How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

How to renew your Louisiana driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid email address, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. If you may have access to, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28. If you do not may have access to for online renewal, you can renew by mail or visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If your current license is suspended, revoked, or has medical flags, you must renew in person at an OMV office — online and mail renewal are not available to you.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no suspensions, medical restrictions, or name changes to process.
The online renewal fee is $28, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical conditions flagged, you must renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles.
Mail renewal is available but slower than online; in-person renewal at an OMV office is required if you need to update your address, name, or medical information.
Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online renewal through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website

To renew online, go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access — if you have any suspensions, medical restrictions, or an expired license older than one year, the system will reject your process and direct you to renew in person or by mail.

Once approved, you pay the $28 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Louisiana does not accept checks or cash for online renewals. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file; if you need to change your address, you must do that during the online process before you submit.

You do not receive a temporary license when you renew online. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and your current one has expired, you may want to renew in person instead so you can get a temporary document on the spot.

Mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if you cannot visit an OMV office. You will need to request a renewal form from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles by phone at 225-925-6146 or read the form from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a photocopy of your current driver's license (both sides).

Mail your completed form and photocopy to the address provided on the form, along with a check or money order for $28 made payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash by mail. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license unless you include a written request to change it.

Mail renewal does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical restrictions. It also does not work if you need to change your name or address and do not have the supporting documents ready to include with your process. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an Office of Motor Vehicles

Visit any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location to renew in person. You will need your current driver's license and proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). If you are renewing after a suspension or medical restriction, bring any documents the OMV requested when they suspended your license, or call ahead to ask what you need.

The in-person renewal fee is $28. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The OMV will take a new photo and print a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions that need review, if you are changing your name, or if you need to update your address and do not have proof of residency ready. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary document if you need to drive when ready.

What happens if your license has expired more than one year ago

If your Louisiana driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Louisiana residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

The OMV will treat your renewal as a standard in-person transaction. You will pay the $28 renewal fee, have a new photo taken, and receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license has been expired for several years, the OMV may ask additional questions about your driving history or require you to pass a vision test, so arrive prepared to spend extra time.

Suspensions, medical restrictions, and when you cannot renew

If your Louisiana driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person and bring any documents related to the suspension — a court order, a letter from the OMV explaining the suspension, or proof that you have completed a required program (such as a DUI course or traffic safety course).

Medical restrictions also require in-person renewal. If the OMV flagged your license because of a medical condition, vision problem, or medication that affects driving, you may need to provide a doctor's letter or pass a vision test before your renewal is approved. Call the OMV ahead of time at 225-925-6146 to ask what documents you need to bring.

If your license is revoked (not just suspended), the process is more involved. Revocation usually follows a serious violation such as a DUI conviction or multiple traffic offenses. You may need to complete a driver improvement course, pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee, and pass a written and driving test. Contact the OMV directly to understand the steps for your specific situation.

Office of Motor Vehicles locations and hours

Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes. The main office is in Baton Rouge, but you can renew at any location. Hours vary by office, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have limited Saturday hours. Check the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website or call 225-925-6146 to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you visit.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons or Fridays. If you are renewing after a suspension or medical restriction, plan for a longer visit because the OMV may need to review your documents or ask follow-up questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Louisiana requires proof of residency to renew, and you must provide a document dated within the last 60 days showing a Louisiana address. If you have moved out of state, you should transfer your license to your new state instead of renewing in Louisiana. Contact your new state's DMV to start that process.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit an OMV office in person and bring proof of Louisiana residency. The OMV will issue a replacement license and treat it as a renewal if your old license has not expired. If your old license has expired, you may need to pay both a replacement fee and a renewal fee.

How long is a renewed Louisiana driver's license valid?

A renewed Louisiana driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before expiration, so you do not have to wait until your license expires to start the process.

Can I change my name or address during renewal?

Yes, but the process depends on how you renew. Online renewal allows you to change your address if you update it before submitting. For name changes, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Mail renewal requires you to include these documents with your process.

What if the OMV rejects my online renewal process?

The system will tell you why — usually because your license is expired by more than one year, you have a suspension or medical flag, or your identity could not be verified. Once you know the reason, you can renew by mail or in person. If the rejection is due to a suspension or medical issue, contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 to ask what you need to bring to an office visit.

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.