What You Need Before You Start

Louisiana issues driver's licenses through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which operates as part of the Department of Public Safety. You cannot get a license by mail or online — you must visit an OMV office in person with the right documents and pass a written test and vision screening. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes on the day you go, but you need to gather your paperwork first.

Louisiana requires proof of identity, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or a birth certificate if you do not. The state will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card — you must bring the original or a document that shows your number, like a W-2 or tax return.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an OMV office in person with original documents proving your identity, Louisiana residency, and Social Security number.
  • The written test covers Louisiana traffic laws and road signs, and you can study the official manual online before you go.
  • Vision screening happens at the OMV office on the day you test — you do not need a separate eye exam unless you fail their screening.
  • A standard Louisiana driver's license costs $35 and is valid for four years from the date you receive it.
  • If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian and proof of their identity, and you will get a restricted license with different rules.

Documents You Must Bring to the OMV Office

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your number — a W-2, tax return, or pay stub all work. Do not bring a photocopy. You also need one document proving your identity: a current passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of those, bring a birth certificate issued by the state where you were born.

For Louisiana residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your name yet, ask the OMV office what they will accept — some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation.

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, bring it. If you do not, bring your birth certificate. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian and their ID as well.

Finding Your Local OMV Office and Hours

Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Saturdays and around the first of the month. If you can go on a weekday morning, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes.

A few OMV offices take appointments, but most operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to ask whether your local office takes appointments or if there is a particular time of day when the wait is shortest. Some offices close for lunch, so check the hours before you go.

Passing the Written Test and Vision Screening

The written test has 40 questions about Louisiana traffic laws and road signs. You need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The OMV office will give you the test on a computer or on paper, depending on the office. You can study the official Louisiana Driver's Guide online for free on the Department of Public Safety website — the test questions come directly from that manual.

The vision screening happens at the OMV office. You will read letters on a chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail the vision screening, the OMV will tell you that you need to see an eye doctor and bring back a vision certificate. You cannot get your license until you pass the vision test or bring proof from an optometrist or ophthalmologist that your vision meets the state standard.

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day at most offices, though some may ask you to come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you will pay the $35 fee and have your photo taken. Your temporary license will be printed on the spot — that temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

A standard Louisiana driver's license is valid for four years from the date you receive it. You will need to renew it before it expires. If you are under 18, you will get a restricted license with different rules — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.

If You Are Under 18

Louisiana has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You must first get a learner's permit, practice for at least 30 days with a licensed adult who is at least 21, and then return to the OMV to take the driving test. Only after you pass the driving test can you get your restricted license.

To get a learner's permit, bring the same documents you would bring for a regular license, plus a parent or legal guardian and their ID. You will take the written test and vision screening just like an adult. The learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for one year. Once you have held it for at least 30 days, you can schedule a driving test at the OMV office.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license up to one year before it expires. If you renew before it expires, your new license will be valid for four years from the expiration date of your old license, not from the date you renew. This means you do not lose time on your license if you renew early.

You can renew in person at any OMV office, or you can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information. To renew by mail, contact the OMV office or check the Department of Public Safety website for the mailing address and current fees. If you renew in person, you will need to pass the vision screening again, but you do not need to take the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Louisiana license if I have an out-of-state license that is not expired?

Yes. Bring your current out-of-state license to the OMV office along with your other documents. You will still need to take the written test and vision screening. Louisiana will not let you keep both licenses — once you get a Louisiana license, your out-of-state license becomes invalid.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a birth certificate from the state where you were born. If you need a license before it arrives, ask the OMV office what other documents they will accept as proof of identity — some offices will work with you if you bring multiple documents that together establish who you are.

Do I need to take the test again if I move to Louisiana from another state?

Yes, you must take Louisiana's written test and vision screening. Your out-of-state license does not transfer — you are getting a new Louisiana license, not converting your old one.

What if I fail the vision screening?

You cannot get your license until you pass. You must see an eye doctor and bring back a vision certificate showing that your vision meets Louisiana's standard. The OMV office can tell you what the standard is and what the eye doctor needs to write on the certificate.

How much does a Louisiana driver's license cost?

A standard driver's license costs $35. A learner's permit costs $10. A restricted license for drivers under 18 costs $35. Fees may change, so call your local OMV office to confirm the current price before you go.