Louisiana driver's license renewal happens through the Office of Motor Vehicles, and the process depends on whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.
Louisiana offers three renewal routes: mail-in for those who meet certain conditions, online through the OMV website for standard renewals, and in-person at an OMV office if you need to update information or take a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires and closes on the expiration date itself — you cannot renew early beyond that window, and you cannot renew after expiration.
The state charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and duration. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives later.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the OMV website if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order sent to the OMV office — processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
- Your renewal window opens 180 days before expiration and closes on your expiration date; you cannot renew before or after that window.
- Bring proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and a valid form of identification to any in-person renewal appointment.
Online renewal through the OMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid, unexpired Louisiana driver's license, no recent address or name changes, and you must not need a new photograph. You also cannot have any holds or suspensions on your license. Visit the Office of Motor Vehicles website, select the renewal option, and enter your license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
The OMV will display your current information on screen. Review it for accuracy — if anything is wrong, you must stop and renew in person instead. If everything matches, you pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The system generates a confirmation number when ready. Your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days and arrives at the address on file.
Online renewal does not issue a temporary license, so if your current license expires before the new one arrives, you will have no valid ID. Plan ahead if your expiration date is close.
Mail renewal with a completed form
Mail renewal works if you meet the same conditions as online renewal: valid, unexpired license, no name or address changes, no new photo needed, and no suspensions. read form DL-44 from the OMV website or request it by phone. Complete all fields in blue or black ink, sign and date the form, and include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back).
Mail your form, license copy, and payment (check or money order only — no cash) to the address listed on the form. Include the correct renewal fee. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation until your new license arrives by mail.
Keep a record of when you mailed the form. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the OMV to verify they received your packet. Mail renewal does not provide a temporary license, so plan for a gap in valid ID if your expiration is soon.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photograph, you are changing your name or address, or you have any holds or suspensions. Visit an OMV office during business hours — no appointment is required at most locations, though some offices accept online appointment scheduling. Bring your current license, proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification if your license is expired.
At the office, staff will verify your information, take a new photograph, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person, online, or by mail.
If you are renewing after expiration, bring an additional form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. You also cannot renew online or by mail anymore — you must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of ID. The renewal process is the same, but the OMV will note that you renewed after expiration.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have already submitted a renewal. The temporary paper license you receive at the in-person office is valid when ready and covers you until your plastic card arrives.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Louisiana charges different fees based on license type and duration. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with endorsements may have different fees. The OMV website lists the exact fee for your license type before you pay.
Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only — write your license number on the check. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. Do not send cash by mail.
Address and name changes during renewal
If you are moving or changing your name, you must renew in person — online and mail renewal do not allow these updates. Bring your current license, proof of your new Louisiana address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and documentation of your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You can also update your address without renewing your license by visiting an OMV office or using the address change form on the OMV website, though a mail-in address change takes longer than renewing in person. If your renewal window is open and you need to change your address, it is usually faster to renew in person and update both at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana license if I live out of state?
No. Louisiana requires proof of current residency in the state to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but maintain a Louisiana address, you may be able to renew by mail if you meet all other requirements.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. Visit an OMV office with proof of residency and a valid form of ID. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license issued at an OMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the OMV before your temporary license expires.
Can I renew my license before the 180-day window opens?
No. The OMV system will not allow renewal until 180 days before your expiration date. If you try to renew early, the online system will reject your request, and the OMV will return mail-in forms without processing them.
What if my name appears differently on my license than on my other documents?
Contact the OMV before renewing to clarify which name is on file. If there is a discrepancy, you will need to visit an OMV office in person with documentation showing your legal name (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order) to correct it before or during renewal.