What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back

To reinstate a suspended Louisiana driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) will not reinstate your license until you have satisfied every condition tied to that suspension. The process is not automatic — you must take action, and different suspension types have different requirements.

The most common reason for suspension in Louisiana is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. Other frequent causes include failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record. Each has its own reinstatement path, and you cannot move forward until you know which one applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or the agency that suspended your license to learn the exact reason and what you must do to clear it.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support before the OMV will process a reinstatement.
  • DUI suspensions have mandatory waiting periods and may require an Ignition Interlock Device before you can drive again.
  • Once you have satisfied all conditions, you must submit a reinstatement request to the OMV, either in person, by mail, or online through their portal.
  • Reinstatement fees explore in addition to any fines or costs you already owe, and the fee amount depends on the suspension reason.

Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. The OMV should have sent you a notice in the mail explaining the reason and what you must do. If you did not receive a notice or cannot find it, contact the OMV directly at 225-925-6146 or visit their website at omv.louisiana.gov. Have your driver's license number ready.

If your suspension is related to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, the notice will name the court or municipality involved. If it is related to child support, the Louisiana Department of Social Services will have suspended it on behalf of the court. If it is a DUI suspension, the notice will specify how long the suspension lasts and what conditions must be met. Write down the exact reason, the date the suspension began, and any important date or requirements listed in the notice.

Pay Outstanding Fines, Court Costs, or Child Support

If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court or municipality listed in your suspension notice and ask for the total amount due. Many courts in Louisiana accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Some will set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once, though the OMV will not reinstate your license until the entire balance is cleared.

If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Louisiana Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support, at 1-888-LAHELPS (1-888-524-3577). They will tell you the amount owed and accept payment. Once you have paid in full or set up a court-approved payment plan, they will notify the OMV that the suspension can be lifted. This process can take several business days.

Keep a record of any payment you make — a receipt, confirmation number, or bank statement. You will need proof that you paid when you request reinstatement.

Handle a DUI Suspension

A DUI suspension in Louisiana has a mandatory waiting period that begins on the date of your arrest or the date the suspension took effect. You cannot drive during this period, even if you pay all fines and complete other requirements. The length of the waiting period depends on whether this is your first DUI offense and whether your blood alcohol content (BAC) was above a certain threshold.

For a first DUI offense with a BAC below 0.15, the mandatory suspension is 90 days. For a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or if you refused a breath test, the suspension is one year. If this is your second DUI within ten years, the suspension is one year. If this is your third or subsequent DUI within ten years, the suspension is two years. These waiting periods run from the date the suspension began, not from the date you were arrested.

Once the waiting period has passed, you must also install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicle you own or regularly drive. The IID prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must have the device installed before you can request reinstatement, and you must keep it installed for a court-ordered period — typically six months to three years depending on the offense. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility, usually between $60 and $150 per month.

Submit Your Reinstatement Request

Once you have satisfied all conditions for your suspension type, you can request reinstatement from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You have three options: explore online through the OMV portal at omv.louisiana.gov, mail a written request with supporting documents, or visit an OMV office in person.

If you explore online, you will need to create an account and upload proof that you have met all requirements — such as a receipt showing payment of fines, a letter from the court or child support office confirming payment, or proof of IID installation. The OMV will review your request and notify you by email or mail within 5 to 10 business days.

If you mail your request, send it to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. Attach copies of all proof that you have met the reinstatement requirements. Mail takes longer than online or in-person — allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing.

If you visit an OMV office in person, bring your original driver's license (if you still have it), proof of identity, and all documents showing you have satisfied the suspension requirements. The OMV office can often process your request on the same day, though you may have to wait several hours. Find the office nearest you at omv.louisiana.gov under "Office Locations."

Pay the Reinstatement Fee

In addition to any fines or costs you already owe, the OMV charges a reinstatement fee. The amount depends on the reason for your suspension. For suspensions due to unpaid fines or court costs, the reinstatement fee is $150. For DUI suspensions, the fee is $250. For suspensions due to child support, the fee is $150. For suspensions due to accumulation of points or failure to appear in court, the fee is $150.

You must pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request. If you explore online, you can pay by credit or debit card. If you mail your request, include a check or money order payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. If you explore in person, the OMV office accepts cash, check, or card.

What Happens After You Request Reinstatement

After the OMV receives your reinstatement request and fee, they will review your file to confirm that all suspension conditions have been met. This review typically takes 5 to 10 business days if you applied online or in person, and 2 to 3 weeks if you mailed your request. The OMV will send you a letter or email confirming that your license has been reinstated, or they will explain what additional steps you must take if something is missing.

Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive again. If you applied in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit on the same day. If you applied by mail or online, your reinstated license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, contact the OMV to request a temporary permit.

If your reinstatement request is denied, the OMV will explain why in writing. Common reasons include incomplete payment, missing documents, or failure to meet a requirement specific to your suspension type. You can resubmit your request once you have corrected the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a medical emergency?

No. A suspended license means you are not legally permitted to drive under any circumstances in Louisiana. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 for an ambulance instead.

How long does reinstatement usually take?

Online or in-person reinstatement typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date you submit your request. Mail-in requests take 2 to 3 weeks. If the OMV finds that you have not met all requirements, the process will take longer because you must correct the problem and resubmit.

What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?

Contact the court or agency that imposed the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installments. However, the OMV will not reinstate your license until the full amount is paid, even if you are on a payment plan. Once the final payment is made, you can request reinstatement when ready.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement is an administrative process that you can handle yourself by following the steps above. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you believe the suspension was issued in error, you may want to consult a lawyer about your options.

What if my license was suspended in another state but I now live in Louisiana?

Louisiana recognizes suspensions from other states through the Driver License Compact, an agreement between most U.S. states. You must resolve the suspension in the state where it was issued before Louisiana will reinstate your license. Contact the DMV or motor vehicle office in that state to learn what you must do.