Where to renew your license in Metairie

The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location in Metairie is at 3501 North Causeway Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70002. This is the main branch serving the Metairie area and handles all driver's license renewals. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you want to check current wait times before you go, you can call the Metairie location at (504) 838-5900. Some people find that arriving early on a weekday morning results in shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the OMV office at 3501 North Causeway Boulevard in Metairie with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number or card.
  • Bring your original birth certificate or passport, a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days, and payment by cash, check, or card.
  • Standard renewals take about 30 minutes at the office, and you receive your new license on the spot unless you request a duplicate or have other complications.
  • If you cannot visit in person, Louisiana offers mail-in renewal for certain situations, though you must meet specific requirements about your current license status.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license and your Social Security card or number. You will also need one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. For identity, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. Do not bring a photocopy — the OMV requires the original document.

For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Metairie address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The OMV staff will call your number when it is your turn. Bring all your documents to the window. The staff member will verify your identity, check your current license status, and ask you to sign a form confirming your information is correct.

You will then have your photo taken for the new license. The photo is taken at the OMV office, so you cannot bring your own. After your photo is taken, you pay the renewal fee and receive your new license when ready. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes from the time you reach the window, depending on how busy the office is that day.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a four-year driver's license in Louisiana is $32.50. If you want an eight-year license, the fee is $65. The OMV accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. There are no additional fees for standard renewals unless you request a duplicate license or need to make corrections to your record.

If you are renewing after your license has expired, the fee remains the same. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, which would require a separate visit and additional fees. Check with the OMV by phone before you go if your license has been expired for longer than a year.

Mail-in renewal options

Louisiana allows mail-in renewal only if your current license is still valid and you meet specific requirements. You cannot renew by mail if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, if you need to update your address, or if you have certain medical conditions listed on your record. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call the Metairie OMV office at (504) 838-5900 before attempting a mail-in renewal.

If you do may have access to for mail-in renewal, you can request the form by calling the OMV or visiting the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. You will need to include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a new photo. Mail-in renewals typically take four to six weeks to process and return to you. During that time, your current license remains valid.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it at the OMV office in Metairie using the same process described above. You will not need to retake any tests. Bring the same documents and pay the standard renewal fee.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Louisiana requires you to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. You will also need to provide a new photo. This process takes longer than a standard renewal and may require two visits — one to take the tests and one to receive your new license. Call ahead to confirm what the OMV office needs from you in your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Louisiana does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must either visit the OMV office in person or use mail-in renewal if you meet the requirements. Mail-in renewal is available only if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name or address.

What if I lost my current license?

If you have lost your license, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you will need to request a duplicate license at the OMV office. Bring your identity and address documents, pay the duplicate fee (usually around $10 to $15), and have a new photo taken. The process is similar to renewal but is technically a replacement rather than a renewal.

Do I need an appointment?

The Metairie OMV office does not require appointments for driver's license renewal. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, you can call ahead at (504) 838-5900 to ask about current wait times if you want to choose the best time to visit.

How long will my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail-in renewals typically take four to six weeks from the date the OMV receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive. If you need your new license sooner, visiting the office in person is faster — you receive your license the same day.

What if my address has changed?

If you have moved to a new address in Metairie or elsewhere in Louisiana, you must visit the OMV office in person to update your address. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed. Bring your new proof of address document and your current license to the Metairie office, and the staff will update your record during the renewal process.