Indiana Driver’s License Fee Set to Increase in 2022
Hoosiers looking to obtain or renew their driver’s license in Indiana will soon have to pay a higher fee as the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has announced an increase in the cost of a driver’s license starting January 1, 2022. The increase comes as part of an effort to cover the rising cost of maintaining Indiana’s road infrastructure and to ensure the safety of all drivers on the state’s roads.
Currently, the cost of a standard driver’s license in Indiana is $17.50 for a six-year period. However, beginning in the new year, the cost will go up to $28 for a six-year period, nearly doubling the current price. This increase marks the first time the cost of a driver’s license has gone up in Indiana in over a decade.
The increase in the cost of a driver’s license comes at a time when the Indiana BMV is facing budget constraints due to decreased revenue from vehicle registrations and other fees. The agency has been struggling to maintain its operations and make necessary investments in road infrastructure to ensure the safety of all drivers in the state.
According to Indiana BMV Commissioner, Peter Lacey, the decision to increase the cost of a driver’s license was not taken lightly. “We understand that any increase in fees can be a burden on Hoosiers, but we need to cover the cost of maintaining our road infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all drivers in the state,” Lacey said in a statement. “By raising the cost of a driver’s license, we are taking a step towards securing the future of Indiana’s roads and highways.”
Many Hoosiers have expressed their concerns about the increase in the cost of a driver’s license, stating that it will put an additional financial burden on already struggling families. “I understand the need to maintain our roads and ensure safety on the highways, but doubling the cost of a driver’s license is too much,” said Indianapolis resident, Sarah Johnson. “For some families, this increase could mean having to choose between paying for a driver’s license or other essential expenses.”
Despite the backlash from some Hoosiers, the Indiana BMV has defended its decision, stating that the increase in the cost of a driver’s license is necessary to cover the cost of maintaining Indiana’s road infrastructure. The agency has also introduced a fee waiver program for low-income Hoosiers who may struggle to afford the new cost of a driver’s license. Under the program, qualifying individuals can apply for a waiver of the driver’s license fee based on their income level.
In addition to the increase in the cost of a driver’s license, the Indiana BMV has also announced changes to the process of obtaining a driver’s license in the state. Starting in 2022, all new applicants for a driver’s license will be required to undergo a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, in addition to the vision screening and road signs test currently in place. The new requirements are aimed at ensuring that all drivers on Indiana’s roads are competent and capable of driving safely.
Overall, the increase in the cost of a driver’s license in Indiana has sparked a heated debate among Hoosiers, with some supporting the move as necessary to maintain the state’s road infrastructure, while others see it as an additional financial burden on already struggling families. As the new year approaches, many Hoosiers will be closely watching how the increase in the cost of a driver’s license will affect them and their families.
