Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations; the mail route works only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you're renewing for the first time after turning 18.
For a mail renewal, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (available on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website), and a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewals at an OMV office take about 30 minutes and are processed the same day, while mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks.
- You must bring your current license, proof of Louisiana residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or number verification.
- Mail renewal is only an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid for; Louisiana offers 4-year and 8-year options.
Finding your nearest OMV office and making an appointment
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles operates locations in every parish. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the OMV website by entering your parish or city. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Calling ahead is always safer than showing up without one, because some locations fill their appointment slots weeks in advance.
To schedule an appointment, call the OMV office directly or use the online appointment system on the Louisiana OMV website. If you book online, you'll receive a confirmation with your date, time, and the documents you need to bring. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents in hand.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
Louisiana offers two renewal options: a 4-year license and an 8-year license. The 4-year license costs less upfront; the 8-year license costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. The exact fee depends on which option you choose and whether you're renewing in person or by mail. Check the current fees on the Louisiana OMV website, as they can change.
You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an OMV office. If renewing by mail, send a check or money order only—the OMV does not process credit cards by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after your in-person renewal, or 4 to 6 weeks after a mail renewal.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Louisiana license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person at an OMV office. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Louisiana traffic laws. The knowledge test is the same one new drivers take; you can study using the Louisiana Driver's Manual, available free on the OMV website.
Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal—your expired license, proof of residency, and Social Security verification. The in-person appointment will take longer than a standard renewal because of the testing, usually 45 minutes to an hour. Once you pass both tests, your new license is issued on the spot.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The OMV will update your name on your new license at no extra charge. If you're renewing by mail, include a photocopy of the name-change document with your process.
If your address has changed, you can update it during your in-person renewal without any extra documents—just tell the OMV staff your new address. However, if you're renewing by mail, you cannot change your address; you must renew in person instead. Your new license will be mailed to whichever address is on file, so make sure it's correct before you leave the OMV office.
What to do if you need your license before the standard processing time
If you renew in person at an OMV office, you can request an expedited temporary license that you can use when ready while your permanent license is being mailed. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and is printed on the spot. You'll still receive your permanent license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're renewing by mail and need your license sooner, you'll have to start over with an in-person renewal instead. There is no way to speed up a mail renewal once it's been submitted. Plan ahead if you know you'll need your license for travel or identification purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana license if I live out of state now?
No. Louisiana requires proof of current residency in the state to renew. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Louisiana license by mail to any OMV office if you want to.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You'll need to replace your lost license first, which requires an in-person visit to an OMV office. Once you have your replacement license in hand, you can renew it during a separate visit or at the same appointment if the OMV can process both on the same day. Call your local OMV office to ask whether they can handle both transactions together.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
Yes. A new photo is taken at every renewal, whether you renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewals, the photo is taken at the OMV office. For mail renewals, you must include a recent passport-style photo with your process; check the OMV website for the exact photo requirements.
What if my medical condition has changed since my last license?
If you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you must renew in person so the OMV can assess whether restrictions are needed. Do not attempt a mail renewal. Tell the OMV staff about your condition when you arrive, and they will determine whether your license should include medical restrictions or whether you need to pass additional tests.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Louisiana allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early can be useful if you're planning travel or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one was set to expire.