Where and how to renew your Louisiana license

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location, or online through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for nearly everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

To renew in person, visit an OMV office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Bring your vehicle registration if you're also renewing your vehicle registration at the same time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the website to use while you wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana offers both online and in-person renewal; online is faster and cheaper but only works if your license expired less than a year ago and has no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of Social Security number at any OMV office.
  • You can schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line, or renew by mail if you cannot visit an office in person.
  • A renewed license is valid for four years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to six months before expiration.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The standard renewal fee for a four-year license is $35 if you renew online or by mail, and $38 if you renew in person at an OMV office. The difference reflects the cost of in-person processing. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), the fee is $50 in person or $47 online.

Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires, which means you can start the process as soon as you receive your renewal notice in the mail. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office

If you cannot reach an OMV office, you can renew by mail. read the DL 20 form from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website, complete it, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $35 (or $50 for Real ID) to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet. Send your documents via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Do not send cash. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you cannot legally operate a vehicle once your current license expires, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

Real ID requirements and when you need one

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building (courthouse, military base, or federal office). If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you need one, you must renew in person or by mail and pay the higher fee.

To obtain a Real ID license, bring the same documents as a standard renewal plus one additional document proving your legal name and date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed). The process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot straightforward renew it—you must report it and obtain a replacement. Visit an OMV office with proof of identity and residency, and request a duplicate license. The fee is $10 for a duplicate. You can also report a lost or stolen license online through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website, though you will still need to visit an office to receive the replacement.

A replacement license is valid for the remainder of your current license's expiration date. When that date arrives, you can renew normally. If you find your original license after reporting it lost, you do not need to do anything—straightforward destroy it.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person or by mail; online renewal is not available for address changes. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) along with your standard renewal documents.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not process name changes. The fee remains the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired less than one year ago. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person or by mail. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew online or in person, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow 4 to 6 weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet. You can print a temporary license from the website after online renewal to use while you wait.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an OMV office?

No, walk-ins are accepted at all OMV locations. However, you can schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time. Appointments are free and can be booked through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website.

What if my address on file is outdated and I moved?

You must renew in person or by mail to change your address. Online renewal does not allow address changes. Bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical restriction?

No. If your license has a medical restriction (such as corrective lenses required), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at an OMV office so staff can verify your medical status and update your license accordingly.