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 your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an OMV office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.

Your may be able to access depends on when your license expires, whether you've had any traffic violations or suspensions, and whether your address or name has changed. If you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal, you'll need to go to an OMV office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website is available if your license expired within the last 5 years and you have no suspensions or violations.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the OMV — no appointment needed, but it takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an OMV office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license; you'll receive your new license the same day.
  • If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person or provide updated documents with a mail renewal.
  • Louisiana licenses expire on your birthday, so plan to renew before that date to avoid driving with an expired license.

Online renewal through the OMV website

Online renewal is the quickest path if you're may be able to access. Go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and create an account or log in if you already have one. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee (currently $28 for a 4-year license or $42 for an 8-year license).

You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license expired within the last 5 years, you have no active suspensions or violations, your address hasn't changed, and your name hasn't changed since your last license was issued. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

After you complete the online form and pay, the OMV mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until your new one arrives, as long as you have proof of your online renewal (a confirmation email or receipt).

Mail renewal with a completed form and check

Mail renewal works if you're ineligible for online renewal but don't need your license when ready. read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DPSMV 121) from the OMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license and a check for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed — this can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, include a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).

The OMV processes mail renewals in 2 to 3 weeks. You can drive on your expired license during this time as long as you have a copy of your mailed process or a receipt showing you sent it. Keep track of when you mailed the form so you know when to expect your new license.

In-person renewal at an OMV office

Visit an OMV office if you need your license the same day, if your address or name has changed, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If your name has changed, bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, your proof of residency must show your new address.

Walk into any OMV office during business hours — no appointment is required, though you may wait. The renewal takes about 15 minutes, and you'll receive your new license before you leave. The fee is the same as online renewal: $28 for a 4-year license or $42 for an 8-year license, payable by cash, check, or card.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it through any of the three methods above. However, if your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew online — you must renew by mail or in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, so renew as soon as you can.

If you were stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you may face a fine or citation. Renewing when ready won't erase a citation you've already received, but it will prevent future violations.

Understanding Louisiana license expiration dates and renewal windows

Your Louisiana driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to 6 months before your birthday, so plan ahead — if your birthday is in March, you can renew starting in September of the previous year. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before your current one expires, so you won't have a gap.

Louisiana issues licenses valid for either 4 or 8 years, depending on which you choose at renewal. The 8-year license costs more but means you renew less often. Both are standard driver's licenses with no difference in what you can drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an OMV office in person, and the office will tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation before a new license can be issued. This may include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if I moved to Louisiana from another state?

You cannot renew your out-of-state license in Louisiana. You must get a Louisiana license instead. Visit an OMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Louisiana, a valid ID, and your Social Security card. You'll take a vision test and pay the standard renewal fee. Your out-of-state license becomes invalid once you receive your Louisiana license.

How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. However, if you've submitted an online or mail renewal before your license expired, you can drive on your expired license with proof of your renewal (a confirmation email, receipt, or copy of your mailed process) until your new license arrives. Once your license expires and you have no proof of a pending renewal, you should not drive.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an OMV office?

No appointment is required for license renewal at any OMV office in Louisiana. Walk in during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are typically less busy early in the morning or mid-week. Check the OMV website for your nearest office location and hours.

What if my name or address changed since my last license?

If your name changed, you must renew in person or include a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) with a mail renewal. If only your address changed, you can renew online if you meet all other requirements, or include proof of your new address with a mail renewal. In-person renewal always works regardless of changes.