The basic path to a Louisiana driver's license
To get a Louisiana driver's license, you need to pass a written test and a driving test, then submit your documents in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The whole process takes two visits — one to take the tests, one to pick up your license — and usually takes two to four weeks from start to finish.
Louisiana does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at an OMV location with your documents, pass both tests on the same day or within a certain window, and then return to collect your physical license card once it arrives from the state.
The cost is $32.50 for a four-year license if you are 18 or older, or $20 for a two-year license if you are under 18. You pay this fee when you submit your documents, not when you take the tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person to take both a written test and a driving test before you can get a license.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States — all originals or certified copies.
- You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must pass it before you can schedule the driving test.
- After you pass both tests and submit your documents, your physical license arrives by mail in two to four weeks.
- Louisiana charges $32.50 for a four-year license for adults, paid when you submit your documents at the OMV.
Documents you need to bring to the OMV
Bring originals or certified copies of everything on this list. The OMV will not accept photocopies or photos of documents.
| Document Type | What Counts |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid U.S. passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or state ID from another state |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days, with your name and Louisiana address |
| Proof of Lawful Presence | U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa |
| Social Security Number | Your SSN itself (you do not need a card), or a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return showing it |
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the process form in front of an OMV employee.
Taking the written test at the OMV
The written test covers Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
You do not need to study a specific book — Louisiana publishes a free Driver's Guide on the OMV website that covers everything on the test. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any OMV office. Most people spend a few hours reviewing it before taking the test.
You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee for retakes. Once you pass, you move on to scheduling the driving test.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, the OMV will help you schedule a driving test appointment. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy parishes, so you may wait one to three weeks for an available slot.
For the driving test, bring a vehicle that is registered and insured in Louisiana. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection — working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering. If the vehicle does not pass, you cannot take the test that day.
The test itself lasts about 20 minutes. An examiner rides with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You need to demonstrate safe driving throughout. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you may have to wait another week or two for the next available appointment.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, you return to the OMV counter with your documents and pay the license fee. An OMV employee will verify your documents, take your photo, and submit your process to the state.
Your physical license card is printed and mailed to the address you provided. This usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the OMV that you can use to drive legally while you wait for the card to arrive.
Check the mail regularly. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the OMV office where you applied — they can check the status or reissue it.
Finding an OMV office near you
Louisiana has OMV offices in every parish. You can find the address, hours, and phone number of your nearest office on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. A few offices require appointments for certain services, so check your local office's policy before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written and driving tests on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the driving test for a later date. The OMV will help you schedule it after you pass the written portion, but you cannot do both in one visit.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. There is no fee for retakes, but you will have to wait for the next available appointment, which may be one to three weeks away depending on how busy your local OMV is. You do not have to retake the written test.
Do I need a Louisiana ID card before I get a driver's license?
No. A driver's license serves as your ID in Louisiana. You do not need a separate ID card unless you want one for non-driving purposes, like entering federal buildings or airports.
What if I move to a different parish after I pass the tests but before my license arrives?
Contact the OMV office where you applied and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license is sent to the right place. You do not have to retake the tests.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. Louisiana requires you to pick up your license in person at the OMV office where you applied. Bring your temporary paper license and a form of ID.