Renew Your Louisiana License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The method you choose depends on how much time you have, whether your license has expired, and what type of license you hold. Online renewal is the fastest route — you can complete it in minutes from home — but not everyone qualifies. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an OMV office is when ready but requires a trip and a wait.
Your license expires on your birthday, five years after issue for a standard driver's license. Louisiana sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to arrive to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website works only if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL-44, and the renewal fee to the OMV; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and produces your new license on the spot, but you must bring your current license and proof of residency.
- The renewal fee is $60 for a five-year license; you pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
- If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal; expired licenses older than two years may require a full reapplication instead of renewal.
Online Renewal: Requirements and How to Do It
Online renewal is available through the Louisiana OMV website at omv.louisiana.gov. You can renew online only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, your Social Security number is on file with the OMV, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and your address on file is current. If you have changed your address, added restrictions, or had a medical hold placed on your license, you must renew in person or by mail instead.
To renew online, log into your account on the OMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. Review your personal information and address. If anything is incorrect, stop and renew by mail or in person instead — you cannot correct address or personal details online. Pay the $60 renewal fee by credit card. You will receive a confirmation number and a temporary driving permit that you can print. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not work if your license has expired, even by one day. If your license expired within the past two years, you can still renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, the OMV may require you to explore for a new license rather than renew — contact your local OMV office to confirm before you attempt renewal.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step Process
Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired (as long as it expired within the past two years). You will need your current license, a completed renewal form, and the $60 fee. read Form DL-44 from the OMV website or request it by phone at 225-925-6146. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number, current address, and signature. Do not leave any fields blank.
Place your current license, the completed Form DL-44, and a check or money order for $60 (made payable to the State of Louisiana) in an envelope. Mail it to:
Office of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 64886 Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal — go in person instead. Keep a record of when you mailed your renewal in case you need to follow up. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, call the OMV at 225-925-6146 to check the status.
In-Person Renewal at an OMV Office
In-person renewal is the fastest method and produces your new license when ready. You can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of the new address.
Visit any Office of Motor Vehicles location in Louisiana. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the OMV website. Arrive early or during off-peak hours (mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually less crowded than late afternoon or Friday). Take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Pay the $60 renewal fee by cash, check, or debit card at the window.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all purposes.
What to Do If Your License Has Expired More Than Two Years Ago
If your license expired more than two years ago, Louisiana may not allow you to renew it. Instead, you may have to explore for a new license, which requires a written test, vision test, and new photograph. Contact your local OMV office or call 225-925-6146 to confirm whether you can renew or must reapply. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.
If you must reapply, you will need to visit an OMV office in person. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of residency. The reapplication fee is $60, and the process takes about an hour. You will take a written test on Louisiana traffic laws and a vision test. If you pass, you will receive a temporary license and your permanent license will arrive by mail.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Timing
The renewal fee for a standard five-year Louisiana driver's license is $60. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts credit cards only; mail renewal accepts checks or money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or debit card. Some OMV offices also accept credit cards in person, but call ahead to confirm.
Timing depends on your method. Online renewal is complete in minutes, and your temporary permit is valid when ready; your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date received. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with a temporary paper license and your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you are in a hurry, in-person renewal is your only option for same-day proof of a valid license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not attempt online renewal if your address has changed. The online system will not let you update your address, and submitting an process with an old address can delay processing or cause your new license to be mailed to the wrong place. If you have moved, renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your new address.
Do not mail your original license without making a copy first. If your envelope is lost in the mail, you will not have proof of your identity while waiting for a replacement. Keep a photocopy or take a photo of both sides of your license before you mail it. Do not send cash by mail — use a check or money order instead.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year early, and doing so avoids the risk of driving on an expired license. If you are close to expiration and unsure which method to use, choose in-person renewal to may provide you have a valid license when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana license if I live out of state?
Yes. Mail renewal is your best option. Send your current license, completed Form DL-44, and a check or money order for $60 to the OMV address in Baton Rouge. You do not need to visit an office in Louisiana. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
What if my name has changed since my last license was issued?
You must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal will not work because your name on file will not match your current legal name. Bring the name-change document to an OMV office or include a copy with your mail renewal.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if you have a medical suspension or restriction. You must visit an OMV office in person. The office will review your medical status and may require you to submit a medical evaluation form from your doctor before your license can be renewed. Call 225-925-6146 to ask what documentation you need to bring.
What happens if I drive on an expired license?
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Louisiana and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license expired within the past two years, you can still renew it by mail or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, contact an OMV office when ready to find out whether you can renew or must reapply.
How do I check the status of my mailed renewal?
Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 with your driver's license number and date of birth. They can tell you whether your renewal was received and when your new license is expected to arrive. If more than four weeks have passed since you mailed your renewal, ask them to investigate whether your envelope was lost.