What You Need to Renew in Louisiana
Louisiana renews driver's licenses every four years for most drivers. You can renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Louisiana OMV website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have no medical restrictions.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have had any changes to your name or address, and how soon you need the new card. Online renewal is the fastest option when available, but not all drivers are may be able to access.
Your current Louisiana license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew by mail or online. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana driver's licenses expire every four years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and may be able to access.
- Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website is available only if your license is valid, not suspended, and has no medical restrictions, and takes about one to two weeks for delivery.
- Mail renewal requires your current license, a completed process form, and payment, but is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office requires a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Louisiana residency, and is the only option if your license is severely expired or suspended.
- Renewal fees in Louisiana are $35 for a four-year license, and you can check your renewal may be able to access and expiration date on the OMV website before you begin.
Online Renewal Through the Louisiana OMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access. You go to the Louisiana OMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and complete the renewal form. You pay the $35 renewal fee by credit or debit card. The new license is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within one to two weeks.
You are may be able to access for online renewal only if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
Online renewal does not require you to visit an office or mail documents. However, you must have access to a computer or mobile device and a valid payment card. If your license is already expired, you cannot use the online method and must choose mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail Renewal by Sending Documents to the OMV
Mail renewal is an option if your license has been expired for no more than five years. You complete the process form (Form DL 44), include your current license, and mail everything along with a check or money order for $35 to the Louisiana OMV address listed on the form. Processing takes approximately four to six weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope.
You do not need to include proof of residency or Social Security documentation with a mail renewal, because the OMV already has this information on file from your previous license. However, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, you must include a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and mail the renewal in person or visit an office instead.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and offers no way to track your process once it is sent. If you need your license by a specific date, in-person renewal is more reliable because you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card within one to two weeks.
In-Person Renewal at an Office of Motor Vehicles
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if it is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions, or if you have changed your name or address. You visit any OMV office with the required documents, complete the process, pay the $35 fee, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring the certified document that shows the change.
OMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Louisiana OMV website. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your time in the office.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license, payable by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept all payment types. Mail renewal requires a check or money order only.
For in-person renewal, you must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Louisiana residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency. A Social Security card, W-2, or recent tax return counts as proof of your Social Security number.
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document. A photocopy is not acceptable; the document must be certified or an official original.
Timeline and When Your License Expires
Louisiana driver's licenses expire every four years from the date of issue. You can find your expiration date printed on the front of your license. The OMV recommends renewing within 30 days before your license expires, though you can renew up to one year early.
If you renew online or by mail, allow extra time for processing and delivery. Online renewal typically takes one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. If your license will expire soon and you need it before the mail arrives, renew in person instead to receive a temporary paper license when ready.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but your options are limited. Expired licenses can be renewed by mail if expired for no more than five years, or in person at any time. You cannot renew online if your license is expired.
Special Situations: Suspended, Revoked, or Restricted Licenses
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an OMV office in person. The office will inform you of the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you must take to restore your driving privileges. This may include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
If your license has medical restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving privileges), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail. In-person renewal may require you to retake the vision test or medical examination depending on the type of restriction.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are different and more complex. CDL renewals require in-person visits, medical certification, and may require retesting. Contact your local OMV office or visit the Louisiana OMV website for CDL-specific renewal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana license if I no longer live in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana requires proof of current residency to renew your license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you have moved within Louisiana, you can renew by mail or online as long as you update your address on file first, or renew in person with proof of your new Louisiana address.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while you wait for the permanent card. If you renew by mail or online, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before renewal is complete, renew in person instead.
How do I check if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?
Visit the Louisiana OMV website and use the online renewal tool. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal and show your expiration date. If you are not may be able to access, the system will tell you which method (mail or in-person) you must use instead.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Outstanding traffic fines do not prevent license renewal in Louisiana. However, if you have unpaid child support or certain other court-ordered debts, your license may be suspended, which prevents online and mail renewal. You must resolve the suspension at an OMV office before you can renew. Contact your local OMV office to find out whether your license is suspended.
What if I lose my license before the renewal arrives?
If you lose your license after you have submitted a renewal process, contact the Louisiana OMV when ready. You can request a replacement license or expedited delivery of your renewal. You may also need to file a police report for the lost license. Visit an OMV office or call the OMV customer service line for guidance on your specific situation.