannot hold both an identification card and a driver’s license at the same time (checked Oct. 15, 2026)

Indiana birth certificates

Indiana BMV ID cards and driver's licenses

BMV branch finder: check hours before visitingBMV driver's-license requirementsBMV: 888-692-6841

Fees and possible fee waivers

These are the agencies' dated statements. Ask about your request before paying; local health departments may have different fees.

BMV's conditional free-ID statement (excerpt): A free ID card may be issued if you are at least 18 years old. This excerpt is not the full rule; read BMV's remaining conditions and ask BMV before relying on it.

Birth certificate fee waivers: Status unknown, call to confirm. Ask the issuing office whether any waiver applies to your circumstances.

Local birth-record contacts by county

Use the county where the birth occurred. Indiana Health's directory names these departments and phone numbers; the directory does not establish certified-copy issuance, fees, ID rules or waivers. Call before visiting. City health departments also appear in the official directory; ask Indiana Vital Records which office holds your record.

Social Security card, military records, name changes and voter ID

Privacy before paperwork

If someone may use paperwork to find you, ask the issuing agency or court about privacy before giving a mailing address or filing documents. This page does not collect your information.

For uncertain birth-record requirements: Status unknown, call to confirm. Indiana Vital Records: (317) 233-2700