What You Need to Renew in Louisiana

Louisiana renews driver licenses by mail or in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). You do not have to renew in person unless your license has been suspended, you need to change your address, or you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. Most people can complete the entire process without visiting an office.

Your current Louisiana driver license must not be expired by more than five years. If it is older than that, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires an in-person visit and additional documents. Check your license expiration date before you start.

Louisiana licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. The state does not offer online renewal, so you will either mail in your renewal packet or visit an OMV location in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have not had any suspensions or address changes.
  • You will need your current license, a completed DL 44 form, and payment by check or money order — the OMV does not accept credit cards by mail.
  • Processing takes four to six weeks by mail; in-person renewal at an OMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
  • A REAL ID upgrade requires an in-person visit and proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person rather than renew by mail.

Renewing by Mail in Louisiana

To renew by mail, request a renewal packet from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You can call 225-925-6146 or visit the OMV website to request the packet. The OMV will mail you a packet containing the DL 44 form (the renewal process), instructions, and an envelope for return postage.

Complete the DL 44 form with your current information. Include your current driver license with the packet. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee — as of 2024, a four-year license costs $32.50. Do not send cash. Mail the completed packet to the address provided in your renewal materials.

The OMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing typically takes four to six weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license has not yet expired.

Renewing in Person at an OMV Office

Visit any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location to renew in person. You will need your current driver license, proof of Louisiana residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. The OMV accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card in person.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Walk-in service is available at all OMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. Some locations offer online appointment scheduling through the OMV website, which can reduce your wait time. In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour from arrival to receiving your new license.

REAL ID Upgrade During Renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025. You can upgrade to REAL ID during your renewal, but only in person at an OMV office.

To upgrade, bring your current license, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. The fee for a REAL ID license is the same as a standard license renewal.

If you do not upgrade during renewal, you can upgrade your standard license to REAL ID at any time by visiting an OMV office with the required documents. You do not have to wait until your next renewal.

When You Must Renew in Person

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit an OMV office in person and bring documentation showing that your suspension or revocation has been lifted. Contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 to confirm your license status before attempting to renew.

If you need to change your address, you can do so by mail as part of your renewal — straightforward write your new address on the DL 44 form. However, if you are changing your address and your license has been suspended, you must visit an office in person.

If your current license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a new photograph. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

OMV Office Locations and Hours

Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes. The main office is located in Baton Rouge at 7979 Independence Boulevard. Regional offices operate in New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, and other major cities. Hours vary by location but most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations.

You can find the office nearest you and check current hours on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. Some offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. Call ahead if you are traveling a long distance, as office hours and services can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a Louisiana driver license?

A four-year Louisiana driver license costs $32.50 as of 2024. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail or in person. A REAL ID upgrade costs the same amount. Fees may change, so check the OMV website or call 225-925-6146 to confirm the current fee before you send payment.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Outstanding traffic fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid child support obligation or owe money to the state, your license may be suspended. Contact the OMV to check your license status before renewing.

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?

If you renew by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you are driving without a valid license. To avoid this, renew at least six weeks before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an OMV office.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. When you renew by mail, the OMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the office. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

If you renew by mail, your license is mailed to the address on your process. If you renew in person, you receive your license when ready. The OMV does not hold licenses for pickup by another person.