Renewing your Louisiana driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in three ways: online at omv.louisiana.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at an OMV office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a code you'll need for online renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth, but having the notice makes the process faster.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at omv.louisiana.gov takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address recently.
- By-mail renewal is available if your license is valid and you have not moved; you'll mail in your renewal notice and a check, and receive your new license in about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license is suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to renew early.
- Louisiana licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 90 days before expiration without penalty.
- A renewed license costs $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license; online and mail renewal accept the same payment methods as in-person.
Online renewal: fastest option for most people
Go to omv.louisiana.gov, select "Renew Driver License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice (or your Social Security number if you don't have the code). Answer a few questions about your current information, review the terms, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as proof of renewal if you're stopped by police before the physical card arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is currently suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have an active hold on your record.
You also cannot renew online if you've moved to a new address within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
By-mail renewal: no office visit needed
Mail renewal works only if your current license is valid and you have not changed your address. Look for the renewal notice in your mailbox about 60 days before expiration. Sign the back of the notice, write a check for $35 (four-year license) or $65 (eight-year license) payable to "State of Louisiana," and mail both to the address printed on the notice.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive separately by mail. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; if it's lost in the mail, you can contact the OMV with your confirmation number to request a replacement.
If you've moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you cannot use mail renewal. You must renew in person at an OMV office and bring proof of your new address or name change (marriage certificate, court order, or utility bill).
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Visit any OMV office with your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you've moved, bring proof of your new address.
You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The OMV website lists all office locations and hours. Processing takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you want to renew more than 90 days early, or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information. You also must renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement) or if you failed an online renewal attempt.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Louisiana offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $35 or an eight-year license for $65. You choose which one when you renew. The eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over a longer period, so your annual cost is lower.
Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration without any penalty or extra fee. If you renew after your birthday, your license is still valid, but you may face fines if you're stopped by police. Renewing late does not add extra time to your license; it straightforward resets the expiration date to your next birthday, four or eight years away.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is currently suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must visit an OMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The OMV staff will check your record and tell you whether you can renew or whether you must clear the suspension first.
If your license is suspended due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction, you may need to resolve those issues before renewal is possible. Contact the OMV or the court that issued the suspension to learn what steps are required. Some suspensions can be lifted when ready once you pay outstanding fines or fees; others require a waiting period or completion of a program.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved within Louisiana, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) in the envelope with your renewal notice and check.
For in-person renewal, bring the same proof of address to an OMV office. The staff will update your record, and your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you've moved out of state, you cannot renew your Louisiana license; you must obtain a license from your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, but you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an OMV office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The OMV will renew it as long as it has not been expired for more than a certain period (check the OMV website for the current limit). If it's been expired too long, you may need to retake the written test.
What happens if I renew online but don't receive my new license within two weeks?
Contact the OMV with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and reissue the license if it was lost in the mail. Keep your confirmation number until your new license arrives.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license in Louisiana?
Real ID is a federal standard for identification used at airports and federal buildings. Louisiana offers Real ID compliant licenses, but they are not required for renewal. If you want a Real ID license, you must renew in person at an OMV office and bring additional documents (passport, birth certificate, and proof of Social Security number). The cost is the same as a standard renewal.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes, up to 90 days before expiration without penalty. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you want to renew more than 90 days early, you must visit an OMV office in person.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at an OMV office and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The OMV will update your record, and your new license will reflect your current name.