How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

What You Need to Renew in Louisiana

Louisiana renews driver's licenses through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Department of Public Safety. You can renew in person at an OMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online for a limited renewal period. The method you use depends on how much time is left on your current license and whether you need to update your address or other information.

In-person renewal is the most common route and takes about 30 minutes at an OMV office. You'll need your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online renewal is available only if your license expires more than 60 days from now and you have not had any license suspensions or restrictions in the past five years. Mail renewal is an option only if you are a Louisiana resident living outside the state and your license is not expired yet.

Key Takeaways

Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles handles all driver's license renewals, and you can renew in person, by mail if you live out of state, or online if your license is not expiring within 60 days.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes at an OMV office.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to pass the written test again.
The renewal fee in Louisiana is $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at OMV offices.
You can find your nearest OMV office and check wait times on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website before you go.

In-Person Renewal at an OMV Office

Walk into any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. If your address has not changed, you can bring your license alone, but the OMV staff will ask for residency proof if your license shows an old address.

The OMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot. You can choose a four-year renewal ($35) or an eight-year renewal ($65). Most people choose the eight-year option because the per-year cost is lower. You'll receive your new license when ready, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail if the office is busy.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The OMV website shows current wait times for each office, and you can also call ahead to ask. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster than afternoons and Fridays. Some OMV offices accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online.

Online Renewal Through the OMV Website

Louisiana's online renewal system is available at the Office of Motor Vehicles website. You can renew online only if your license expires more than 60 days from now, you have no active suspensions or restrictions, and you have not renewed online in the past four years. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $35 for a four-year renewal or $65 for an eight-year renewal.

You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The OMV will not take a new photo during online renewal, so your new license will use your current photo. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address or photo, you must renew in person instead.

Online renewal is fastest if you straightforward want to extend your license without any changes. However, if your address has changed, you have had a suspension lifted, or you want a new photo, you must go to an OMV office in person.

Mail Renewal for Out-of-State Residents

If you are a Louisiana resident living outside Louisiana, you can renew by mail. You must send your current driver's license, a completed renewal form (available on the OMV website), proof of residency showing your out-of-state address, and payment by check or money order. Mail your packet to the address listed on the OMV website for mail renewals.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provide. This option is only available if your license is not yet expired; if your license has expired, you must renew in person or by phone with an OMV representative.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your packet is lost in the mail, the OMV will not be able to track it, and you will need to resubmit.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Louisiana driver's license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — in person, online, or by mail. You will not need to retake any tests. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at an OMV office, and you may be required to pass the written knowledge test again.

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

If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for a valid reason, bring documentation of that reason to the OMV office. Staff may waive the written test requirement, though this is not may provide. Call your local OMV office before you go to ask whether you should bring any additional documents.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times

Louisiana charges $35 for a four-year driver's license renewal and $65 for an eight-year renewal. These are the only two options available; you cannot renew for a different period. Payment is due at the time of renewal. At OMV offices, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your new license on the spot, though it may take a few days to arrive if printed on-site. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you need your license urgently, in-person renewal is your only option.

There are no additional fees for address changes, photo updates, or corrections to your name or date of birth during renewal. However, if you need to replace a lost or stolen license between renewals, that costs $15 and requires an in-person visit.

Finding Your Nearest OMV Office and Scheduling

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles operates offices in every parish (county). You can find the address, phone number, and current wait time for any office on the OMV website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Many OMV offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online through the website. If your office offers appointments, booking one can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-in service is still available at all offices, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. If you cannot find an appointment slot, try calling the office directly — staff sometimes hold walk-in slots or can tell you the best time to arrive.

If you live far from an OMV office or have mobility issues, ask the office whether they offer mobile renewal services or whether you can renew by phone with a staff member. Some parishes have limited mobile services, though these are not available everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you have an unpaid traffic ticket, unpaid child support, or an outstanding court fine, the OMV will not renew your license. You must pay the debt or set up a payment plan before renewal. Contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring your current driver's license, proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency to an OMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. In-person renewal will include a new photo and updated name on your license.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If your license is current or expired less than one year, you renew without retaking any test. If it has been expired longer than one year, the OMV may require you to pass the written knowledge test again.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspension on my record?

No. If your license is currently suspended, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the OMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to remove it. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew in person at an OMV office.

What if I move to a different state after I renew?

Your Louisiana license remains valid in other states for the duration of its expiration date. However, if you become a resident of another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. You do not need to surrender your Louisiana license, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.

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.