Documents and information you must bring

Louisiana requires you to bring specific documents to renew your driver's license in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your license is not yet expired. The state requires a proof of identity, proof of Louisiana residency, and your current driver's license.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current Louisiana driver's license, a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, a birth certificate issued by the state vital records office, or a tribal ID card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or security features — a photocopy will not work.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Louisiana address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, bank statement, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead. A cell phone bill does not count. If you have moved recently and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, plus the lease or rental agreement.

Bring your current driver's license to the OMV. If it is lost or stolen, bring a police report instead. You will also need to know your Social Security number — you do not need to bring a card, but you must be able to provide the number.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles; Louisiana does not offer mail or online renewal for any driver.
  • Bring your current license, one form of identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), and proof of residency dated within 60 days.
  • Proof of residency must show your name and current address; utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work, but cell phone bills do not.
  • The renewal fee is $88 for a four-year license or $132 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for your new card.

When you can renew and how long it takes

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license up to one year before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you must renew in person and cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. The OMV recommends renewing at least 30 days before expiration to avoid delays.

After you complete your renewal at the OMV, the new license is mailed to the address you provide. Processing and delivery typically take 10 business days, though it can take longer during peak periods or if the OMV requests additional documents. You can request a temporary paper license at the time of renewal — this is a printed document valid for 30 days that allows you to drive while you wait for your plastic card to arrive.

If you need your license sooner, some OMV locations offer expedited service for an additional fee. Contact your local office to ask whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on the term you choose. A four-year license costs $88. An eight-year license costs $132. You pay at the time of renewal, and the OMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the endorsements you hold. Ask at your local OMV office for the exact cost for your CDL class and endorsements.

There is no additional charge for the temporary paper license if you request one at renewal. If you need a replacement license before your new one arrives and did not request a temporary at renewal, you can obtain one at an OMV office for a separate fee.

Vision test and written test requirements

Louisiana requires a vision screening at every renewal. You will read a chart or use a vision machine at the OMV office. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, the OMV will not issue your license until you provide a letter from an eye doctor stating that your vision meets Louisiana's standards.

You do not have to take a written knowledge test to renew a regular driver's license unless your license has been expired for more than three years, or unless the OMV has reason to believe you are not familiar with current traffic laws. If you are renewing a CDL, you may need to take a written test depending on your endorsements and how long your license has been expired.

If you have medical conditions that affect your driving — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain medications — the OMV may require a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor. The OMV will tell you if this is needed when you arrive for renewal.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

You can update your address during renewal without extra steps or fees. straightforward provide your new address and proof of residency at the OMV office. The new license will be mailed to your new address.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an official certified copy with a raised seal. A photocopy will not work. There is no additional fee for a name change during renewal.

If you are renewing and changing both your address and name, bring documents for both. The OMV will process both changes at the same time.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for fewer than three years, you can renew it in person at an OMV office using the same documents and process described above. You cannot drive legally until the new license arrives, even if you have a temporary paper license.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, Louisiana treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to take a written knowledge test and a driving skills test in addition to the vision screening. Contact your local OMV office for the full list of requirements and to schedule your driving test.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the OMV or the court that issued the suspension to understand why it was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or other violations. The restoration process varies depending on the reason for suspension.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

When you renew, you choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. The four-year license costs $88 and expires four years from the date of issue. The eight-year license costs $132 and expires eight years from the date of issue. There is no difference in what the license allows you to do — both are standard driver's licenses with the same privileges.

The choice is purely financial. If you prefer to renew more frequently or expect your address or personal information to change within four years, the four-year license may suit you. If you want to renew less often and do not expect major changes, the eight-year license saves you money over time. Some drivers choose the four-year option if they are unsure whether they will remain in Louisiana.

You can choose either option regardless of which term you held before. If your previous license was a four-year license, you can choose an eight-year license at renewal, or vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Louisiana license if I live out of state now?

No. Louisiana requires proof of residency dated within 60 days, and you must renew in person at an OMV office. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still own property in Louisiana or have other ties to the state, contact your local OMV office to discuss your situation.

What if I lost my current license and do not have a police report?

Bring a signed statement to the OMV explaining that your license was lost. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency. The OMV may ask you to file a police report after the fact, but some offices will process your renewal without one if you provide a written statement. Call your local OMV office first to ask what they require.

Do I need an appointment to renew, or can I just walk in?

This varies by location. Some OMV offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website or call your local office to find out whether you need to schedule ahead. During busy periods, wait times can be several hours without an appointment.

What happens if I renew but my new license arrives after my old one expires?

Once you have submitted your renewal process at the OMV office, you are legally allowed to drive even if your old license has expired, as long as you have the temporary paper license. If you did not request a temporary paper license at renewal, you can obtain one at an OMV office for a fee. Keep the temporary with you while you wait for your new plastic license.

Can I renew if I owe traffic fines or have unpaid tickets?

Unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines can result in a license suspension, which prevents renewal. If you know you have outstanding fines, contact the court or the OMV before attempting to renew to find out your status. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the fines or appear in court before you can renew.