Louisiana driver's licenses renew every four or six years depending on your age
Louisiana issues driver's licenses on a four-year cycle for drivers under 60 and a six-year cycle for drivers 60 and older. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew in person at any OMV office, online through the Louisiana OMV website if you meet certain requirements, or by mail in limited situations.
The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a Real ID-compliant license, and how quickly you need the new license in hand. In-person renewal at an OMV office is the most straightforward route and takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana driver's licenses expire every four years for drivers under 60 and every six years for drivers 60 and older; the OMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
- You can renew online if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo or medical information.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and is the only option if your address has changed or your license is already expired.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship or legal residency status and can only be obtained in person; standard licenses do not require this documentation.
- Renewal fees are $35 for a four-year license and $50 for a six-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at OMV offices.
Online renewal: when it works and what you need
The Louisiana OMV allows online renewal through its website if your current license is not yet expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photograph or medical information. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal: $35 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license.
To renew online, you will need your current Louisiana driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The OMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
If your address has changed, your license is already expired, or you want to update your photo, you must renew in person. The same applies if you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license for the first time or if you need to update medical information on your license.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your license is expired, you need a new photograph, or you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license. You will need to bring your current Louisiana driver's license (or an expired license if your current one is no longer valid), proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. Acceptable proof of Social Security number includes your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a document that shows your full Social Security number, such as a tax return or benefits statement.
Most OMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Louisiana OMV website. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Real ID compliance and what it requires
A Real ID-compliant license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Louisiana offers both Real ID and standard licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs the same as a standard license.
To obtain a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship or legal residency status in addition to the documents listed above. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document (EAD). If you are a non-citizen, you will also need to show proof of your lawful status in the United States.
If you do not provide proof of citizenship or legal residency, the OMV will issue a standard license instead. Standard licenses are valid for driving and state identification but cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building access after May 7, 2025, when the federal Real ID important date takes full effect. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at any time by visiting an OMV office with the required documentation.
Fees, payment methods, and processing times
Louisiana charges $35 for a four-year driver's license and $50 for a six-year license. These fees explore whether you renew online or in person. At OMV offices, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only.
If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being produced and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days as well. If you need your license faster, some OMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your Louisiana driver's license is already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an OMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. You can also bring your renewal notice if you received one, though it is not required.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a receipt from an OMV office or confirmation from online renewal), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires or to visit an OMV office as soon as possible after expiration.
Address changes and updating your information
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot update your address online; you must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number.
If you want to update other information on your license—such as your name due to marriage or legal change, your height, your eye color, or your medical information—you must also renew in person. Some changes, like a legal name change, require additional documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order. Contact your local OMV office before visiting to confirm what documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or in person at any time during the validity of your current license. The OMV recommends renewing within 60 days of expiration to avoid driving with an expired license, but you can renew earlier if you prefer.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit an OMV office in person to report it and obtain a replacement. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. The replacement license costs the same as a renewal.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license issued at an OMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the OMV office where you renewed to check the status.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Louisiana?
No. A standard Louisiana driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the United States. A Real ID license is required only for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can choose either option when you renew.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Mail renewal is not available for standard driver's license renewals in Louisiana. Online renewal is available if your address has not changed and your license is not expired. Otherwise, you must renew in person at an OMV office.