What you need to do to renew in Louisiana
To renew your Louisiana driver license, you visit your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you arrive during a quiet time. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Louisiana offers two main renewal paths: in-person at an OMV office, or online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster and requires no trip, but not everyone qualifies — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you cannot have certain violations on your record, and you must have a valid email address.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Louisiana driver license in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles location or online if your license expired within the last five years and you have no disqualifying violations.
- Bring your current license, proof of Louisiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee when you visit in person.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks, while in-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready.
- Your renewed license is valid for four years if you are under 60, or six years if you are 60 or older.
In-person renewal at an Office of Motor Vehicles
Find your nearest OMV office on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. You can search by parish or city. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you an hour or more. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.
Bring your current driver license, one document proving you live in Louisiana (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address), and your payment method. The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license if you are under 60, or $45 for a six-year license if you are 60 or older. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most locations.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are renewing. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within two to three weeks.
Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website
Visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.
Online renewal is only open to you if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no disqualifying violations (such as certain criminal convictions or medical suspensions), and you are not required to take a new photo. If the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, you must renew in person instead.
If you proceed, you will pay the same renewal fee online using a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file, arriving within two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license with online renewal, so plan accordingly if you need to show proof of a valid license before your new one arrives.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
| Document Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current driver license | Your Louisiana license | Required. Bring the physical card. |
| Proof of residency | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, government mail | Must show your name and current Louisiana address. Must be dated within the last 60 days. |
| Payment | Cash, debit card, or credit card | $35 for four-year license (under 60) or $45 for six-year license (60+). |
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to an OMV office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal — your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal. The clerk will take a new photo, process your payment, and issue a temporary license. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. There is no penalty for renewing late, and your new license will be valid for the full four or six years from the date of renewal.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date printed on the front. This is useful if you are planning a trip, want to avoid a last-minute rush, or prefer to renew during a less busy time at your local OMV office.
Renewing early does not extend the total time your license is valid. Your new license will expire four or six years from the date you renew, not four or six years from when your old license would have expired. So if you renew six months early, your new license will expire six months earlier than it would have if you had waited.
What to do if you cannot renew in person
If you live outside Louisiana or cannot visit an OMV office, online renewal is your best option — provided your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no disqualifying violations. The process is entirely remote and takes about 10 minutes.
If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you will need to visit an OMV office in person or ask someone you trust to renew on your behalf. Louisiana allows a family member or friend to renew your license if you give them a signed, notarized power of attorney. Contact your nearest OMV office for the specific form and instructions, as requirements can vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes. There is no penalty for renewing after your license expires. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at an OMV office rather than online. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you renew online, you do not get a temporary license, so your new license will take two to three weeks to arrive.
What if I moved to a different parish in Louisiana?
You can renew at any OMV office in the state, regardless of which parish you live in now. Bring your current license showing your old address and a document proving your new Louisiana address, such as a recent utility bill or lease. The clerk will update your address during the renewal process.
Do I need a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If the system tells you that you need a new photo, you are not able to renew online and must visit an OMV office in person instead.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles directly to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.