How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Louisiana driver's license renewal timeline and methods

Louisiana allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

If your license expires soon and you have not yet renewed, you can still drive legally for a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration in Louisiana. However, you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. For licenses expired longer than that, you must renew in person at an OMV office.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an OMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

Louisiana offers online renewal through the OMV website if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not changed your address.
Online renewal costs $35 for four years or $60 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes.
You can renew by mail by requesting a form from your local OMV office or downloading it from the Louisiana OMV website.
In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to update your address or photograph.
Louisiana allows you to drive for up to 30 days after your license expires while you complete the renewal process.

Online renewal: what you need and how to start

To renew online through the Louisiana OMV website, you will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). You must also have a current email address on file with the OMV.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail so the OMV can verify your new address.

Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, the OMV will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive using your expired license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: requesting and returning your form

To renew by mail, contact your local OMV office and request a renewal form, or read the form from the Louisiana OMV website. Fill out the form completely, including your current address, and return it to the address listed on the form along with your payment.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $35 for four years or $60 for eight years. Include a check or money order made payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash through the mail.

The OMV typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your form and payment. Your new license will be mailed to you at the address you provided on the form. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact your local OMV office to check the status.

In-person renewal at an OMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, if you need a new photograph, or if you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name or if there are any errors on your current license.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid payment method. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).

Visit the Louisiana OMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office takes appointments and whether you need to bring any additional documents.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Louisiana Real ID licenses are compliant with federal identification standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Louisiana driver's license is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for these purposes.

When you renew your license in person, you can choose to upgrade to a Real ID license. The cost is the same as a standard license renewal: $35 for four years or $60 for eight years. To get a Real ID license, you must bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be a standard license unless you previously held a Real ID license. To switch to Real ID, you must renew in person at an OMV office.

Address changes and when you must renew in person

If you have moved since your last license renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew either by mail or in person. When you renew by mail or in person, provide your new address on the renewal form or process.

Louisiana law requires you to notify the OMV of an address change within 30 days of moving. Renewing your license is one way to update your address. You can also update your address without renewing by visiting an OMV office in person, though this does not extend the expiration date of your current license.

If you renew online without updating your address, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the OMV. If that address is no longer correct, you may not receive your new license. For this reason, update your address before renewing online, or choose mail or in-person renewal if you have recently moved.

Fees, payment methods, and what happens after you renew

Louisiana driver's license renewal costs $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The OMV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks or money orders (by mail only).

After you renew, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renewed online or by mail, your new license typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days. If you renewed in person, you may receive your license when ready or it may be mailed to you within a few days, depending on your local OMV office.

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact, as it contains personal information that could be used for identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Louisiana license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not changed your address. If you have moved out of state, you must renew by mail or in person, and you will need to provide your new out-of-state address. Some states require you to get a license in your new state of residence, so check the rules in your current state.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Louisiana OMV. Contact your local OMV office to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.

How long does my renewed license last?

Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, depending on which option you choose at renewal. The cost is $35 for four years or $60 for eight years. You can choose either option when you renew, regardless of which option you chose for your previous license.

What if I did not receive my renewed license in the mail?

If you renewed online or by mail and did not receive your license within four weeks, contact your local OMV office. Bring your old license and proof of the renewal (such as a receipt or confirmation email). The OMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, Louisiana allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal does not extend the expiration date of your current license; your new license will expire one year after your current license would have expired. Renewing early can be useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.