Where to go for your driver license in Shreveport

The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in Shreveport handles all Louisiana driver licenses. You cannot get a license from your local police department, courthouse, or any other office — only OMV issues them. In Shreveport, the main OMV office is located at 1885 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71105.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary by location and season. Call ahead at the Shreveport office to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing changes can affect when they accept new applications. The OMV website (omv.louisiana.gov) lists all Shreveport-area locations if you prefer a different branch.

Key Takeaways

  • The Office of Motor Vehicles in Shreveport is the only place that issues Louisiana driver licenses, and you must visit in person with required documents.
  • You will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of Louisiana residency, and a completed process form.
  • Written and driving tests are required unless you are renewing a license you already held, and you must pass both to receive your license.
  • A standard driver license takes about two weeks to arrive by mail after you pass your tests, so plan ahead if you need to drive before then.

Documents you must bring to the OMV office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need a birth certificate (long-form, not a short-form abstract) or a valid U.S. passport. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. Do not bring a Social Security statement letter alone — the OMV requires one of those three documents.

Bring proof of Louisiana residency dated within the last 30 days. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Shreveport address on it. A cell phone bill does not count. You will also need to fill out Form DL-44 (process for a Louisiana Driver License), which you can read from omv.louisiana.gov or fill out at the office.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person. If you are renewing a license you already held, bring your old license card as well.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 40 questions about Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the OMV office on the same day you explore. You can request a test in English or Spanish.

Study materials are free on the OMV website, including a driver handbook and practice tests. Many people study the handbook for a few days before their appointment. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge — there is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

The driving test and scheduling it

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The OMV does not conduct the driving test at the Shreveport office itself — you take it at a testing location in the Shreveport area, which the OMV will tell you about when you pass your written exam. You will drive your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have permission to use) with an OMV examiner in the passenger seat.

The driving test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must have a valid learner's permit or a licensed driver with you during the test. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days for the next available appointment.

How long it takes to get your license after passing

Once you pass both tests, the OMV issues you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within about two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready — you do not have to wait for the card to arrive.

If you need to drive before your appointment or before your card arrives, the temporary license covers you. Keep it with you while driving, as it is your proof of licensure until the plastic card comes.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver license costs $32.50. A ten-year license (available to drivers 21 and older) costs $65. The OMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Bring enough cash or have a card ready — some locations may have ATMs, but it is safer to bring payment with you.

If you are renewing a license you already held, the fee is the same. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you pay the full fee again, not a reduced replacement fee.

If you already have a valid license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Louisiana, you can exchange it for a Louisiana license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of Social Security number. You do not have to retake the written or driving test — the OMV will issue you a Louisiana license based on your existing out-of-state license.

The fee is the same as for a new license. Your out-of-state license will be kept by the OMV when you exchange it. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. The written test must be taken in person at the OMV office on a computer. You cannot take it remotely or submit it by mail. You must visit the Shreveport OMV office to take the test.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days between attempts for the next available appointment slot. You do not pay an extra fee to retake the test.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

Yes. You must have a valid Louisiana learner's permit or a valid driver license from another state to take the driving test. If you do not have either, you will need to get a learner's permit first, which requires passing the written test.

How long is a Louisiana driver license valid?

A standard driver license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. A ten-year license (for drivers 21 and older) is valid for ten years. Your expiration date is printed on your license card.

What if I lose my license after I get it?

Report the loss to the OMV and pay the replacement fee ($32.50 for a five-year license). You will receive a new card by mail within two weeks. You can drive with a temporary paper license while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.