Where to renew your license in Covington

In Covington, you renew your driver's license at the St. Tammany Parish Office of Motor Vehicles, located at 1938 North Causeway Boulevard, Covington, LA 70433. This is the only full-service location in the parish where you can handle renewals in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You can also renew online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you cannot have any medical restrictions, and you must have a valid email address. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about five business days to arrive by mail.

If you cannot visit Covington in person and do not meet the online requirements, you can mail in a renewal process to the state office, though this takes longer and requires you to submit documents by post.

Key Takeaways

  • The St. Tammany Parish Office of Motor Vehicles in Covington handles all in-person renewals and is open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website costs less and is faster if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal.
  • Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and whether you renew online or in person; online renewal is typically cheaper.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within five to seven business days for online renewal, or when ready if renewed in person.

What documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal at the Covington office, bring your current Louisiana driver's license and two forms of identification that prove your residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID like a passport or military ID also works.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are renewing online, you will upload images of these documents through the Louisiana OMV website instead of bringing them in person. Make sure your photos are clear and all four corners of each document are visible.

How much it costs and payment methods

The cost of renewal depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Online renewal is typically $10 to $15 cheaper than renewing in person because you avoid the office processing fee.

At the Covington office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card only. The exact fee varies, so check the Louisiana OMV website or call the Covington office at (985) 898-2976 before you go to confirm the current price for your license type.

Timeline: how long renewal takes

If you renew in person at the Covington office, you receive your new license when ready — you can drive with it the same day. The physical card arrives by mail within five to seven business days. You can use a temporary paper license while you wait.

Online renewal takes longer. After you submit your process and documents, the state processes it over five business days. Your new license then arrives by mail, which typically takes another three to five business days depending on postal service. Plan for a total of one to two weeks from submission to arrival.

If you mail in a paper process, processing takes two to three weeks, and you will not receive your license until it arrives by mail. For this reason, mailing is the slowest option and is best used only if you cannot visit Covington or renew online.

Renewing online versus in person

Online renewal is faster and cheaper if you are not in a hurry and your license has not been expired for more than one year. You avoid the trip to Covington and can renew from home. The downside is that you have to wait for your license to arrive by mail, so you cannot use it when ready.

In-person renewal at the Covington office is best if you need your license right away or if you do not meet the online requirements. You walk out with a temporary license and your permanent card arrives within a week. The office is also the place to go if you need to change your address, update your photo, or add medical restrictions.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not available. The same applies if you have medical restrictions or if your name has changed and you need to update your license.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods — online, in person, or by mail. You do not need to take a new written test or vision test.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at the Covington office or by mail. You will need to pass a vision test and a written test on Louisiana traffic laws. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal, plus proof that you have passed a driver education course if you are under 18.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Special situations: address changes, restrictions, and name changes

If you are moving and need to update your address on your license, you must renew in person at the Covington office. You cannot update your address online or by mail. Bring your new address proof along with your standard renewal documents.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as vision problems or a hearing loss — you may have medical restrictions on your license. These restrictions appear as codes on your license and limit how you can drive. If your restrictions have changed or you want to remove them, you must renew in person and may need to provide a medical certificate from your doctor.

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption order, or court order. You can renew in person, online, or by mail, but online renewal requires you to upload a clear image of the name-change document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Louisiana allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must go to the Covington office in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring your standard renewal documents plus a police report if you filed one for the theft. You will receive a temporary license and your replacement arrives by mail within a week.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Covington office?

The St. Tammany Parish Office of Motor Vehicles does not require appointments for standard renewals, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. Call (985) 898-2976 to ask about current wait times before you go.

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

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or the Covington office to learn about your license is suspended and how to resolve it.

What happens if I renew online but my process is denied?

If your online process is denied, the Louisiana OMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, unclear photos, or a suspended license. You can then go to the Covington office in person to complete your renewal and resolve any issues. Bring the denial letter and any additional documents the letter requests.