Check your Louisiana driver's license status through the Office of Motor Vehicles website or by phone
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) lets you look up your driver's license status without visiting an office in person. You can check online using your driver's license number and date of birth, or call the OMV customer service line. The online method is fastest — you get an answer in seconds. The phone line works if you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, though wait times vary by time of day.
Your license status tells you whether it is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. Knowing your status matters because driving on a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Louisiana and can result in fines, jail time, and additional license penalties. If you're unsure whether your license is still good, checking before you drive protects you.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the Louisiana OMV website at omv.louisiana.gov and use the license status lookup tool with your license number and date of birth.
- Call the OMV customer service line at 225-925-6009 during business hours to ask about your license status over the phone.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive but the suspension can be lifted; a revoked license is more serious and requires formal reinstatement steps.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the OMV website explains what you must do to restore it, which varies by the reason for the action.
Using the OMV online license lookup tool
Go to omv.louisiana.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage. You will need your Louisiana driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information exactly as they appear on your license, then click the search button.
The system returns your status when ready. It will show whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled. If your license is suspended or revoked, the result page usually includes the reason — for example, "suspended for unpaid traffic fine" or "revoked for DUI conviction." Write down or screenshot this information; you may need it if you contact the OMV or if you need to resolve the issue.
The online tool is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no cost to use it. If the website is temporarily down for maintenance, try again in a few minutes or use the phone method instead.
Calling the OMV customer service line
The Louisiana OMV customer service number is 225-925-6009. Call during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
Tell the representative you want to check your driver's license status. They will ask for your license number and date of birth to pull up your record. The representative will then tell you your status and, if there is a suspension or revocation, explain the reason and what steps you need to take to restore your license.
Wait times depend on call volume. Early morning or late afternoon calls often have shorter waits than midday. If you reach a busy signal, try again later or use the online tool instead.
Understanding suspension versus revocation
A suspended license means you are not allowed to drive right now, but the suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet certain conditions. For example, if your license is suspended because you owe a traffic fine, paying that fine will restore your driving privileges. Suspensions typically last until you resolve the underlying issue.
A revoked license is more serious. Revocation means Louisiana has permanently cancelled your license, usually because of a serious violation like a DUI conviction or multiple reckless driving offenses. You cannot straightforward pay a fine to get a revoked license back. Instead, you must go through a formal reinstatement process, which may include waiting a set period, paying a reinstatement fee, passing a written test, and sometimes completing a substance abuse program.
The status lookup will tell you which one applies to you. If you see "suspended," focus on resolving the specific reason listed. If you see "revoked," the OMV website has a separate section explaining reinstatement requirements for your situation.
Common reasons for suspension in Louisiana
Louisiana suspends driver's licenses for several reasons. Unpaid traffic fines are the most common — if you receive a ticket and do not pay the fine by the important date, the court reports it to the OMV and your license is suspended. Failure to pay child support also triggers suspension; the state uses license suspension as a tool to encourage payment.
Accumulating too many points from traffic violations leads to suspension under Louisiana's point system. Each violation adds points to your record — for example, speeding adds 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were. If you reach 12 points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended for 30 days. Subsequent suspensions last longer.
Other suspension reasons include failure to maintain car insurance, failure to appear in court for a traffic case, or owing money to the state for previous violations. The status lookup tells you the specific reason, so you know exactly what to fix.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know why your license is suspended, take action to resolve it. If the reason is an unpaid fine, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay what you owe. If the reason is failure to maintain insurance, get a policy and provide proof to the OMV. If the reason is unpaid child support, contact the child support enforcement office.
After you resolve the underlying issue, you may need to notify the OMV or wait for the agency that reported the suspension to notify the OMV. Some issues clear automatically once resolved; others require you to request reinstatement. The OMV website has specific instructions for each type of suspension, or you can call 225-925-6009 to ask what step comes next.
Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Louisiana and can result in fines up to $300, jail time, and additional license penalties. If you are stopped, you will face arrest.
What to do if your license is revoked
If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward resolve a fine or pay a fee to get it back when ready. Revocation requires a formal reinstatement process. The OMV website lists reinstatement requirements based on the reason for revocation — for example, a DUI revocation has different requirements than a revocation for multiple reckless driving convictions.
Typical reinstatement steps include waiting a minimum period (often 6 months to 1 year), paying a reinstatement fee (usually $250 to $500), passing a written knowledge test, and sometimes completing a substance abuse evaluation or defensive driving course. You must complete these steps in order and provide documentation to the OMV.
Visit omv.louisiana.gov and search for "license reinstatement" to find the exact requirements for your situation. If you have questions, call 225-925-6009. Once you complete all requirements and the OMV approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get results from the online status lookup?
The online tool returns your status when ready after you enter your license number and date of birth. There is no waiting period. If the website is slow or not responding, try again in a few minutes.
What if the status lookup says my license is expired?
An expired license means your license term ended and you did not renew it. You cannot legally drive with an expired license. You must renew your license at an OMV office or online through the OMV website before you can drive again. Renewal is faster than reinstatement and usually takes a few minutes online or at an office.
Can I drive if my license is suspended while I fix the problem?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you are actively working to resolve the suspension. You must wait until your license is restored before you drive. If you are stopped, you will face arrest and additional charges.
Will checking my license status online affect my record?
No. Looking up your license status does not change your record or create any negative consequences. It is a read-only lookup with no impact on your driving record or license.
What if I cannot reach the OMV by phone?
Use the online status lookup tool instead — it is available 24/7 and does not require a phone call. If you need to speak with someone and cannot reach the phone line, visit an OMV office in person during business hours. You can find office locations and hours on omv.louisiana.gov.