The physical card and its layout
A Louisiana driver's permit is a wallet-sized card, the same dimensions as a standard driver's license: 3.386 inches wide by 2.125 inches tall. The front of the card displays your photograph in the upper right corner, with your name, date of birth, and address printed below it. The back contains your signature, driving restrictions (if any), and a barcode that law enforcement can scan to pull up your record.
The card is printed on durable plastic and includes a security stripe and holographic elements to prevent counterfeiting. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) issues the permit, and the card will show "Learner's Permit" or "Intermediate License" depending on which type you hold.
Key Takeaways
- A Louisiana learner's permit is a plastic card the size of a standard license, with your photo, name, date of birth, and address on the front.
- The back of the card shows your signature, any driving restrictions, and a barcode that police can scan.
- The card clearly states whether you hold a learner's permit or intermediate license so officers know what rules explore to you.
- You must carry your permit with you whenever you drive, along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
- The permit expires on your birthday or at a set date assigned by the OMV, and you cannot renew it online — you must visit an OMV office in person.
Information printed on the front
The front of your Louisiana permit displays your full legal name, date of birth, and the address where you live. Your photograph occupies the upper right portion of the card and must meet specific requirements: a color photo taken within the last 30 days, showing your face straight-on against a plain background, with a neutral expression and no sunglasses or hats.
Below your photo, the card prints your driver's license number (a unique identifier assigned by the OMV), the issue date, and the expiration date. The card also displays your height, eye color, and any distinguishing marks you reported during the permit process process. In the lower left corner, you will see the Louisiana state seal and the words "Learner's Permit" or "Intermediate License" to indicate which type of permit you hold.
What appears on the back
The back of your permit contains your signature, which you provide at the OMV office when you receive the card. Below your signature, the OMV prints any restrictions that explore to your driving — for example, "corrective lenses required" if you need glasses, or "automatic transmission only" if your vehicle is an automatic. These restrictions are legally binding; driving in violation of them can result in a citation.
The back also includes a magnetic stripe and a two-dimensional barcode. When a police officer scans this barcode during a traffic stop, their equipment pulls up your driving record, permit status, and any active restrictions or violations. This barcode is the reason you cannot alter or damage your permit — doing so can make it unreadable and may result in a citation for carrying an invalid license.
Security features that prevent forgery
Louisiana permits include several anti-counterfeiting features to may support that only legitimate permits issued by the OMV are accepted. The card uses a holographic overlay that shifts color when tilted, making it difficult to reproduce with standard printing equipment. The state seal and certain text elements are printed with microprinting — tiny letters visible only under magnification — that counterfeiters cannot easily replicate.
The card also includes a security stripe embedded in the plastic itself, and the barcode on the back is encrypted so that it cannot be altered or forged without specialized equipment. These features protect both you and law enforcement by making it straightforward to verify that your permit is genuine.
Learner's permit versus intermediate license appearance
Both a Louisiana learner's permit and an intermediate license are the same size and shape, but the card clearly states which type you hold. A learner's permit will print "Learner's Permit" on the front, while an intermediate license will print "Intermediate License." This distinction is critical because the two permits carry different driving rules — a learner's permit requires a licensed adult in the vehicle, while an intermediate license does not, though it does restrict the hours you can drive at night.
Law enforcement officers rely on this printed designation to know which rules explore to you during a traffic stop. If you are stopped while driving under a learner's permit without a licensed adult present, the officer will see this on your card and can cite you for violating permit restrictions.
What you must carry with your permit
Your Louisiana driver's permit alone is not enough to drive legally. You must carry the permit itself, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are driving, and the vehicle's registration. If you are stopped by police, you must produce all three documents. Carrying only your permit without insurance or registration can result in citations even if your permit is valid.
Keep your permit in a safe place — a wallet or ID holder — where it will not be bent, cracked, or exposed to water. If your permit is damaged and the barcode becomes unreadable, you may be unable to prove your permit status during a traffic stop. If your permit is lost or stolen, you must visit an OMV office to request a replacement card.
When your permit expires and how to renew
Your Louisiana learner's permit or intermediate license expires on your birthday or on a date assigned by the OMV when you receive the card. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You cannot renew your permit online or by mail — you must visit an OMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
If your permit expires before you pass your driving test and receive your full license, you will need to renew the permit at an OMV office. The renewal process is the same as the original process: you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test, depending on how long your permit has been expired. Plan ahead so that your permit does not expire while you are still learning to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Louisiana permit to fly or enter a federal building?
No. A Louisiana driver's permit is not a Real ID-compliant document and cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. You will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or other federal ID. Once you pass your driving test and receive your full license, you can request a Real ID upgrade at the OMV office.
What happens if my permit card gets damaged or the barcode stops working?
Visit an OMV office and request a replacement card. Bring your original permit if you still have it, along with proof of identity. The replacement card will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not lose any driving privileges. The process usually takes a few days.
Do I need to carry my physical permit card, or can I show a photo on my phone?
You must carry your physical permit card. Louisiana law requires you to produce the actual card during a traffic stop. A photo of your permit on your phone is not a legal substitute and will not satisfy an officer's request to see your license.
Can I laminate my permit to protect it?
No. Laminating your permit can damage the barcode and security features, making it unreadable to police scanners. This can result in a citation for carrying an invalid license. Keep your permit in a protective sleeve or wallet instead.
What if the information printed on my permit is wrong?
Visit an OMV office with proof of the correct information — for example, a birth certificate if your date of birth is wrong, or a utility bill if your address is incorrect. The OMV will issue a corrected card at no charge. Bring your current permit and a valid form of ID.