How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Louisiana driver's license renewal in person or by mail

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license either in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the OMV receives your process, plus mailing time both ways — so plan for two to three weeks total.

You are may be able to access to renew by mail only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If either of those applies to you, you must go in person. You also cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year.

In-person renewal is required if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove the REAL ID star, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your photo or if your current license is damaged or lost.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal works only if your license is valid, your address has not changed, and you have not been suspended — otherwise you must visit an OMV office in person.
You need your current Louisiana driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a completed process form.
The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license; mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail and must take a written test and vision test in person.
REAL ID renewal requires proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number in addition to the standard documents.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Louisiana driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address. A cell phone bill does not count.

You will also need to complete the process for Louisiana Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 44), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the OMV office. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return.

If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license (one with a gold star in the upper right corner), bring proof of citizenship as well. Acceptable documents include your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship if you are renewing a standard (non-REAL ID) license.

What documents you need for mail renewal

Mail renewal requires fewer documents because you are not changing your address or photo. Send your current Louisiana driver's license, a completed process for Louisiana Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 44), and a check or money order for $35 (four-year license) or $65 (eight-year license) made payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Do not send cash. Include a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Mail your packet to the address listed on the OMV website for your region — Louisiana has multiple regional OMV offices, and you should send your renewal to the office that serves your area.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your new license mailed back to you. Without it, you will have to pick up your license at the OMV office, which defeats the purpose of mail renewal. The OMV will not call you to pick it up; you have to check the status online or call to confirm it is ready.

Finding an OMV office and making an appointment

Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes (counties). You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Call ahead or check the website to see whether your local office takes appointments or walk-ins.

If your office requires an appointment, you can book one online through the OMV website or by phone. Appointments fill up quickly in urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, so book as soon as your renewal window opens. Your renewal window typically opens 180 days before your license expires.

Bring all required documents and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, your current license, and proof of residency. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, also bring proof of citizenship. You will take a new photo and a vision test at the office.

When your license expires and renewal windows

Your Louisiana driver's license expires on your birthday. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew starting 180 days before that date — so if your birthday is in June, you can renew starting in December of the previous year.

If you do not renew by your expiration date, your license becomes invalid and you cannot legally drive. You can still renew for up to one year after expiration without taking a written test, but you must do so in person and you cannot renew by mail. After one year past expiration, you must take a full written test and vision test as if you were a new driver.

Louisiana licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which you choose at renewal. The four-year license costs $35 and the eight-year license costs $65. There is no age restriction on the eight-year option.

REAL ID renewal and the gold star

A REAL ID-compliant Louisiana driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner. This license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your current license has the gold star and you want to keep it, you must bring proof of citizenship when you renew.

Acceptable proof of citizenship includes your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. If you do not bring citizenship documents, the OMV will issue you a standard (non-REAL ID) license instead, and you will not be able to use it for federal purposes.

If your current license does not have the gold star and you want to add it during renewal, you must bring proof of citizenship and proof of Social Security number. The cost is the same as a standard renewal. You can only add REAL ID status in person — you cannot do it by mail.

Suspension, revocation, and reinstatement before renewal

If your Louisiana driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first clear the suspension or revocation by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the OMV. Check your suspension status on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website or by calling your local OMV office.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, or a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). Each has different reinstatement requirements. For example, a DUI suspension requires completion of a substance abuse program and payment of a reinstatement fee before you can renew.

Once you have met all reinstatement requirements, you can renew your license in person at an OMV office. Bring proof that you have completed the required steps — such as a receipt showing payment of fines or a certificate of course completion. The OMV will verify your reinstatement status before issuing your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Louisiana does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person only. You can check your license status and find your nearest OMV office on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website, but you cannot complete the renewal itself online.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

You must replace it in person at an OMV office. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, proof of residency, and a completed process for Louisiana Driver's License or Permit. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $15 in addition to the renewal fee) and receive a new license with a new number.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

The OMV processes mail renewals in 7 to 10 business days after receiving your packet. Add mailing time in both directions — typically 3 to 5 days each way. Plan for two to three weeks total. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.

Do I need a new photo if I renew in person?

Yes. The OMV takes a new photo every time you renew in person. If you renew by mail, your photo stays the same. If you want to change your photo but are otherwise may be able to access for mail renewal, you must go in person instead.

What if my name changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed. Bring the name-change document along with your other required documents.

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.