What documents to bring to the DMV office

To renew your Louisiana driver's license, you will need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Louisiana residency. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires these documents before they will process your renewal.

Your current license serves as your primary ID. If your license is lost, stolen, or expired by more than three years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must explore in person at an OMV office and follow the new driver process process instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current Louisiana driver's license, a government-issued photo ID, and proof you live in Louisiana to renew in person.
  • If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an OMV office.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on whether you choose a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license, and how many years you want the license to be valid.
  • You will need to pass a vision test and provide a new photo if you renew in person at an OMV office.

Proof of identity documents that the OMV accepts

The OMV will accept a government-issued photo ID as your proof of identity. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID from another state. Your current Louisiana driver's license can count as your proof of identity if it is still valid.

If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you can bring two documents from the OMV's secondary list. These include a Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a document showing your name and date of birth issued by a government agency.

Proof of Louisiana residency: what documents work

You must show that you currently live in Louisiana. The OMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and your current Louisiana address.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a letter from your landlord or property manager stating your name and address will work. Some people use a bank statement or credit card statement instead, as long as it is dated recently enough and shows your address.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you do not have to visit an OMV office. You can renew by mail by sending your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the OMV website. You will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.

Louisiana also offers online renewal through the OMV website for drivers whose licenses expired fewer than three years ago. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal and costs the same as renewing in person. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method to renew online.

The renewal fee and license validity options

The cost of renewal depends on the type of license you choose and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Louisiana driver's license can be renewed for four or eight years. A REAL ID-compliant license — which meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings — costs more but is valid for the same periods.

You can choose your license validity period when you renew. An eight-year license costs more upfront but means you will not have to renew again for eight years. A four-year license has a lower cost but requires renewal sooner. Check the OMV website or call your local office for the exact current fees, as they can change.

Vision test and photo requirements for in-person renewal

When you renew in person at an OMV office, you will take a vision test. You must be able to read the eye chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test.

The OMV will also take a new photo for your license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face. The photo will be taken against a plain background, and you should look directly at the camera. If you have a religious or medical reason to cover your head, you can request an exception, but you will need to provide documentation.

What happens if your license is expired by more than three years

If your Louisiana driver's license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver. This means you will need to pass the written test, the vision test, and the road test, and you will need to bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and residency.

The written test covers Louisiana traffic laws and road signs. The road test is conducted by an OMV examiner and lasts about 20 minutes. You will need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured to take the road test. If you have not driven in many years, you may want to take a practice test or a driver education course before scheduling your road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. To renew a Louisiana license, you must be a Louisiana resident. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Louisiana license to the OMV office in your new state, or you can keep it as a form of ID.

What if I have changed my name since my license was issued?

You will need to bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The OMV will update your name on your new license. If you changed your name but your current license still shows your old name, bring the name-change document along with your other renewal documents.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Louisiana?

A standard Louisiana driver's license is sufficient to drive within Louisiana and to drive across state lines. However, a REAL ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you plan to fly domestically, you should renew for a REAL ID license instead of a standard license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?

If you renew in person at an OMV office, you will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic license by mail within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Online renewal is processed the same way as in-person renewal.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the OMV or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to understand the reason and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.