Terre Haute residents seeking identification for the upcoming general election will find extended operating hours at Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branches on Tuesday, November 2, and Wednesday, November 3. The BMV announced the longer hours to assist individuals in obtaining necessary identification before the election.
On Tuesday, November 2, all BMV branches across Indiana will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The following day, Wednesday, November 3, branches will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. During these extended periods, the BMV will prioritize transactions specifically related to identification. This includes new, amended, renewed, or replacement identification cards, as well as learner permits, driver’s licenses, and commercial driver’s licenses. Customers planning to utilize these extended hours must ensure they bring all required documentation to complete their transactions.
For unlicensed Indiana residents who are U.S. citizens and will be at least 18 years old by the next general or municipal election, the BMV provides free, state-issued identification cards specifically for voting purposes. To qualify for a free ID, applicants must be able to provide the necessary documentation.
Individuals applying for a new state identification card or driver’s license must present several documents to the BMV. These include a document proving identity, such as a birth certificate or a U.S. passport. Applicants must also provide proof of their Social Security number, which can be demonstrated with a Social Security card, a recent pay stub, or a W-2 form. Furthermore, proof of lawful status is required, which can also be a birth certificate or a U.S. passport. To confirm residency, two separate documents proving current address are necessary, such as a utility bill or a bank statement, both dated within the past 60 days. If an applicant's legal name differs from the name on their primary identity documents, they must also provide official proof of the name change.
It is important to note that not all identification used for voting needs to be newly issued. A driver’s license or an identification card that expired after November 5, 2024, is still acceptable as identification for voting purposes. Additionally, a paper interim credential issued after a transaction completed at a BMV branch or online is also considered acceptable identification for voting.
The BMV advises residents to visit its website for comprehensive information regarding branch locations, the various transactions available, processing procedures, and frequently asked questions related to election identification. Following the period of extended hours, all BMV branches will revert to their regular business operating hours on Thursday, November 4. This temporary extension aims to ensure accessibility for voters needing to update or acquire proper identification in advance of the election.
