How to renew your Louisiana driver's license

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit an OMV office or mail in your renewal process, both of which take longer but work if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your address or other information.

Your license must be renewed before it expires. Louisiana does not allow a grace period — once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. The state mails renewal notices about 60 days before your expiration date, so check your mailbox or your email if you signed up for electronic notices.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you have a valid Social Security number on file.
  • In-person renewal at an OMV office requires a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Louisiana residency, and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Mail-in renewal is an option, but processing takes four to six weeks, so renew well before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
  • Louisiana charges $32.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license, and payment is required at the time of renewal.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online and must visit an OMV office in person.

Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website

To renew online, go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the renewal option. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal works only if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions or endorsements that need updating, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, the website will tell you to renew in person instead. After you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, the state mails your new license to the address on file — delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

You can check the status of your renewal on the OMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the OMV by phone or visit an office in person.

In-person renewal at an Office of Motor Vehicles

To renew in person, visit any Office of Motor Vehicles location in Louisiana. Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID card), 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 your address has changed, bring the residency proof to your new address.

Walk-in service is available at most OMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the OMV website before you go. The renewal process takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll pay the fee in cash, debit, or credit card at the counter. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

OMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the OMV website for the office nearest you and its specific hours.

Mail-in renewal

To renew by mail, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to request a renewal process form, or read it from the OMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the OMV receives your process. Because of this delay, renew by mail only if you have time before your license expires. The state will mail your new license to the address on your process. If you need to update your address, include a proof of residency document with your process.

Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records. If your new license doesn't arrive within six weeks, contact the OMV to confirm they received your process.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to an OMV office, a written test, a vision test, and a new photograph. The process is the same as a first-time process and takes longer than a standard renewal.

If your license expired less than five years ago but you need to renew it now, you can still use online, mail, or in-person renewal. However, if your license expired within the last 30 days, you may be able to renew it when ready. If it expired more than 30 days ago, some OMV offices may ask you to take a vision test before they process your renewal — call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring your current CDL, a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Louisiana residency. You'll also need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and bring the completed Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875) with you.

The CDL renewal fee is $65 for four years or $130 for eight years. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid traffic ticket. However, Louisiana may suspend your license if you fail to pay a fine or appear in court. Check your driving record on the OMV website before you renew to see if any suspensions are in place. If a suspension exists, you'll need to resolve it before the OMV will process your renewal.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail-in renewal will not work if your name has changed.

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

A four-year license costs $32.50 and an eight-year license costs $65. Payment is due at the time of renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card, credit card, or check. If you renew in person, you can pay in cash, debit, or credit card.

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, Louisiana issues driver's licenses to non-citizens who have a valid visa or work permit. You'll need to bring your visa or work permit along with the other required documents when you renew in person. Online renewal is not available for non-citizens.

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

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a replacement. Visit an OMV office in person with your identification and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $15, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.