What You Need to Know Before You Start
Louisiana renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and the process takes about two to four weeks by mail or same-day in person. You do not need a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than three years, which simplifies the renewal for most people.
The state charges a renewal fee based on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. If you renew by mail, you mail your documents to the OMV and they return your new license. If you renew in person, you visit an OMV office, pay the fee, and walk out with your renewed license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Louisiana driver's license by mail or in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles location.
- Mail renewal takes two to four weeks; in-person renewal is same-day, but you must visit during office hours.
- You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and the renewal fee, which varies by license type and length.
- You do not need a new photo unless your license expired more than three years ago.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address before mailing in your renewal.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, gather your current Louisiana driver's license, a proof of residency document (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address), and the renewal fee. The fee depends on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. Check the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website or call your local OMV office to confirm the current fee amount.
Mail your documents to the address listed on the renewal form or the OMV website. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—do not send cash. The OMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within two to four weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving during this time.
Mail renewal works best if your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must either renew in person or update your address with the OMV before mailing in your renewal documents.
Renewing in Person at an OMV Office
To renew in person, visit any Office of Motor Vehicles location in Louisiana during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the renewal fee in cash or card. You do not need an appointment at most OMV offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others use an online appointment system.
Check the OMV website or call ahead to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours. Some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours or late afternoon, so arriving early in the day often means a shorter wait. When you arrive, take a number or check in at the front desk, and an agent will call you when it is your turn.
The agent will verify your documents, collect your fee, and process your renewal on the spot. If your license expired more than three years ago, you will have a new photo taken. Your renewed license is printed and handed to you before you leave the office.
What Documents and Fees You Need
You must bring three things to renew: your current Louisiana driver's license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
The renewal fee varies. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Military members and certain other groups may may have access to for different fee amounts. Call your local OMV office or check the state website to confirm the exact fee for the type of license you want.
If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order. If you are renewing in person, most OMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
When You Need a New Photo
You do not need a new photo taken unless your current license has been expired for more than three years. If your license is still valid or expired less than three years ago, the OMV will use your existing photo on your renewed license. This means mail renewal is faster and simpler for most people.
If you do need a new photo, you must renew in person at an OMV office. The agent will take your photo during your visit. Wear something you are comfortable with—the photo requirements are the same as for an original license (no hats, sunglasses, or filters).
What Happens if Your Address Changed
If you have moved since your current license was issued, you have two options. You can renew in person at an OMV office and provide your new address at that time. The agent will update your address in the system and print your new license with the correct address.
If you want to renew by mail, you must update your address with the OMV before mailing in your renewal documents. You can do this online through the Louisiana OMV website, by phone, or by visiting an office in person. Once your address is updated in the system, you can then mail in your renewal with your current proof of residency at your new address.
Timeline and What to Expect
If you renew by mail, expect your new license to arrive within two to four weeks. The exact timing depends on mail delivery and how busy the OMV is at the time you submit your renewal. Your current license remains valid during this waiting period, so you can continue driving legally.
If you renew in person, you receive your new license the same day before you leave the office. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and whether you need a new photo. Arriving early in the day often means a shorter wait.
Start your renewal at least one month before your license expires. This gives you time to renew by mail and receive your new license before the expiration date, or to schedule an in-person visit if you prefer. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process—an expired license does not prevent you from renewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana driver's license online?
No, Louisiana does not offer online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles. You can update your address online through the OMV website, but the actual license renewal must be done by mail or in person.
What if my license has been expired for more than a year?
You can still renew using the standard process. However, if your license expired more than three years ago, you will need a new photo taken, which means you must renew in person at an OMV office rather than by mail.
Do I need to pass a vision test or written test to renew?
No. License renewal in Louisiana does not require a written test or driving test. You only need to provide your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. A vision screening may be required at some OMV offices, but this is brief and done during your visit.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
If you renew by mail, the OMV mails your license to the address on file. If you renew in person, you must be present to receive your license. Check with your local OMV office about their specific policy on behalf pickups, as some offices may allow a family member to collect your license with written authorization.
What if I lost my current license before renewing?
You will need to report the loss to the OMV and request a replacement before you can renew. Contact your local OMV office to start the replacement process. Once you have a replacement license, you can then renew it using the standard renewal process.