Indiana guidance with Louisville-area examples. Check which county each service covers.

Get an ID or a birth certificate in Indiana

You often need a birth certificate to get an ID. Start with the birth certificate if you have no papers.

1. Step 1: Order your birth certificate

   Indiana only issues certificates for people born in Indiana. If you were born in another state, ask that state.

   • Indiana Department of Health: Birth Information says: “Indiana does not issue birth certificates for individuals born in another state.” (checked 2026-10-07)

2. Step 2: In person

   The state health department does not take walk-ins. To buy a copy in person, go to the local health department where you were born.

   • Indiana Department of Health: Order Vital Records says: “Walk-in service is NOT available at the Indiana Department of Health.” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Department of Health: Order Vital Records says: “To purchase a birth or death certificate in person, please visit the Local Health Department” (checked 2026-10-07)

3. Step 3: By mail or phone

   Mail the state form with a check or money order. You can also order by phone. Third-party phone orders have extra processing and service fees.

   • Indiana Department of Health: Order Vital Records says: “Please print State Form 49607” (checked 2026-10-09)
   • Indiana Department of Health: Order Vital Records says: “Make checks and money orders payable to: Indiana Department of Health.” (checked 2026-10-09)
   • Indiana Department of Health: Order Vital Records says: “please call (866) 601-0891” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Department of Health: Order Vital Records says: “processing and service fees charged by any third-party company” (checked 2026-10-09)

4. Step 4: Get your ID at the BMV

   Bring original documents or certified copies. You need proof of who you are, proof of legal status, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of Indiana residency.

   • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Identification Cards says: “you must present original versions or certified copies of the following documents” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Identification Cards says: “Two documents proving your Indiana residency” (checked 2026-10-07)

5. Step 5: Cost

   An ID card costs $9. It may be free if you are 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, and able to vote. Ask the BMV.

   • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Identification Cards says: “The fee for an initial, renewal, amended, or replacement identification card is $9.00.” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Identification Cards says: “A free ID card may be issued if you are at least 18 years old” (checked 2026-10-07)

6. Step 6: Lost your ID?

   You can replace it online, at a BMV kiosk, or at a branch. People with temporary or permanent lawful status must go to a branch.

   • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Identification Cards says: “you may obtain a replacement identification card online, at a BMV Connect kiosk” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Identification Cards says: “must visit a branch to obtain a replacement ID card” (checked 2026-10-07)

Confirm before you go. Fees and accepted documents can change. Check the BMV and health department pages first.

This guide is information, not legal advice or a promise of help. NOLO does not decide who qualifies. Rules and offices change.