What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License in Louisiana
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Louisiana driver's license, you must contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), pay any reinstatement fees, and resolve the reason your license was suspended or revoked in the first place. The specific steps depend on why your license was taken away — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, DUI-related suspension, failure to pay child support, or another violation. Louisiana does not allow online reinstatement for most cases, so you will need to visit an OMV office in person or work through their mail-in process for certain situations.
The reinstatement process typically takes one to three weeks once you have submitted all required documents and fees, though this varies depending on the reason for suspension and how quickly you resolve the underlying issue. You cannot legally drive until your license is fully reinstated in the OMV system.
Key Takeaways
- You must first determine why your Louisiana license was suspended or revoked by contacting the OMV or checking your suspension notice.
- Most reinstatements require an in-person visit to an OMV office, though some mail-in options exist for specific suspension types.
- You will owe reinstatement fees (typically $150 to $250 depending on suspension type) plus any fines, court costs, or other amounts tied to the original violation.
- If your suspension was related to DUI, child support, or unpaid traffic fines, you must resolve that issue before the OMV will process your reinstatement.
- Once reinstated, your driving record will show the suspension history, which may affect your insurance rates.
Determine the Reason for Your Suspension or Revocation
Your first step is to find out exactly why your license was suspended or revoked. Louisiana suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, DUI convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, accumulation of too many points, or failure to appear in court. The reason matters because it determines what you must do before reinstatement is possible.
Contact the Louisiana OMV directly at 225-925-6146 or visit an OMV office with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. You can also check your suspension status online through the OMV website, though you will need your license number and date of birth. Your original suspension notice (if you received one) will also state the reason and any conditions you must meet before reinstatement.
If your suspension is related to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to contact the court that issued the ticket or the traffic violation bureau. If it is related to child support, contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue's Office of Family Support. If it is DUI-related, there may be additional requirements such as completion of a substance abuse program or installation of an ignition interlock device.
Resolve the Underlying Issue Before explore
You cannot reinstate your license until you have resolved whatever caused the suspension. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines and court costs in full. If it was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current auto insurance coverage. If it was suspended due to child support arrears, you must bring your account current or arrange a payment plan with the Office of Family Support.
For DUI-related suspensions, Louisiana may require you to complete a DUI education program (such as the Impaired Driving Program) before reinstatement is possible. Some suspensions also require an ignition interlock device to be installed on your vehicle for a set period. Check with the OMV or the court that handled your case to confirm all requirements specific to your situation.
Keep documentation of everything you do to resolve the issue — paid receipts, proof of insurance, completion certificates, court orders, or payment plan agreements. You will need to bring these documents with you when you explore for reinstatement.
Gather Required Documents and Visit an OMV Office
Most Louisiana license reinstatements require an in-person visit to an OMV office. Bring your current photo ID (passport, state ID, or other government-issued ID), proof that you have resolved the suspension issue, and your reinstatement fee. The OMV office will verify that the underlying problem has been cleared from their system before processing your reinstatement.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines, bring receipts showing payment. If it was for failure to maintain insurance, bring a current insurance card or declaration page. If it was DUI-related, bring proof of program completion or the court order allowing reinstatement. If it was for child support, bring documentation from the Office of Family Support showing your account is current or a signed payment plan agreement.
You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee at the OMV office. Standard reinstatement fees in Louisiana range from $150 to $250 depending on the type of suspension, though some suspensions carry higher fees. The OMV office will process your reinstatement on the spot if all documents are in order, and you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you.
Mail-In Reinstatement for Certain Suspension Types
Louisiana allows mail-in reinstatement for some suspension types, though not all. If your suspension was administrative (such as failure to pay a traffic fine or failure to maintain insurance) and you have resolved the issue, you may be able to mail your documents and fee to the OMV instead of visiting in person. Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 to confirm whether your suspension type qualifies for mail-in processing.
If mail-in reinstatement is an option for you, send your completed reinstatement request form, proof of resolution, and reinstatement fee to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID number and your date of birth so the OMV can locate your record. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, and you will receive your reinstated license by mail.
Do not send cash through the mail. Pay by check or money order made out to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
DUI-Related Suspensions and Additional Requirements
If your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction, reinstatement involves more steps than a standard suspension. Louisiana requires completion of the Impaired Driving Program (a substance abuse education course) before your license can be reinstated. You must also pay the reinstatement fee and any court fines or costs associated with your DUI case.
Depending on your BAC level at the time of arrest and whether it was a first or repeat offense, Louisiana may also require installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you own or operate. The IID prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You will need to provide proof of IID installation to the OMV before reinstatement is final, and you will be responsible for the cost of installation and monthly monitoring fees.
Some DUI suspensions are mandatory (meaning they happen automatically) and cannot be shortened, while others may be reduced if you meet certain conditions early. Contact the court that handled your DUI case or the OMV to understand the specific timeline and requirements for your situation.
Timeline and What to Expect After Reinstatement
Once you have submitted all required documents and fees to the OMV, processing typically takes one to three weeks. If you visit an OMV office in person and all documents are in order, you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days on the same day. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks.
If you use the mail-in process, allow three to four weeks for the OMV to receive your documents, process your request, and mail your reinstated license. During this time, you should not drive unless you have a temporary permit from an in-person visit.
After your license is reinstated, your driving record will show the suspension history. This may affect your auto insurance rates, as insurers can see that your license was suspended. Some insurers may require you to pay higher premiums or may place you in a higher-risk category. Shop around with different insurers after reinstatement, as rates vary widely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
Only if you received a temporary driving permit from an OMV office. If you are using the mail-in process, you cannot legally drive until your reinstated license arrives. Driving with a suspended license carries criminal penalties and additional fines.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the OMV to ask about payment plan options. Some offices may allow you to pay the fee in installments, though this varies by location. You can also contact the court or agency responsible for your suspension to ask about fee waivers or reductions based on financial hardship, though these are not may provide.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to resolve the underlying issue, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit the required documents. Your original license is straightforward reactivated.
Will my insurance company know my license was suspended?
Yes. Your driving record is available to insurance companies, and it will show the suspension. You should notify your insurance company once your license is reinstated. Some insurers may drop you or increase your rates based on the suspension history.
What if my suspension was due to points, not a specific violation?
If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, you must wait out the suspension period (which varies based on your driving record) and then pay the reinstatement fee. You do not need to resolve a specific fine or violation, but you do need to wait the required time before reinstatement is possible. Contact the OMV to confirm when you become may be able to access.