How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Renewing Your Louisiana License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license through three routes: online at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at an OMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at an OMV office is necessary if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address or name, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.

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 your personal information has changed. Louisiana does not offer Real ID upgrades during standard renewal — if you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must explore in person and bring a passport, birth certificate, or other federal documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the OMV website is available if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no active suspensions or violations.
Mail renewal is an option for certain drivers but takes 4 to 6 weeks total, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you are upgrading to a Real ID.
Louisiana charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period; standard five-year renewals cost less than eight-year renewals.
You will need your current license, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.

Online Renewal Through the Louisiana OMV Website

To renew online, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access — if you have an active suspension, the system will reject your process and direct you to resolve the suspension first.

Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no violations, suspensions, or points on your record that require a hearing or in-person review. If you are renewing early (before expiration), you can also renew online. You cannot change your address, legal name, or organ donor status online — those changes require an in-person visit.

Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you must renew in person at an OMV office.

Mail Renewal for may be able to access Drivers

Mail renewal is available only to drivers who meet strict conditions: your license must not be suspended, you must have no outstanding violations or points, and you must not need to change your address or name. You also cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years.

To renew by mail, contact the Louisiana OMV to request a renewal form, or read it from their website. Complete the form, include a copy of your current license, proof of Louisiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. Mail the packet to the address provided on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If your renewal is rejected — for example, because the OMV discovers an outstanding suspension — you will be notified by mail and directed to resolve the issue before renewing.

In-Person Renewal at an OMV Office

Visit an OMV office if your license is suspended, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you are upgrading to a Real ID, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

Processing at an OMV office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you have an active suspension, the OMV will not issue a new license until the suspension is lifted — you will need to pay any fines or complete any required courses first.

OMV offices are located throughout Louisiana. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the OMV website for your nearest office, hours of operation, and current wait times before you go.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

Louisiana offers two renewal periods: a five-year license and an eight-year license. The five-year license costs less but requires renewal more often. The eight-year license costs more upfront but is valid longer. Both are standard driver's licenses — the difference is only the validity period and the fee.

Renewal fees vary depending on which period you choose and whether you are renewing a standard license or a commercial driver's license (CDL). Standard license renewal fees range based on the validity period you select. If you are unsure which period to choose, the OMV staff at an office can explain the cost difference and help you decide.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some may have different payment options — call ahead to confirm.

Real ID Upgrades During Renewal

A Real ID is a federal standard for identification that allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. Louisiana offers Real ID-compliant licenses, but you cannot upgrade to a Real ID during an online or mail renewal — you must renew in person at an OMV office.

To upgrade to a Real ID, bring your current license, proof of Louisiana residency, proof of your Social Security number, and one of the following: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard renewal and is valid for the same periods (five or eight years).

Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not upgrade during renewal, your standard license will remain valid for domestic travel until it expires, but federal requirements may change. Many drivers upgrade to Real ID during renewal to avoid needing a passport for flights.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must visit an OMV office in person. The OMV will not issue a new license until your suspension is lifted. Suspensions in Louisiana result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of points, DUI convictions, or failure to maintain insurance.

To lift a suspension, you must resolve the underlying cause. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, paying reinstatement fees, or providing proof of insurance. The OMV office can tell you what is required in your case. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license in person or online, depending on how long it has been expired.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, online renewal is not available. You must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have begun the renewal process.

Address and Name Changes During Renewal

If you have moved or changed your legal name, you must update this information during renewal. Online and mail renewal do not allow address or name changes — you must renew in person at an OMV office.

For a name change, bring your current license, proof of the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers), proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The OMV will issue a new license with your updated name. For an address change only, bring your current license, proof of your new Louisiana address, and proof of your Social Security number.

If you move out of Louisiana, you must renew your license in your new state. Louisiana will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as you still have a Louisiana address on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet. If you renew in person, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent license.

What if I have an active suspension on my license?

You cannot renew your license while a suspension is active. You must visit an OMV office to find out what is required to lift the suspension — this might be paying fines, completing a course, or providing proof of insurance. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

Do I need a Real ID to fly domestically from Louisiana?

As of now, a standard Louisiana driver's license is still accepted for domestic flights. However, federal requirements may change. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID, you must renew in person at an OMV office and bring a passport, birth certificate, or other federal document. The Real ID costs the same as a standard renewal.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes, you can renew online or in person up to six months before your license expires. Early renewal does not extend your license validity — your new license will expire on the same date your current license would have expired. Renewing early can be useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a last-minute rush.

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.