How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Renewing Your Louisiana Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in three ways: online at omv.louisiana.gov, by mail, or in person at an OMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 business days and costs $32.50. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at an OMV office is when ready but requires a trip to a location near you.

Your may be able to access for each method depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you have had any violations or suspensions, and whether you need to change your address or other information. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person and may need to retake the written test.

Louisiana licenses are valid for 6 years for drivers under 70 and 4 years for drivers 70 and older. The OMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through omv.louisiana.gov takes about 10 business days, costs $32.50, and works only if your license expired within the last 5 years and you have no active suspensions or violations.
Mail renewal requires the same fee and timeline as online but needs a completed process form mailed to the OMV with a check or money order.
In-person renewal at an OMV office is when ready but requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and a trip to a location in your parish.
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass the written knowledge test again.
Louisiana licenses last 6 years for drivers under 70 and 4 years for drivers 70 and older.

Online Renewal Through the OMV Website

To renew online, go to omv.louisiana.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against OMV records and confirm that you are not under suspension or revocation.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last 5 years, you have no active violations or suspensions, and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information. If any of these conditions do not explore, the website will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.

After you complete the online form and pay the $32.50 fee, the OMV will mail your new license to the address on file. The process takes about 10 business days from the date you submit. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives, as long as you submitted the renewal before expiration.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

To renew by mail, request an process form from the OMV by calling 225-925-6146 or by visiting an OMV office in person. You can also read the form from omv.louisiana.gov. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $32.50 made payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. To avoid delays, include your driver's license number on the check or money order. Do not send cash. The OMV will mail your new license to the address you provide on the form.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must have expired within the last 5 years, you cannot have an active suspension or revocation, and you cannot change your address or personal information through the mail process. If you need to update your address, you must do so in person or online.

In-Person Renewal at an OMV Office

To renew in person, visit an OMV office in your parish with your expired driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

In-person renewal is when ready — you will receive your new license on the same day. The fee is $32.50. You do not need to take a written test unless your license expired more than 5 years ago or the OMV officer determines that a retest is necessary based on your driving record.

OMV offices are located in each parish. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some offices close for lunch. Check omv.louisiana.gov for the office nearest you and its specific hours before you go.

What to Do If Your License Expired More Than 5 Years Ago

If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to an OMV office in person. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.

The OMV will likely require you to retake the written knowledge test. The test covers Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Louisiana Driver's Guide, which is available free on omv.louisiana.gov. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. There is no additional fee for retests. Once you pass, your new license is issued when ready.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If you need to change your address, name, or other personal information, you cannot do so through mail renewal. You must renew online or in person. Online renewal allows you to update your address during the process. In-person renewal allows you to update any information on your license.

If you are renewing in person and need to change your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The OMV will not process a name change without this document.

If you move to a different parish, you do not need to update your license when ready, but it is a good idea to do so when you renew. Your address on your license should match your current residence for insurance and legal purposes.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a Louisiana driver's license is $32.50 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers a 6-year license for drivers under 70 and a 4-year license for drivers 70 and older. There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or other updates made during renewal.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some OMV offices may have additional payment options — call ahead to confirm.

If you pay by check or money order in the mail, make it payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and include your driver's license number on the payment. Do not send cash by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my renewal?

Yes, as long as you submitted your renewal before your license expired. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive your new license when ready, so there is no waiting period.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must go to an OMV office in person with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The OMV will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. The fee is still $32.50.

Do I need to retake the written test if my license is still valid?

No. You only need to retake the test if your license expired more than 5 years ago or if the OMV officer determines a retest is necessary based on your driving record or violations.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Online renewal takes about 10 business days from the date you submit. The OMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If you need your license faster, renew in person at an OMV office for when ready issuance.

What if the OMV website says I cannot renew online?

The website will reject your online renewal if your license expired more than 5 years ago, you have an active suspension or revocation, or you need to change your address or personal information. In any of these cases, you must renew by mail or in person. Call 225-925-6146 to ask which method is best for your situation.

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.