How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Louisiana

Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an OMV office takes a few hours but handles situations where online or mail renewal won't work, like a name change or a license that's been suspended.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether anything about your identity or address has changed since you last renewed. If you're unsure which route fits your situation, the OMV website has a tool that asks a few questions and tells you which method you can use.

Key Takeaways

Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew online starting 180 days before expiration if your license is still valid and your information hasn't changed.
Online renewal costs $32.50 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment; processing takes about two weeks.
You must renew in person if your license has expired for more than one year, if you have a name change, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
In-person renewal at an OMV office requires a primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of Louisiana residency.

Online renewal: fastest if you're may be able to access

Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have no changes to your name or address, and you have no suspensions or revocations on your record. You'll need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the $32.50 renewal fee.

Go to the Louisiana OMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system checks your record and tells you when ready whether you're may be able to access. If you are, you'll review your current information, confirm it's correct, pay the fee, and you're done. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You can start the online renewal process 180 days before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal — you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: no office visit needed

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you have no changes to your name, address, or license status. You'll need to send in your current physical license, a completed process form, and a check or money order for $32.50.

read the "process for Renewal of Driver's License" form from the Louisiana OMV website, or call your local OMV office and ask them to mail it to you. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after that.

Keep in mind that you're sending your current license through the mail, so there's a small window when you won't have it. If you need a valid ID before your new license arrives, renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at an OMV office

Renew in person if your license has expired for more than one year, if your name has changed since your last renewal, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. In-person renewal also works if online or mail renewal rejected you for any reason.

Bring your current license (or expired license, if it's been more than one year), a primary ID document, and proof of Louisiana residency. Primary ID documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

Find your nearest OMV office on the Louisiana OMV website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online to see whether your local office takes appointments or first-come, first-served. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept checks. The renewal fee is $32.50. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than one year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you have to reapply as if getting a new license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You'll also need to bring all the same documents as in-person renewal: a primary ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

Schedule a test appointment through the Louisiana OMV website or by calling your local office. The written test covers Louisiana traffic laws. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test is conducted by an OMV examiner and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll need to bring a vehicle that's registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you pass all three tests, you receive a temporary license and your permanent license arrives by mail.

Renewing with a name change

If your name has changed since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you must renew in person. You cannot use online or mail renewal.

Bring your current license, a primary ID document showing your new name, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Louisiana residency. The OMV will update your record with your new name and issue a new license. The fee is still $32.50. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing if your license was suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must go to an OMV office in person. Bring your current license, a primary ID, and proof of residency.

At the office, staff will check your record to see whether the suspension or revocation has been lifted. If it has, you can renew normally and pay the $32.50 fee. If it hasn't been lifted, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is cleared. The OMV staff can tell you what you need to do to clear it — this might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact your local OMV office before you go in person to find out your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Louisiana driver's license last?

Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can begin the renewal process 180 days before that date.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid and your information hasn't changed. If you've moved to another state permanently, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state instead. Contact the Louisiana OMV if you're unsure about your situation.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. Instead, you need to request a replacement. Go to an OMV office in person with a primary ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $32.50, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment at the OMV office?

It depends on your local office. Some accept walk-ins during business hours, while others require appointments. Check the Louisiana OMV website or call your nearest office before you go. Making an appointment usually means a shorter wait time.

What if I changed my address but didn't update my license?

You can update your address online through the Louisiana OMV website without renewing your license. If you're renewing anyway, you can update your address as part of the renewal process — just make sure to bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.