What you need to get a Louisiana driver's license

Louisiana issues driver's licenses through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which operates as part of the Department of Public Safety. To get a standard driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Louisiana residency.

The state does not issue a separate "Real ID" compliant license — all Louisiana driver's licenses issued after May 2017 meet Real ID standards automatically. This means your Louisiana license will work for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings without additional documents, as long as you provided the required identity verification when you applied.

If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test. Louisiana's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program places restrictions on new young drivers for the first 12 months, including limits on passengers and nighttime driving.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass both a written test and a driving test at an OMV office, and you cannot skip either one regardless of prior driving experience.
  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or number, and two documents proving your Louisiana address — a utility bill or lease works for the second one.
  • Louisiana driver's licenses are Real ID compliant by default, so you do not need to explore for a separate document to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete an approved driver education course before the OMV will let you take the driving test.
  • The fee is $28 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you explore.

Documents you must bring to the OMV office

Bring your original birth certificate or passport — a photocopy will not work. You also need proof of your Social Security number: either your Social Security card itself or a document that displays your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return.

For proof of Louisiana residency, bring two documents with your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. One document must show your full name and address; the second can be in your name or a household member's name as long as it shows your shared address.

If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are explore for the first time or your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to take both the written and driving tests again.

The written test and what it covers

The written knowledge test has 40 questions and covers Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and parking rules. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

You can study using the Louisiana Driver's Guide, which the OMV publishes free on its website. The guide covers everything on the test. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test, though the time you need depends on your familiarity with Louisiana roads and laws.

You take the written test at an OMV office on the same day as your appointment. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

The driving test and scheduling

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the OMV office. An examiner sits in your vehicle while you demonstrate basic skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

You schedule both tests at the same OMV office appointment. If you pass the written test, you take the driving test when ready after. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it at a later appointment — there is no same-day retry for the driving test.

Wait times at OMV offices vary by location and time of day. Walk-in appointments are available, but you may wait several hours. Scheduling online through the OMV website or calling ahead can reduce your wait time.

Graduated Driver's License rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, Louisiana's GDL program restricts your driving for the first 12 months after you receive your license. During this period, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 19 years old in the vehicle (unless the passenger is a family member).

These restrictions lift automatically after 12 months of holding your license without a traffic violation or suspension. If you receive a traffic ticket or your license is suspended during the 12-month period, the restrictions continue until 12 months have passed without a violation.

You must also wear a seatbelt at all times, and your vehicle must have working headlights and taillights. Violations of GDL rules can result in fines and license suspension.

License renewal and expiration

Louisiana driver's licenses expire four or eight years from the date of issue, depending on which term you chose when you applied. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew by mail or online without retaking the tests.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must return to an OMV office, retake both the written and driving tests, and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant. This rule applies even if you have been driving legally in another state.

You can renew online at the OMV website if your license is not suspended, you have no outstanding violations, and you are not changing your address or name. Online renewal costs $28 and takes about 10 business days.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

Louisiana suspends or revokes licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failing to maintain car insurance. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Louisiana and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you receive a notice of suspension, contact the OMV or the court that issued it to understand the reason and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.

Restoration usually requires paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance. The OMV website lists the specific requirements based on the reason for suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Louisiana driver's license to fly domestically without a passport?

Yes. All Louisiana driver's licenses issued after May 2017 meet Real ID standards, so you can use your license alone to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. You do not need a passport or a separate Real ID document.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment at any OMV office. There is no waiting period, but you may have to wait days or weeks for the next available appointment depending on office demand. You do not retake the written test unless your license has expired.

Can I get a Louisiana license if I have a suspended license from another state?

No. Louisiana will not issue a license if you have an active suspension or revocation in any state. You must clear the suspension in the other state first, then explore in Louisiana.

How much does a Louisiana driver's license cost?

A four-year license costs $28, and an eight-year license costs $48. You choose the term when you explore. Renewal by mail or online costs $28 regardless of the term you choose.

Do I need to take the driving test again if I move to Louisiana from another state?

If your out-of-state license is still valid, you can exchange it for a Louisiana license without retaking the tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your birth certificate or passport to an OMV office. If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake both tests.