What you need to get a Louisiana driver license
A Louisiana driver license is issued by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. To get one, you will need to visit an OMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes multiple visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — unless you pass both on the same day, which is possible but not may provide.
You cannot get a Louisiana driver license by mail or online. Every person must appear at an OMV office to have their photo taken and to demonstrate they can operate a vehicle safely. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter and include a learner's permit stage that lasts at least 180 days.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Louisiana residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to an OMV office.
- The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving; you must score at least 60 percent to pass.
- The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a vehicle you have permission to use, and the examiner sits with you to watch you drive.
- A standard Louisiana driver license is valid for four years if you are 18 or older, and costs vary depending on whether you are renewing or getting your first license.
- If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least 180 days before you can take the driving test.
Documents to bring to the OMV office
Bring one document that proves your identity. This can be a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. If your birth certificate is not certified, it will not be accepted. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough.
Bring one document that proves you live in Louisiana. This can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your name and current address and must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count.
Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you will need to bring additional documents — ask the OMV office which ones before you go.
Bring your current out-of-state driver license if you have one. If you are renewing a Louisiana license, bring that license too. Bring your learner's permit if you are taking the driving test for the first time.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 40 questions and covers Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the OMV office, and you receive your score when ready.
You can study for the test using the Louisiana Driver's Guide, which is free and available on the OMV website. The guide covers everything that will be on the test. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in one day if you fail, but you must wait one day before trying again after that.
If you pass the written test, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt — you will need it when you return to take the driving test. The written test result is valid for 12 months, so you have up to one year to schedule and pass the driving test.
The driving test: what happens and what you need
The driving test is a real-world test where an OMV examiner sits in the vehicle with you while you drive. The examiner watches how you handle the car, whether you follow traffic laws, and whether you can safely respond to other drivers and road conditions. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle can be yours, a family member's, or a friend's — as long as you have permission to use it. The vehicle must have working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before the test begins.
You must bring your learner's permit or your written test receipt, your proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration. If any of these are missing, the examiner will not conduct the test. You must also bring your Social Security card or ITIN letter again.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting one day. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you will pay a fee each time.
Fees and how long it takes
The fee for a first-time driver license is different from the fee for a renewal. Fees also vary depending on whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license (which allows you to enter federal buildings and board domestic flights without a passport). Contact your local OMV office or check the OMV website for current fees, as they change periodically.
The entire process — from passing the written test to receiving your physical license in the mail — usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the OMV office after you pass the driving test, and your plastic card will arrive by mail. Do not throw away the temporary license; it is valid until your plastic card arrives.
Wait times at OMV offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier than others. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays other than Friday usually means shorter waits.
Renewing a Louisiana driver license
If your Louisiana driver license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without taking the written or driving test again. You will need to visit an OMV office, bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you will have to retake both tests as if you were getting a license for the first time. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it — you must contact the OMV office to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to the expiration date.
Special situations: under 18, name changes, and lost licenses
If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit. You will take the written test to get the permit, then hold it for at least 180 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. The learner's permit rules are stricter than the rules for adult drivers.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to retake the photo but not the tests.
If your license is lost or stolen, visit an OMV office and report it. You will pay a replacement fee and receive a temporary license while your new plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
Yes, if you pass the written test and the OMV office has time to schedule you for the driving test the same day. This is not may provide and depends on how busy the office is. Call ahead to ask whether same-day testing is possible at your local office.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting one day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Each attempt costs a fee. Many people pass on their second or third try, so one failure does not mean you cannot get a license.
Do I need a learner's permit if I already have a driver license from another state?
No. If you are moving to Louisiana and already hold a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Louisiana license without taking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of identity to an OMV office.
What if I cannot pass the written test?
You can take it up to three times in one day, or once per day after that. Study the Louisiana Driver's Guide before each attempt. If you have difficulty reading or understanding English, ask the OMV office whether they offer the test in another language or whether you can bring someone to help you read the questions aloud.
How do I find the OMV office nearest me?
Visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and use their office locator tool. You can also call the main OMV number to find the office closest to your address and to ask about current wait times or whether you need to make an appointment.