What to do if your Louisiana driver's license goes missing

If your Louisiana driver's license is lost, you will need to request a replacement from the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The state does not mail you a new license automatically — you have to report it and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can walk into an OMV office and get a temporary license the same day while you wait for the permanent one.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. A replacement license is a straightforward transaction: you prove who you are, pay the fee, and the OMV issues a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Louisiana driver's license by visiting an OMV office in person or by mail, but you cannot do it online.
  • Bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of your Social Security number to any OMV office.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary license when ready if you explore in person.
  • If you explore by mail, send your documents and payment to the OMV address listed on their website, and your new license will arrive in two to three weeks.
  • You do not need to take any tests or provide proof that your license was lost — the OMV will deactivate your old license once you request a replacement.

Visiting an OMV office in person

The fastest way to replace a lost license is to walk into any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location. Bring a valid form of identification (your passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID) and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form). You will also need to bring payment — the replacement fee is $32 for a standard five-year license.

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you lost your license and need a replacement. They will verify your identity, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive with it when ready. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

To find the OMV office nearest you, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and use their office locator tool. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some offices are busier than others; arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit an OMV office, you can request a replacement by mail. You will need to send a completed process form (Form DPSMV 101, available on the OMV website), a copy of a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for $32 made out to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the OMV website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the OMV receives your documents. You will not receive a temporary license this way — you will have to wait for the permanent one to arrive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you may want to visit an office in person instead.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your replacement does not arrive within four weeks, contact the OMV to check the status of your request.

What identification documents the OMV will accept

Louisiana accepts several forms of identification to verify your identity when you replace a lost license. Your passport is the strongest option. A birth certificate (original or certified copy) also works. A state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID are all acceptable. You cannot use a credit card, Social Security card alone, or an expired license as your primary form of identification.

You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number. The OMV accepts your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, call the OMV before you visit to ask what other documents they will accept in your situation.

Your temporary license and how long it lasts

If you explore in person at an OMV office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent license — police will recognize it, and you can use it to drive, rent a car, or board a domestic flight. Write down the temporary license number in case you need it before your permanent license arrives.

Your permanent replacement license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. Once it arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed. If your permanent license does not show up within four weeks, contact the OMV to report the delay.

Replacing your license if it was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same — you do not need a police report. However, if your wallet or purse was stolen and contained other documents (credit cards, Social Security card, checks), you may want to file a police report for your records and to protect yourself against identity theft. A police report is not required by the OMV, but it can be useful if fraudulent activity occurs later.

When you request your replacement license, the OMV will deactivate your old license in their system. This prevents anyone who finds it or stole it from using it. You do not need to notify the OMV separately that it was stolen — straightforward requesting a replacement accomplishes this.

Fees and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Louisiana driver's license is $32. This covers a five-year license. If you are explore in person, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card at most OMV offices — call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts. If you are explore by mail, send a check or money order made out to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

There are no additional fees for a replacement license. You will not be charged extra because your license was lost, and you will not have to pay for a new photo or any other service. The $32 fee covers everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No. You only need to contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to request a replacement. A police report is not required unless your wallet or purse was stolen and you want documentation for identity theft protection purposes.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Yes, if you visit an OMV office in person. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you explore by mail, you will have to wait for the permanent license to arrive.

What if I lost my license and do not have a passport or birth certificate?

Call the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles before you visit to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Military ID, tribal ID, or a state ID card may work. The OMV staff can tell you what options are available in your situation.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same license number and the same expiration date as your original license. You do not lose your place in the renewal cycle because your license was lost.

How do I know if my replacement license arrived?

Check your mail regularly. If your replacement does not arrive within four weeks of explore, contact the OMV to check the status. Have your temporary license number or Social Security number ready when you call.