Where to go and what to bring in Covington

In Covington, you renew your driver's license at the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is located at 1340 Collins Street, Covington, LA 70433. This is the only OMV location in St. Tammany Parish that handles renewals. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings on weekdays tend to be shorter than afternoons or Saturdays.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $35 for a four-year renewal or $65 for an eight-year renewal.

If you have moved since your last license was issued, the residency document must show your current address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a government document with your address, a letter from a government agency, or a property tax bill.

Key Takeaways

  • The Covington OMV office is at 1340 Collins Street and accepts walk-ins during regular business hours without requiring an appointment.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or number.
  • A four-year renewal costs $35 and an eight-year renewal costs $65, paid at the time of renewal.
  • The renewal process at the office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, though total time depends on how busy the office is.

What happens during the renewal visit

When you arrive at the OMV office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call your number when it is your turn. Bring all your documents to the counter — the agent will verify your identity, check your residency proof, and confirm your Social Security number.

You will be asked to confirm or update your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. If any information on your current license is incorrect, tell the agent now so it can be corrected on your new license. You will also take a new photograph and sign the license process in front of the agent.

After you pay the renewal fee (cash, debit card, or credit card), the agent will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

Office hours and contact information

The Covington OMV office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. You can call the office at (985) 892-0595 to ask about current wait times or to confirm they have the documents you plan to bring.

If you cannot visit during these hours, the next nearest OMV office is in Mandeville, about 15 minutes away. However, you can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — see the section below on mail renewal.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license by mail if your current license is not expired, you have not had any traffic violations or suspensions in the past four years, and you are not required to take a vision test or written exam. To renew by mail, you will need to contact the OMV office or visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website to request a mail renewal packet.

The mail renewal packet includes a form you fill out, instructions for submitting your documents, and a prepaid return envelope. You will mail in your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Processing takes about two weeks from the time the OMV receives your packet, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Mail renewal is useful if you have a busy schedule or cannot get to the Covington office, but it takes longer than renewing in person. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at the OMV office.

What to do if your license is expired

If your driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to the OMV office and includes a written exam and vision test. You will also need to bring your birth certificate or passport in addition to your other documents.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process described above. Bring all the same documents and follow the same steps. There is no penalty or extra fee for renewing a recently expired license.

Preparing for common issues

If you have moved out of state and then moved back to Louisiana, you will need to renew your license in person and bring your new Louisiana residency proof. If you have lost your Social Security card, bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement.

If your name appears differently on your documents (for example, your Social Security card shows your full legal name but your lease shows a nickname), bring both documents and let the agent know. The agent will help you resolve the discrepancy. If you have questions before you visit, call the Covington office at (985) 892-0595 — staff can tell you whether your specific situation requires any extra steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Louisiana does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at an OMV office or by mail if you meet the mail renewal requirements. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes about two weeks total.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the standard renewal process. You must explore for a replacement license in person at the OMV office. Bring your proof of residency, Social Security card, and a government-issued ID if you have one. The replacement fee is $20.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Covington office?

No, the Covington OMV office accepts walk-ins. You do not need to schedule ahead. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday morning if you want to avoid longer waits.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your new plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, the temporary license covers you until it arrives.

Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

You can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket, but if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or traffic violations, you must resolve the suspension first. Call the Covington OMV office to check your license status before you visit.