What you need to know before you go to the DMV

A Louisiana driver's license is issued by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. You will need to visit an OMV office in person — you cannot complete this entirely online or by mail. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you have all your documents, though wait times at busy locations can add several hours.

Louisiana issues two types of driver's licenses: a standard license for regular driving, and a REAL ID-compliant license that meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Both cost the same and last eight years. You can choose which type when you explore, though REAL ID requires one additional document.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an OMV office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — no online or mail-in option exists.
  • A REAL ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one extra document proving citizenship or lawful presence.
  • Louisiana charges the same fee for both standard and REAL ID licenses, and both are valid for eight years.
  • You can find your nearest OMV office and check current wait times on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website.
  • If you are renewing an existing license, you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.

Documents you must bring to the OMV office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need: (1) a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license; (2) proof of Louisiana residency dated within 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address; and (3) proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.

If you were born outside the United States and want a REAL ID license, bring your birth certificate plus one document proving lawful presence — a passport, naturalization certificate, or employment authorization document. If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate alone satisfies the REAL ID requirement.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. The OMV will not accept a license that is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than one year. If your license has been expired longer than one year, you may need to retake the written and driving tests.

The written test and driving test

First-time applicants and anyone whose license has been expired for more than one year must pass a written test on Louisiana traffic laws and road signs. The test has 20 questions and you must answer at least 16 correctly. You can study using the official Louisiana Driver's Guide, which is available free on the OMV website and at every OMV office.

After passing the written test, you take a driving test with an OMV examiner. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control speed, turn, park, and respond to traffic signals. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than one year, you do not take either test. You only take the written test if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Fees and payment

A standard Louisiana driver's license costs $32.50 and a REAL ID license also costs $32.50. Both are valid for eight years. The OMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you fail the driving test and retake it, there is no additional fee for the second attempt on the same day.

If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the replacement fee is $10. If you need to correct information on your license — such as your name or address — there is no fee as long as you have the correct documents.

How to renew by mail if you are may be able to access

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license by mail if: your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, you have not had any traffic violations or suspensions in the past eight years, and you are not changing your address. You do not need to take any tests.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the OMV website or pick one up at any OMV office. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $32.50, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail.

If you do not meet these conditions — for example, if your license is expired or you are changing your address — you must renew in person at an OMV office.

Finding your nearest OMV office and checking wait times

Louisiana has OMV offices in every parish. You can search for the office nearest you on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website by entering your parish or city name. The website shows office hours, phone numbers, and a real-time wait time estimate for each location.

Wait times vary widely. Rural offices often have shorter waits, while offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and other large cities can have waits of two to four hours during peak times. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can save you from waiting in line.

You can also call your local OMV office directly to ask about current wait times before you go. The phone number is listed on the OMV website for each location.

What happens after you pass the tests and pay

The OMV will take your photograph and your fingerprints on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use to drive legally until your permanent license arrives.

If you need your license sooner, some OMV offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee of $15 to $25, depending on the location. Ask at the office when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Louisiana driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Proof of a Social Security number is required by Louisiana law. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an identification card instead — ask at your local OMV office about that option.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot find it?

You can order a certified copy from the Louisiana Office of Vital Records. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and parents' names. The office can mail you a copy, which usually arrives within two to three weeks. You can also visit the office in person in Baton Rouge if you need it faster. Once you have the certified copy, bring it to the OMV along with your other documents.

Do I need a REAL ID license or is a standard license fine?

A standard license is fine for driving. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without another form of ID. Since both cost the same and last the same length of time, many people choose REAL ID for convenience. You can switch to REAL ID when you renew your current license.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. You must renew in person at an OMV office; you cannot renew by mail if your address has changed. The fee is the same as a regular renewal.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to have your photograph and fingerprints taken. You cannot send someone else to the OMV on your behalf, and you cannot have your license mailed to a different address than the one you provide at the office.