Where to renew your license in Lafayette
In Lafayette, you renew your driver's license at the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. The main Lafayette OMV office is located at 1499 Eraste Landry Road, Lafayette, LA 70506. This is the primary location where most residents handle renewals, though you should call ahead at (337) 262-4636 to confirm current hours and any wait times, as these can change seasonally.
The OMV also operates a satellite office in Broussard at 1000 Berard Road, Broussard, LA 70518, which serves the greater Lafayette area. Both locations handle standard license renewals, though the main Lafayette office typically has more staff and shorter waits during off-peak hours — usually mid-morning on weekdays and early in the week rather than Fridays.
You can also renew online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must not need to update your address or other personal information, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- The main Lafayette OMV office is at 1499 Eraste Landry Road, and you should call (337) 262-4636 before visiting to check hours and wait times.
- You can renew online if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need to change your address, medical restrictions, or endorsements.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to completion, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Louisiana residency, and your current license or a replacement document if your license is lost.
- The renewal fee in Louisiana is $35 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, and you choose the term when you renew.
Documents you need to bring
Louisiana requires specific documents for in-person renewal. You must bring your current driver's license or, if it is lost or stolen, a replacement document such as a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. You also need proof of Louisiana residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The document must show your name and current address.
If you are renewing online, you do not need to submit physical documents, but the system will verify your identity using information already on file with the state. If the online system cannot verify you, you will be directed to renew in person instead.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as the OMV will ask for it during the renewal process. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change.
What happens during an in-person renewal visit
When you arrive at the OMV office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary, but most people are called within 30 to 60 minutes during normal business hours. When your number is called, you will go to a clerk's window where they will review your documents, verify your identity, and ask you to confirm your address and other personal information.
You will then have your photograph taken for the new license. The photo is taken by the OMV staff, not by you, so you cannot bring a pre-taken photo. Wear clothing that contrasts with the background and avoid sunglasses or hats. The photograph will appear on your license for the next five or eight years, depending on which term you choose.
After your photo is taken, you will pay the renewal fee — $35 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license — and receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is sufficient for driving and identification until the permanent one arrives.
Online renewal process and timeline
To renew online, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify this information against the state's records.
If verification is successful, you will review your current license information and confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct. You cannot change any information online — if anything needs updating, you must renew in person. You will then choose your license term (five or eight years) and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
After you complete the online process, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can print the confirmation email and use it as proof that you have renewed, though it is not a valid driving document. If your license expires before the new one arrives, contact the OMV at (337) 262-4636 to request a temporary extension.
Renewal fees and license term options
Louisiana offers two renewal terms: a five-year license for $35 or an eight-year license for $60. Both are valid for driving and identification. The choice is yours at the time of renewal, and you do not have to choose the same term as your previous license. Some people prefer the five-year term to renew more frequently, while others choose the eight-year term to reduce the number of visits to the OMV over their lifetime.
The fee is the same whether you renew in person or online, except that online renewal may have a small processing fee added by the payment processor — typically $1 to $2. This fee is displayed before you complete payment, so you know the exact total before committing.
If you are a senior (age 70 or older), you may be required to renew more frequently — every four years instead of five or eight — depending on your medical history and any restrictions on your license. Ask the OMV clerk about your specific situation if you fall into this category.
When your license is expired or nearly expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person at the OMV office. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have a renewal appointment scheduled. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a fine and other penalties.
If your license expires within the next 30 days, you can still renew online if it has not yet expired. Once it expires, the online system will reject your renewal request and direct you to the OMV office. Plan ahead and renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid this situation.
If you are renewing in person and your license is expired, bring it anyway along with your other documents. The OMV will still accept it as proof of identity, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready upon completion of your renewal, which is valid for driving right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
Louisiana does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the state website or in person at an OMV office. Online renewal is the closest option if you prefer not to visit an office in person.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
If you have moved, you must renew in person at the OMV office. Bring your new proof of residency along with your other documents. The clerk will update your address in the system, and your new license will reflect the updated address.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license issued at the OMV office is valid for 30 days or until your permanent plastic license arrives, whichever comes first. In most cases, your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is usually valid longer than you need it.
What if my permanent license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at (337) 262-4636 with your confirmation number or temporary license number. They can track your license and determine if there was a mailing delay. If the license was lost in the mail, they can reissue it.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
The Lafayette OMV office does not require appointments for standard renewals. You can walk in during business hours and check in at the front desk. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times so you know when to visit.