What you need to do to renew your Louisiana driver's license
Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's LaDMV portal. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew in person or online because the mail option has strict limits.
Your license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, which means you have a window of about seven years total to complete the process. Louisiana does not send renewal reminders, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date — it appears on the front of your license.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Online renewal through LaDMV.org is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license is already expired, you need to update your address, or you are renewing for the first time after turning 18.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions, but it takes four to six weeks.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification; requirements vary slightly by renewal method.
Online renewal through LaDMV.org
The Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles online portal at LaDMV.org is the fastest way to renew if your license has not expired and your personal information has not changed. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can complete it from home. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee.
Online renewal costs $32.50 for a six-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within seven to ten business days. You cannot use online renewal if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you have a medical condition that requires a special notation on your license.
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at an OMV office instead. The same applies if you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order — you will need to bring documentation of the name change.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Renewing in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial license. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to — some people prefer it because they receive a temporary license on the spot and can leave with proof of renewal.
Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
In-person renewal costs $32.50 for a six-year license. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many OMV offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the LaDMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online.
Mail renewal: when it is an option
You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you have no medical restrictions or special endorsements that need updating. To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form (Form DPSMV 183) from the LaDMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $32.50 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the OMV receives your process. Because of this delay, many people choose online or in-person renewal instead. If you mail your process, do not drive on an expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive — Louisiana law requires your license to be valid at the time you are driving.
Keep a copy of your mailed process and the tracking number if you send it by certified mail. If your process does not arrive or is lost, you will have no proof you submitted it and will need to renew again through another method.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you have been driving for decades. You will also need to provide proof of residency and valid identification as if you were a first-time applicant.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it through in-person or mail renewal. You cannot use online renewal if your license is expired, even by one day. Bring your expired license to the OMV office along with your other required documents.
Louisiana does not issue a grace period for expired licenses. Driving on an expired license is a violation, and you can be cited even if your renewal was in process. If you know your license is about to expire, renew before the expiration date rather than waiting.
Fees and what your new license includes
A standard six-year driver's license renewal costs $32.50 in Louisiana, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the fee for a regular Class D license. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and renewal must be done in person.
Your new license will have the same number as your current one. It will show your photograph (taken at your last in-person visit), your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If you renew online or by mail, your photograph will be the one from your previous license unless you choose to have a new photo taken at an OMV office.
If you want a new photograph on your license, you must renew in person. Some people do this even if they are not required to, straightforward to update their photo. There is no additional fee for a new photograph during renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Louisiana will not issue or renew a driver's license if you have an outstanding suspension related to unpaid traffic fines or child support. You must resolve the suspension first by paying the debt or setting up a payment plan. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to find out the status of your license.
What if I have moved out of state but still have a Louisiana license?
If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residency. Louisiana will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. If you still have property or business in Louisiana and want to keep your Louisiana license, you will need to provide proof of residency in Louisiana, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
How long does it take to receive my license after renewing online?
After you complete online renewal, your new license is mailed within seven to ten business days. Delivery by U.S. mail typically takes an additional three to five business days depending on your location. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the OMV to confirm your process was processed.
Can I renew my license if I am currently serving in the military?
Yes. If you are on active duty outside Louisiana, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements. You can also renew in person at a military installation that has an OMV office. Bring your military ID and a military address as proof of current residence.
What do I do if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at an OMV office and bring the original or certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal are not available when your name has changed. The OMV will update your name in their system and issue a new license with the correct name.