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 fastest — you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at an OMV office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you'll wait in line.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your name or address, and how long your current license has been expired. Louisiana allows online renewal only if your license expired within the last three years and you haven't had a suspension or revocation. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license.
- You can only renew online if your license expired within the last three years and you have no active suspension or revocation on your record.
- Mail renewal is available only if you meet the same conditions as online renewal and requires sending your current license and a check to the OMV office.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office requires a valid form of identification, proof of Louisiana residency, and your Social Security number.
- If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website
Go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current 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're may be able to access to renew online — if you have an active suspension or revocation, the system will reject your request and direct you to renew in person instead.
Once approved, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Louisiana charges $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you've moved, update your address before you start the renewal process, or your license will arrive at your old address.
Online renewal does not allow you to change your name, add a REAL ID endorsement, or update your photograph. If you need any of those changes, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal if you're may be able to access
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last three years and you have no active suspension or revocation. Print the mail renewal form from the Louisiana OMV website, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before you need your new license, because processing takes 10 to 14 business days after the OMV office receives your envelope. Include a return address on your envelope so the OMV can send your new license back to you. If your address has changed, write your new address clearly on the form.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Visit any Louisiana OMV office with a valid form of identification, proof of Louisiana residency, and your Social Security number. Bring your current license if you still have it. You'll fill out an process form, pay the renewal fee, and have your photograph taken. Your new license will be printed on the spot, though you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.
Proof of Louisiana residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name and address must match what you're providing on the process. If you've recently moved and your utility bill hasn't arrived yet, bring a lease or mortgage document instead.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person and will be required to retake the written test and vision test. Bring your current license or a state ID card to prove your identity. If you don't have either, bring a passport, military ID, or birth certificate.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if you have an active suspension or revocation. You must visit an OMV office in person. Before you renew, you'll need to resolve the reason for the suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI-related hold.
Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at 225-925-6146 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once you pay outstanding fines or court costs. Others require a letter from the court or the agency that imposed the suspension. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any OMV office.
Renewing with a name change
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Louisiana residency.
The OMV will issue a new license with your updated name. You'll have your photograph taken and pay the renewal fee. The new license will be printed before you leave the office.
Adding REAL ID when you renew
A REAL ID is a federal security standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Louisiana offers REAL ID licenses at no extra cost. If you want to add the REAL ID endorsement when you renew, you must renew in person.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and a document that proves your identity and date of birth (passport, military ID, or birth certificate). The OMV will verify your information, take your photograph, and issue a REAL ID license on the spot.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will not have the REAL ID endorsement. You can add it later by visiting an OMV office in person and bringing the same documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my Louisiana license last?
Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. The four-year license costs $27.50 and the eight-year license costs $55. You can choose either option when you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. Visit an OMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. The OMV will issue a replacement license on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee, which varies by office.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements — your license expired within the last three years and you have no active suspension. If you need to renew in person, you'll have to visit a Louisiana OMV office. Some military members stationed overseas may be able to renew by mail; contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 to ask.
What if my license expired more than three years ago?
You must renew in person at an OMV office. You'll be required to retake the written test and vision test. Bring your current license if you have it, or another form of valid identification such as a passport or military ID.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Louisiana OMV offices do not require appointments for license renewal. Walk in during business hours and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings.