Your license stops being valid when ready, and driving with a suspended license is a separate crime

When the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles suspends your license, you lose the legal right to drive. The moment the suspension takes effect — which the state will notify you about by mail — your license is no longer valid for any driving, anywhere in Louisiana. Driving during a suspension is a criminal offense that carries its own penalties: fines, jail time, and a longer suspension added on top of the original one.

The suspension is not the same as a revocation. A suspension is temporary; your license will be restored once you meet the conditions the state set. A revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license from the beginning. Most Louisiana suspensions last between 90 days and three years, depending on what caused the suspension.

You will receive written notice by mail at the address on file with the Office of Motor Vehicles. That notice tells you the reason for the suspension, the length of the suspension, and what you must do to get your license back. Keep this letter — you will need it to prove the suspension is over.

Key Takeaways

  • A suspended license means you cannot legally drive in Louisiana, and driving during suspension is a separate crime with its own fines and jail time.
  • The Office of Motor Vehicles will mail you a notice explaining why your license was suspended, how long it lasts, and what steps restore it.
  • Most suspensions last 90 days to three years and can be lifted early if you complete the required steps, such as paying fines or completing a safety course.
  • You can request a hearing within 10 days of receiving notice if you believe the suspension was made in error or if you have hardship circumstances.
  • Once your suspension ends, you must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles office in person to get your license back into active status.

How long your suspension lasts depends on the reason

Louisiana law sets different suspension lengths for different violations. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines typically lasts until you pay what you owe. A suspension for failing to pay child support can last until the court confirms the debt is paid. A suspension for a DWI conviction lasts a minimum of one year for a first offense, two years for a second offense within ten years, and three years for a third or subsequent offense within ten years.

Some suspensions can be shortened if you complete specific requirements. For example, a suspension for a minor traffic violation might be lifted early if you pay the fine and complete a defensive driving course. A suspension for a DWI might be shortened if you complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The notice you receive will tell you whether early restoration is possible and what you need to do.

If your suspension is for a medical reason — such as a doctor reporting that you are unfit to drive — the suspension stays in place until a doctor clears you and you submit that clearance to the Office of Motor Vehicles. You cannot restore your license on your own in this case.

What you cannot do while your license is suspended

You cannot legally drive any vehicle in Louisiana. This includes driving to work, driving to the store, driving for a job, or driving in an emergency. There is no exception for hardship. If you are caught driving during a suspension, you will be charged with a separate crime.

The penalties for driving with a suspended license in Louisiana are serious. For a first offense, you face a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. For a second offense within five years, the fine is $250 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. For a third or subsequent offense within five years, the fine is $500 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. Additionally, the state will add another suspension period on top of your existing one — usually 90 days to one year.

If you are pulled over and your license is suspended, the officer will likely impound your vehicle. You will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back, even if you are not convicted of the driving-while-suspended charge.

How to request a hearing if you think the suspension is wrong

You have the right to request a hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. This hearing is your chance to challenge the suspension or explain circumstances that might lead to early restoration. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one if you choose.

To request a hearing, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles in writing or by phone. The notice you received will include the phone number and mailing address. Tell them you want a hearing and explain why — for example, if you believe the fine was paid but the suspension was not lifted, or if you have a medical hardship that requires you to drive.

At the hearing, you will present your case to a hearing officer. Bring any documents that support your position: proof of payment, medical records, letters from your employer, or anything else relevant. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold the suspension, shorten it, or lift it. You will receive their decision by mail within a few weeks.

Steps to restore your license once the suspension ends

When your suspension period is over and you have completed all required steps, your license does not automatically become active again. You must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles office in person to restore it. Bring your suspended license, your suspension notice letter, and a valid form of identification such as a passport or birth certificate.

At the office, you will pay a restoration fee. In Louisiana, this fee is typically $100 to $150, though the exact amount depends on the reason for the suspension. Some suspensions have additional requirements: you may need to show proof that you completed a required course, paid a fine, or obtained medical clearance. The staff at the office will tell you what documents you need to bring.

Once you have paid the fee and submitted all required documents, your license will be restored to active status. You will receive a new physical license card in the mail within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit that is valid for 30 days.

What happens if you move out of state during a suspension

If you move to another state while your Louisiana license is suspended, the suspension follows you. Most states share suspension information through the National Driver Register, a database that tracks suspensions and revocations across all states. When you try to get a license in your new state, the system will show that your Louisiana license is suspended, and the new state will typically refuse to issue you a license until the Louisiana suspension is resolved.

Some states will allow you to get a license if you pay off the underlying debt — such as unpaid fines or child support — even if the Louisiana suspension is still technically active. However, this varies by state. The safest approach is to resolve your Louisiana suspension before moving or before trying to get a license in another state.

If you are already living in another state and your Louisiana license is suspended, you can still contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles by mail or phone to find out what you need to do to restore it. You may be able to pay fines or submit required documents by mail, though you will eventually need to visit a Louisiana office in person to complete the restoration.

How to avoid another suspension after restoration

Once your license is restored, stay on top of your traffic tickets and fines. Pay any fines by the due date listed on the ticket. If you cannot pay in full, contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you rather than suspend your license.

If you receive a ticket for a moving violation, consider taking a defensive driving course. In Louisiana, completing an approved course can reduce the fine and prevent points from being added to your driving record. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete a course.

If your suspension was related to a DWI or drug offense, take the required education or treatment programs seriously. These programs exist to reduce the chance you will face the same problem again. Completing them on time and with documentation is the fastest way to get your license back and keep it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license to drive to work during my suspension?

Louisiana does not issue hardship licenses or work permits during a suspension. You cannot legally drive for any reason, including work. If you need to drive for employment, you must resolve the suspension first. Some employers may allow you to take leave or find alternative transportation during the suspension period.

What if I did not receive the suspension notice in the mail?

Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles when ready to confirm whether your license is suspended. If you were not notified but your license is suspended, you can request a hearing to explain that you did not receive notice. Bring any evidence that the address on file was incorrect or that mail was not delivered. The hearing officer may extend your important date to request a hearing if you can show you did not receive proper notice.

Do I have to pay the restoration fee even if I was not guilty of the violation?

Yes. The restoration fee is separate from guilt or innocence. Even if you successfully challenge the suspension at a hearing and it is lifted, you still pay a restoration fee to reactivate your license. The fee covers the administrative cost of processing your restoration.

How long does it take to restore my license after I meet all the requirements?

If you visit an Office of Motor Vehicles office in person and submit all required documents, your license can be restored the same day. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new physical license card is mailed to you. The card typically arrives within one to two weeks.

Will a suspension show up on my driving record permanently?

A suspension will appear on your driving record, but it does not stay there forever. Once the suspension is lifted and your license is restored, the suspension record remains visible for a certain period — typically three to five years depending on the reason — but it will eventually be removed. Insurance companies and employers may see it during that time, which can affect your rates or job prospects.