Where and how to renew in Louisiana
Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The online option is the fastest route if you meet the requirements — you can complete it from home without visiting an office. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot get to an OMV location. In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test.
Your license expires on your birthday. Louisiana sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you can plan ahead and avoid the rush near your birthday.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the OMV website works for most people and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the OMV, and processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office is necessary if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address.
- You will need to pay the renewal fee, which varies by license type and how many years you are renewing for — Louisiana offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year options.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval for online or mail renewal, or you can receive it when ready at an OMV office.
Online renewal through the OMV website
To renew online, go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and other details. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal in one session.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not have any holds or suspensions on your driving record. If the system flags any issues, you will be directed to renew in person or by mail instead. Once you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
Mail renewal by sending documents to the OMV
To renew by mail, read and print the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the OMV website, or request one by calling the OMV at 225-925-6146. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to the address listed on the form — this address varies by region, so check the OMV website to find the correct office for your area. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Visit your local OMV office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. If you are over 70 years old or have certain medical conditions, you may need to pass a vision test at the office.
OMV offices operate by appointment in most locations. You can book an appointment online through the OMV website or by phone at 225-925-6146. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices but may have longer wait times. Once you complete your renewal at the office, you can receive your new license when ready or have it mailed to you — ask the staff which option is available at your location.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Louisiana charges different fees depending on how long you want your license to be valid. You can renew for one year, four years, or eight years. The one-year option costs the least but requires you to renew more often. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Check the OMV website for current fee amounts, as they can change.
If you are 70 years old or older, your license is valid for four years instead of the standard period. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), different rules and fees explore — contact the OMV directly for CDL renewal information.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Louisiana driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an OMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number. You will need to pass a vision test and provide a new photo. The OMV may also require you to take a written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
Contact your local OMV office before you visit to confirm what documents and tests are required in your situation. Processing time for an expired license renewal is longer than a standard renewal, so plan accordingly.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will not work if your address has changed — you will need to renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement. The proof must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of your proof of residency with your process packet. Write your new address clearly on the process form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Louisiana allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy around your birthday or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to your expiration date.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must visit an OMV office in person with proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
For online or mail renewal, your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of approval. If you renew in person at an OMV office, you can receive your license when ready at the office or request it be mailed to you. Processing times may be longer during busy periods, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an OMV office. A new photo is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you are over 70 years old.
What payment methods does the OMV accept?
For online renewal, the OMV accepts debit and credit cards. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. At OMV offices, payment methods vary by location — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts. Some offices may accept cash, checks, or cards.