Where to Get Your Driver License in Shreveport

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) handles all driver licenses in Shreveport. You cannot get a Louisiana driver license at a local police station, courthouse, or any other office — only at an OMV location. Shreveport has one full-service OMV office where you can take the written test, vision test, and road test, and walk out with a license on the same day if you pass.

The Shreveport OMV office is located at 1885 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71105. This is the only place in Shreveport where you can complete the entire licensing process. Hours vary by season and staffing, so call ahead at the office or check the Louisiana OMV website before you go — wait times can be long during lunch hours and on Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Shreveport OMV office at 1885 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop to get a driver license; no other location in the city issues them.
  • Bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address — utility bills and lease agreements both work.
  • You will take a written test, vision test, and road test on the same day if you are a first-time driver; the road test is the final step.
  • A standard five-year driver license costs $32.50 in Louisiana, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the OMV office.
  • If you fail the road test, you can retake it at the same office, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Documents You Need to Bring

Louisiana requires three categories of documents before you can take the tests. First, you need proof of identity — a birth certificate, passport, or military ID. A school ID or work badge does not count. If your birth certificate is from another state, bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.

Second, you need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full SSN on it. A tax return also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration.

Third, you need two documents that prove your current address in Louisiana. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count. Both documents must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of address. If you recently moved, bring documents dated within the last 60 days.

The Written Test and Vision Test

The written test covers Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 24 correct (60%) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you must wait at least 15 minutes between attempts.

After you pass the written test, you take the vision test at the same office. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must be able to read a chart from a certain distance and pass a color blindness screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you will wear them during the test, and your license will note that you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

If you fail the vision test, the OMV will tell you to see an eye doctor and come back with a medical form signed by the doctor. You cannot take the road test until you pass the vision test.

The Road Test and What Happens Next

The road test is a 15- to 20-minute drive with an OMV examiner in your vehicle. You will demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner watches for safe driving habits and checks that you can control the vehicle. You must pass the written and vision tests before you can take the road test.

Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day. You can reschedule and come back with a different vehicle.

If you pass all three tests, you will receive your driver license on the spot. The license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the road test fee each time.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year Louisiana driver license costs $32.50. The written test is included in that fee. The road test fee is separate and costs $20. If you need to retake the road test, you pay $20 again. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the OMV office. Credit cards are not accepted.

If you are under 18, the license costs the same, but it has different restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 18 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.

Getting a Real ID Compliant License

A standard Louisiana driver license is not Real ID compliant. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you want a Real ID license instead of a standard license, you must bring additional documents.

For a Real ID license, bring the same three categories of documents (identity, Social Security, address) plus one additional document: a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. The fee is $44.50 instead of $32.50. You can choose to get a standard license now and upgrade to Real ID later, or get the Real ID license on your first visit. Both are valid driver licenses — the Real ID is only necessary if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

If You Fail or Need to Retake a Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day after waiting 15 minutes. You do not pay again — the fee covers multiple attempts on the same day. However, if you leave the office and come back another day, you must pay the full $32.50 fee again.

If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You can schedule your next road test appointment at the OMV office or by phone. You will pay the $20 road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test, but each attempt costs $20.

If you fail the vision test, you must see an eye doctor and bring back a medical form signed by the doctor stating that you can see well enough to drive. The OMV office can tell you what form the doctor needs to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test, vision test, and road test in person at the Shreveport OMV office. There is no online or mail-in option for any part of the driver license process in Louisiana.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport or military ID instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the state where you were born before you can get a driver license. Contact that state's vital records office.

How long does it take to get a driver license from start to finish?

If you pass all three tests on your first try, you will receive your license the same day. The entire process at the office usually takes two to four hours, depending on how busy the office is. If you fail any test, you will need to come back another day to retake it.

Do I need to make an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Shreveport OMV office accepts both walk-ins and appointments. You can call ahead to schedule a time, which may reduce your wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, especially during lunch hours and on Fridays.

What if I move out of Shreveport after I get my license?

Your Louisiana driver license is valid anywhere in the United States. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver license from that state within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days). You can use your Louisiana license until then.