Getting Your Louisiana License Back After a Suspension

How to restore your suspended license in Louisiana

A suspended license in Louisiana means the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, but you can get it back by meeting specific requirements. The steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a medical condition. Once you address the underlying reason, you file a reinstatement request with the OMV, pay a reinstatement fee, and your driving privilege is restored.

The process typically takes one to three weeks after the OMV receives your completed paperwork, though some cases move faster if you handle everything in person at an OMV office. You cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted, even if you believe the suspension was a mistake — driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties including fines and possible jail time.

Key Takeaways

You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — paying outstanding fines, appearing in court, settling child support arrears, or providing medical clearance — before the OMV will lift it.
The reinstatement fee in Louisiana is $100 for most suspensions, though some suspensions may have additional fees depending on the cause.
You can request reinstatement by mail, online through the OMV website, or in person at a local OMV office; in-person requests usually process faster.
Once your suspension is lifted, you will receive written confirmation from the OMV, and you can legally drive again when ready.
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Louisiana and can result in fines, jail time, and an additional suspension.

Identify why your license was suspended

Louisiana suspends licenses for several different reasons, and the reinstatement process depends on which one applies to you. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court date, unpaid child support, failure to pay court-ordered restitution, and medical conditions that make driving unsafe. You may also have a suspension if you were convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or if your insurance lapsed while you were driving.

You can find out the specific reason for your suspension by contacting the OMV directly. Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 or visit an OMV office in person with your driver's license or state ID. The OMV representative will tell you exactly what you need to do to lift the suspension. Write down the reason and any case or ticket numbers they give you — you will need this information when you request reinstatement.

Resolve the underlying cause before requesting reinstatement

You cannot restore your license until you have addressed whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If the suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the fine or the traffic ticket number on your citation to find out the exact amount due and where to send payment. Some courts accept payment by phone, mail, or online; others require you to appear in person.

If your suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must appear before the judge, either in person or through your attorney, to resolve the case. Contact the court listed on your ticket or citation to reschedule your appearance. If the suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Office of Family Support (OFS) at 1-888-230-1880 to arrange payment or a payment plan. For medical suspensions, you will need to obtain a medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to the OMV showing that you are safe to drive again.

Gather required documents and pay the reinstatement fee

Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, gather proof that you have done so. This might be a receipt showing payment of fines, a court order showing you appeared and resolved the case, a letter from the OFS confirming child support is current, or a medical clearance form from your doctor. You will also need your valid state ID or driver's license (even though it is suspended, you still need it for identification) and your Social Security number.

The reinstatement fee in Louisiana is $100 for most suspensions. Some suspensions may have additional fees — for example, a DUI-related suspension may include an additional substance abuse program fee. When you submit your reinstatement request, you will be told the exact amount due. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on which method you use to request reinstatement.

Submit your reinstatement request to the OMV

You have three ways to request reinstatement: by mail, online, or in person at an OMV office. The fastest method is usually in person, because an OMV representative can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing. If you go in person, bring your state ID, proof that you resolved the suspension cause, and payment for the $100 reinstatement fee. The OMV office will process your request on the spot, and you should receive written confirmation within a few days.

To request reinstatement by mail, send a letter to the Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, proof that you resolved the cause, and a check or money order for $100 made payable to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Mail requests typically take one to three weeks to process.

You can also request reinstatement online through the OMV website at omv.louisiana.gov. The online system allows you to upload documents, pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card, and track the status of your request. Online requests usually process within one to two weeks.

Understand what happens after reinstatement

Once the OMV approves your reinstatement request, you will receive a written notice in the mail confirming that your suspension has been lifted. This notice is your proof that you can legally drive again. Keep it with you until you receive your new physical driver's license in the mail, which typically arrives within two weeks of reinstatement. You can drive legally as soon as you receive the written notice, even if your new license has not yet arrived.

If you were suspended for a DUI or other serious offense, your reinstatement may come with conditions — such as a requirement to use an ignition interlock device, complete a substance abuse program, or carry proof of insurance at all times. The OMV will explain any conditions in the reinstatement notice. Failing to meet these conditions can result in another suspension.

What to do if your reinstatement request is denied

The OMV may deny your reinstatement request if you did not fully resolve the underlying cause, if you did not provide required documentation, or if there is an error in your paperwork. If your request is denied, the OMV will send you a written explanation of why. Read it carefully and contact the OMV to find out what additional steps you need to take.

If you believe the denial was a mistake, you have the right to request a hearing before the OMV. Contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 to ask how to request a hearing. You can also consult with a traffic attorney who can review your case and represent you at the hearing if needed. Some attorneys offer free initial consultations for license suspension cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I get a hardship permit?

Louisiana does not issue hardship or work permits for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for a medical reason, you may be able to request a limited license that allows you to drive to medical appointments or work. Contact the OMV to ask whether a limited license is available for your specific suspension.

How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the reinstatement fee?

If you request reinstatement in person at an OMV office, you can receive written confirmation the same day. By mail, reinstatement typically takes one to three weeks. Online requests usually process within one to two weeks. You can legally drive as soon as you receive written confirmation from the OMV.

What happens if I drive on a suspended license?

Driving on a suspended license in Louisiana is a criminal offense. You can be arrested, fined up to $1,000, and sentenced to up to six months in jail. Your license will be suspended for an additional period, and you may face higher insurance rates or be unable to get insurance at all.

Do I need a lawyer to get my license reinstated?

You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatement requests — the process is straightforward if you have resolved the underlying cause. However, if your suspension was for a DUI, if your reinstatement request was denied, or if you need to request a hearing, an attorney can help you understand your options and represent you.

Will my insurance rates go up after my license is reinstated?

Your insurance rates may increase depending on why your license was suspended. A DUI suspension will likely raise your rates significantly. Contact your insurance company to ask how your specific suspension will affect your premium once your license is reinstated.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.