Louisiana driver licenses expire every four or eight years, depending on your age and license type

In Louisiana, a standard driver license is valid for four years if you are under 60, or eight years if you are 60 or older. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to renew. You can renew up to one year early if you want to.

You have two ways to renew: by mail or in person at an OMV office. Which route you take depends on whether you need to update your information, whether you want a new photo, and how quickly you need the license in your hands. Most people can renew by mail without leaving home, but some situations require an office visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early by mail or in person.
  • Mail renewal works only if your address, name, and other personal information have not changed since your last license was issued.
  • You must renew in person if you need a new photo, have changed your name or address, or want to add or remove restrictions.
  • Renewing by mail takes about two to three weeks; renewing in person is usually finished the same day.
  • Louisiana charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and age, and you will need your current license or a valid ID to renew.

Renewing by mail: what you need and how it works

Mail renewal is the simplest path if nothing about you has changed since your last license was issued. When the OMV sends your renewal notice, it includes a form you can fill out and mail back with your payment. You do not need to include your current license with the form—just the completed paperwork and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

The renewal fee depends on your age and the length of the license you are getting. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. If you are unsure of the exact fee, the renewal notice will list it, or you can call the OMV at 225-925-6146 to confirm before you mail anything.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address shown on your renewal notice. The OMV typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the OMV to check the status.

Renewing in person at an OMV office

You must renew in person if your name, address, or other personal information has changed since your last license was issued. You also need an office visit if you want a new photo, if you need to add or remove license restrictions, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 60 (to move from a four-year to an eight-year license).

Bring your current Louisiana driver license or another valid form of ID, such as a passport or military ID. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You can visit any OMV office in Louisiana. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait. You can also check the OMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times at some locations.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff will review your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee at the window. Your new license is usually printed and ready to take home the same day, though in rare cases it may be mailed to you.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to pass the written test and the road test again, just as if you were a first-time driver. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the same process as above. The OMV treats it as a renewal rather than a new process, so you do not have to take the tests again. However, if you wait too long, you will fall into the expired-more-than-one-year category and will have to start over.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) in Louisiana

Commercial driver licenses have different renewal rules than standard licenses. A Louisiana CDL is valid for four years, and you must renew in person at an OMV office—mail renewal is not an option. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

When you renew a CDL, you may be asked to pass a medical examination to confirm you still meet the physical standards for commercial driving. The OMV will tell you whether you need this exam when you arrive. If you do, you will need to see a certified medical examiner and bring the results back to the OMV office.

CDL renewal fees are higher than standard license fees. The exact amount depends on the endorsements and restrictions on your license. Ask the OMV staff for the fee before you pay, or call ahead to confirm.

OMV office locations and hours

Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes. The main office is in Baton Rouge, but you can renew at any location. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some offices may have different hours or may close for lunch. A few offices offer limited Saturday hours.

You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. Some offices also show current wait times, which can help you decide when to visit. If you are traveling or live far from an office, you may want to call ahead to confirm hours before you make the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Louisiana driver license online?

No, Louisiana does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at an OMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal—you fill out a form and mail it with your payment, and your new license arrives by mail.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can go to an OMV office in person or call 225-925-6146 to request a renewal form by mail. The OMV can also tell you your renewal fee and answer questions about what documents you need.

How much does it cost to renew a Louisiana driver license?

The fee varies by age and license length. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Drivers 60 and older pay a different rate than younger drivers. Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 or check your renewal notice for the exact fee that applies to you.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket or fine. However, Louisiana may suspend your license for unpaid traffic violations or child support, so check your status before you renew. You can call the OMV or visit their website to see if there are any holds on your license.

What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove it?

A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is the standard proof of address. If you do not have one of these, ask the OMV staff what other documents they will accept. Some offices may accept a mortgage statement, insurance bill, or government mail. Call ahead to confirm before you visit.