Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location across the state, 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 suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current Louisiana driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring the residency document showing your new address. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless you are renewing for the first time or your name has changed since your last license was issued.
If you are renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (available on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewals at any OMV office take about 30 minutes and are the fastest way to get a new license in your hands.
- You need your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number for an in-person renewal.
- Mail renewals are an option only if your license is not suspended and your address has not changed.
- Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- The renewal fee varies depending on whether you renew in person or by mail, and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID license.
Renewal fees and license types
A standard Louisiana driver's license renewal costs $35 if you renew in person or $30 if you renew by mail. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $50 in person or $45 by mail. REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025, though Louisiana has received extensions in the past.
The difference between the two is what you can use the license for. A standard license works for driving and state identification. A REAL ID license works for those purposes plus domestic air travel and federal facility access without a passport. If you already have a REAL ID license, your renewal will be REAL ID by default unless you request a standard license instead.
Payment at an OMV office can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.
How to find your nearest OMV office and check wait times
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website has a location finder that shows all OMV offices, their hours, and current wait times. You can search by parish or city. Wait times are updated throughout the day and typically range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the location and time of day.
Busier locations include offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, especially on Fridays and the first week of each month. If you have flexibility, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning usually means a shorter wait. Some OMV offices do not accept walk-ins and require you to book an appointment online; check your local office's page to see whether appointments are required.
What happens during your in-person renewal
When you arrive at the OMV office, check in at the front desk with your documents. A staff member will verify your identity, check that your license is not suspended, and confirm your address. You will then have your photo taken for the new license. The photo must meet federal standards: you cannot wear sunglasses, a hat, or anything that obscures your face, and the background must be plain.
After your photo is taken, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, bring your receipt as proof of renewal.
Renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it by mail and cannot straightforward walk in for a standard renewal. You must complete a new process in person, which means bringing additional documents: your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two forms of proof of residency.
The fee for reissuing an expired license is the same as a renewal ($35 standard, $50 REAL ID), but the process takes longer because the OMV staff must verify more information. You will still receive your license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The OMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.
If only your address has changed, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You do not need any additional documents. The address update happens during your in-person visit, and your new license will reflect the new address when it arrives by mail.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Before you attempt to renew, check the status of your license on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website using your driver's license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the reason for the suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI-related hold — before you can renew.
Contact the agency responsible for the suspension (the court that issued the fine, the child support enforcement office, or the Office of Motor Vehicles directly) to find out what you owe or what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license in person at any OMV office. The OMV staff can also tell you the reason for a suspension if you visit in person and ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Louisiana does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at an OMV office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and recommended for most people.
What if I lost my current license?
If you lost your license, you can still renew in person by bringing your proof of residency and Social Security number. The OMV will look up your license record in the system. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee; the total is usually around $50 to $65 depending on the license type.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Some OMV offices require appointments and some do not. Check your local office's page on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. If appointments are required, you can book one online. If walk-ins are accepted, you can arrive during business hours without an appointment, though you may wait longer during peak times.
How long is a renewed Louisiana driver's license valid?
A renewed Louisiana driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of the license. You can renew up to one year before expiration.
What if I moved out of state after my last renewal?
If you no longer live in Louisiana, you cannot renew your Louisiana license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state for their renewal process.