Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location in the state. The OMV operates about 60 locations across Louisiana, and you do not have to renew at the office where you originally got your license — any location will process your renewal.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current Louisiana driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You will also need to pass a vision test at the OMV. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. The vision test is part of the renewal process and takes only a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew at any OMV location in Louisiana, and you do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number; if your name changed, bring the document that shows it.
- Louisiana offers both in-person renewal at an OMV office and online renewal through the OMV website if you meet certain conditions.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at the OMV.
- The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license; you can pay by cash, check, or card at the OMV.
Online renewal: when you can skip the office visit
Louisiana allows online renewal through its OMV website if your license is not expired and you meet a few conditions. You must have a valid Louisiana license, no medical or legal holds on your record, and you must not need to update your address, name, or other information on the license itself.
If you are may be able to access, you can renew online, pay the fee by card, and your new license will be mailed to you. The process takes about 10 minutes. However, if your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to an OMV office in person.
Check the OMV website to see if your specific situation qualifies for online renewal. The site will tell you whether you are may be able to access before you start the process.
What happens at the OMV office during renewal
When you arrive at the OMV, you will check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review your proof of residency, Social Security number, and current license. They will ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license.
Next, you will take the vision test. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, tell the staff member before the test so they can note that on your new license.
After the vision test, you will have your photo taken for your new license. Smile or keep a neutral expression — the same rules explore as for your original license photo. Then you will pay the renewal fee and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and how long the license lasts
Louisiana offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $35 or an eight-year license for $65. Both are valid for their full term, so the choice is yours based on how long you want to wait before renewing again.
The OMV accepts cash, checks, and credit or debit cards. If you pay by check, make it out to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Some locations may have limits on the amount of cash they accept, so calling ahead if you plan to pay cash is a good idea.
Your renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person or online. If you renew online, you will pay by card only.
If your license is expired or will expire soon
If your Louisiana license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to an OMV office and takes longer than a renewal because you will need to provide more documents and take a written knowledge test in addition to the vision test.
If your license expires within the next 30 days, you can still renew it at an OMV office. Do not wait until after it expires, because that triggers the new license process instead. Check your license to see the expiration date on the front.
If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, call the OMV or check the website. They can tell you the expiration date and whether you can renew or must explore for a new license.
Finding an OMV office near you and checking wait times
The Louisiana OMV website has a location finder that shows all offices, their hours, and their addresses. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. A few locations offer evening hours.
Wait times vary widely depending on the location and the time of day. Offices in smaller towns usually have shorter waits than those in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or other large cities. Early morning or mid-week visits tend to be faster than afternoons or Fridays.
Some OMV offices allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait time. The website will show which locations offer this option. You do not need an appointment to renew — walk-ins are always accepted.
What to do if your name or address has changed
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The OMV will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.
If your address has changed, you can update it during your renewal visit. Tell the staff member your new address, and it will be printed on your new license. You do not need to bring proof of your new address if you are renewing your license at the same time, but it is a good idea to have it with you in case the staff member asks.
If you need to change your address but are not renewing your license yet, you can update it online through the OMV website or by mail. You do not have to wait until your renewal is due.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires an in-person visit, additional documents, and a written knowledge test. Check your license expiration date, and if it is more than a year in the past, contact the OMV to find out what you need to bring.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the OMV?
No. Walk-ins are accepted at all OMV locations. However, some offices allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait time. Check the OMV website to see if your local office offers this option.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at the OMV office. If you renew online, the timeline is the same. If your license has not arrived after 10 business days, contact the OMV with your receipt number.
What if I need to drive before my new license arrives?
The OMV will give you a receipt when you complete your renewal. This receipt is not a valid driver's license, but you can carry it along with your expired license as proof that you have renewed. Some police officers will accept this, but it is not may provide. If you need a valid license right away, ask the OMV staff if they can issue a temporary license on the spot.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Louisiana does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either in person at an OMV office or online through the OMV website. Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or name.