The fastest way to check your suspension status
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) lets you check your license status online through their website without calling or visiting in person. Go to omv.louisiana.gov, find the "Check License Status" tool, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the OMV at 225-925-6146 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your license number ready. The phone line can be busy, especially early in the week, so the online tool is usually faster.
You can also visit an OMV office in person. Louisiana has multiple locations across the state. Bring your driver's license or state ID so staff can pull up your record on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- The OMV website at omv.louisiana.gov has a free online tool that shows your license status in seconds using your license number and birth date.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive, but your license can be reinstated once you meet the requirements that caused the suspension.
- Common reasons for suspension in Louisiana include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, unpaid court costs, and driving with a suspended license.
- Once you know why your license is suspended, contact the agency responsible — the court, the Department of Revenue, or the OMV — to find out what steps you need to take to get it back.
Why your Louisiana license might be suspended
Louisiana suspends licenses for many reasons, and the cause matters because it determines how you get your license back. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or missed a court date, the court can request a suspension.
The Department of Revenue can suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid taxes. If you were caught driving with a suspended license, the OMV will add another suspension on top of the first one. Some suspensions also come from failing to maintain car insurance or from DUI-related convictions.
Each reason has its own reinstatement process. That is why checking the status is only the first step — you also need to find out the specific cause so you know what to do next.
What the OMV status check will tell you
When you use the online tool or call the OMV, you will learn whether your license is currently suspended, revoked, or valid. A suspension is temporary — once you fix the problem, you can get your license back. A revocation is more serious and usually permanent, though you may be able to request a hearing to challenge it.
The status check may also show you a suspension code or a brief reason. Common codes include "FTA" (failure to appear in court), "FTP" (failure to pay), or "DUI." If the reason is not clear from the code alone, you will need to contact the agency that requested the suspension — usually the court or the Department of Revenue — to get the full details.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Once you know your license is suspended, the next step is finding out which agency suspended it. If the OMV status check does not give you a clear reason, start by calling the court in the parish where you received a ticket or had a court case. Ask if there are any outstanding fines or warrants in your name.
If the suspension is related to child support or taxes, contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue at 225-219-0000. They can tell you the exact amount owed and what payment options are available. If you believe the suspension is a mistake, ask about the process to dispute it — each agency has its own appeal procedure.
Write down the name of the agency, the reason for suspension, and any case or reference number they give you. You will need this information to complete reinstatement.
Steps to reinstate your suspended license
Reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court, plus any reinstatement fees the OMV charges (which vary by suspension type). Once the court confirms payment, they notify the OMV, and your suspension is lifted.
If the suspension is due to child support or tax debt, you must work with the Department of Revenue. You may be able to set up a payment plan instead of paying the full amount at once. Once you make the first payment or reach an agreement, the Department of Revenue will request that the OMV lift the suspension.
After the suspending agency notifies the OMV that the problem is resolved, your license status will update in the system. This can take a few business days. You do not need to visit the OMV office unless your license was also suspended for driving with a suspended license, in which case you may need to complete a reinstatement form in person.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Louisiana is a crime, and the penalties increase with each offense. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $300 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense can mean up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
Beyond the legal consequences, driving while suspended also extends your suspension. The OMV will add an additional suspension period on top of the original one. This means if you were already working to reinstate your license, a single traffic stop can set you back months.
If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, look into whether you are may be able to access for a hardship license. Some suspensions allow you to request a limited license for work or medical purposes. Contact the OMV to ask whether this option is available for your situation.
Requesting a hardship license while suspended
A hardship license (also called a restricted license) lets you drive for specific purposes — usually work, school, or medical treatment — while your suspension is in effect. Not all suspension types may have access to for a hardship license. Suspensions related to DUI convictions, for example, typically do not allow one.
To request a hardship license, contact the OMV office in your parish. You will need to show proof of the hardship (such as a letter from your employer or a medical appointment card) and pay a fee. The OMV will review your request and let you know whether you may have access to. If approved, you will receive a restricted license that is valid only for the purposes listed on it.
A hardship license is not the same as reinstatement. Your full license remains suspended until you complete the reinstatement process. But it can help you keep working or handle essential errands while you work toward getting your full license back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn about my license is suspended?
The online status check is when ready. If you call the OMV, you may wait on hold, but you will get an answer the same day. If you visit an office in person, staff can check your status while you wait.
Can I drive to the OMV office to check my status if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even to conduct official business. Use the online tool, call the OMV, or ask someone else to drive you to the office.
What if the OMV website says my license is valid but I was told it was suspended?
The status may not have updated yet if the suspension was very recent. Wait a day or two and check again. If it still shows valid and you have a suspension notice, call the OMV directly to confirm. There may be a delay in the system.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I pay the fine?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from the original fine or debt. The fee amount depends on the type of suspension and ranges from about $50 to $200. The court or agency that suspended your license can tell you the exact amount.
Can I contest a suspension if I think it's wrong?
Yes. Contact the agency that requested the suspension and ask about their appeal or dispute process. If it was a court suspension, ask the court clerk how to file a motion to reconsider. If it was the Department of Revenue, ask about their administrative review process. You may need to provide documentation to support your case.