Where and how to renew in Louisiana
In Louisiana, you renew your driver's license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which operates as part of the Department of Public Safety. You have three ways to renew: in person at an OMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website for standard renewals.
The in-person route is the most straightforward and works for nearly all drivers. You walk into any OMV office with your current license and required documents, complete the transaction, and receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is mailed to you. The mail-in option is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical restrictions added since your last renewal. Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard Class D license and meet the same conditions as mail renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any OMV office, by mail if your license is current and unchanged, or online through the Louisiana OMV website for standard licenses.
- You will need your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
- Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration without penalty.
- If your license is expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.
- The temporary license you receive in person is valid when ready and works for driving while your permanent license is in the mail.
Documents you need to bring
For an in-person renewal at an OMV office, bring your current Louisiana driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Louisiana.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or on the process form. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not need to bring physical documents, but you will need to enter your information accurately into the system.
Cost and payment methods
A standard four-year Louisiana driver's license renewal costs $32.50. If you are renewing in person, the OMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Online and mail renewals also accept credit and debit cards. Some OMV offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming.
If you are renewing early—more than six months before your expiration date—you may pay a reduced fee, though this varies by office. Senior citizens (age 70 and older) pay a lower renewal fee of $16.25 for a four-year license. Military members on active duty stationed outside Louisiana may be able to renew for free or at a reduced rate; contact your local OMV office to confirm your status.
Timeline and when to renew
Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. You can renew up to six months before your license expires without any penalty or additional requirements. The OMV typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal in person, though during busy periods this can stretch to two weeks.
If you renew online or by mail, the timeline is slightly longer because the OMV must process your process before printing and mailing your license. Plan for 10 to 14 business days for mail-in renewal and 7 to 10 business days for online renewal. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person and cannot use the mail or online options.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired Louisiana license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it in person at an OMV office without retaking the written test. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the written test and the vision test as part of your renewal. You may also need to retake the road test depending on the OMV officer's assessment. Bring the same documents plus any medical records if you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely. The OMV may require a medical examination form signed by your doctor in these cases.
Online and mail renewal may be able to access
Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website is available only for standard Class D driver's licenses and only if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you have no new medical restrictions or endorsements to add. You will log into the OMV portal, verify your identity, review your information, pay the $32.50 fee, and submit your process. The system will confirm your submission and provide a reference number.
Mail renewal follows the same may be able to access rules. You request a renewal form from the OMV by phone or online, complete it by hand, include a check or money order for $32.50, and mail it to the address provided on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency with your mailed process. The OMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. If any information is incorrect or missing, the OMV will contact you by mail, which can delay your renewal by several weeks.
Temporary license and what it covers
When you renew in person at an OMV office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete your transaction. This temporary license is valid for driving in Louisiana and nationwide while you wait for your permanent plastic license to arrive in the mail. You can use it for all driving purposes: commuting to work, traveling out of state, and showing to law enforcement if stopped.
The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If your permanent license has not arrived within 30 days, contact the OMV office where you renewed to request a replacement temporary license or to check the status of your permanent license. Keep your temporary license in your vehicle until your permanent license arrives, then destroy the temporary one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana driver's license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and meets all other may be able to access requirements. If your license is expired or you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at an OMV office in Louisiana or contact the OMV to discuss your options.
What if I lost my current driver's license before renewal?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must go to an OMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The OMV will issue you a new license with the same number or a new number depending on their system.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew in person, the OMV will take a new photo as part of the process. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used unless you request a new photo. You can request a new photo at an OMV office for a small additional fee if you want to update it.
How long does a Louisiana driver's license last after renewal?
Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew again up to six months before that date expires.
What if my name or address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at an OMV office if your name or address has changed. Bring the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or lease with your new address) along with your current license and proof of residency. You cannot use mail or online renewal if any of this information has changed.