What You Need to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Documents and information required for Louisiana driver's license renewal

To renew your Louisiana driver's license, you will need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Louisiana residency. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires these documents whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. The exact documents accepted vary slightly depending on which renewal method you choose, but identity and residency are non-negotiable for all routes.

Your current Louisiana driver's license serves as your primary document. If your license is lost, stolen, or expired by more than three years, you cannot use the standard renewal process and must explore for a new license instead. For a standard renewal, your license must be expired or expiring within the next 90 days.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current Louisiana driver's license plus one form of identity and one form of residency proof to any OMV office.
Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card; residency can be proven with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
Online renewal requires your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, but you still need to mail in your current license.
In-person renewal at an OMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license.
If your license has been expired for more than three years or suspended, you cannot renew and must reapply for a new license through the standard process process.

Proof of identity documents the OMV accepts

Louisiana accepts a range of identity documents. A U.S. passport, military ID card, or passport card all work. If you do not have any of these, a certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or state ID card from another state will be accepted. The document must be original or certified — photocopies do not count.

If you are renewing in person, bring the original document. If you are renewing by mail, you will need to include a photocopy of both sides of your identity document along with your current license. The OMV will not return these documents, so do not send originals you need to keep.

Proof of Louisiana residency requirements

You must show that you live in Louisiana. The OMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your current Louisiana address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward option.

If you have recently moved within Louisiana, bring a document showing your new address. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can use a notarized letter from that person stating you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill. Tribal IDs and military base residency documents are also accepted if applicable.

In-person renewal at an OMV office

Walk into any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles office with your current license, identity document, and residency proof. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices offer online scheduling. Bring the originals of all documents — the OMV will photocopy them on-site.

The process takes about 30 minutes. You will have a new photo taken unless you are 70 or older or have a medical exemption. The cost is $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Mail-in renewal process and timeline

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the OMV website or call 225-925-6009. Fill out the form, include a photocopy of both sides of your current license, a photocopy of your identity document, and a photocopy of your residency proof. Mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $35 or $65.

Mail-in renewal takes longer than in-person renewal. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks after the OMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to you, and you will not receive a temporary license while waiting. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

Online renewal and what happens next

Louisiana offers online renewal through its website. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can pay the renewal fee online by card. However, online renewal is not fully digital — you must still print a form, sign it, and mail your current license to the OMV along with the signed form.

The advantage of online renewal is that you complete the process from home and avoid a trip to an OMV office. The disadvantage is that you still have to mail your license in, so the timeline is similar to mail-in renewal: 4 to 6 weeks. You will not receive a temporary license. If you need a new photo or have changed your address, you must renew in person instead.

Situations where standard renewal does not work

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot use the renewal process. You must reapply for a new license, which requires taking the written test and vision test again. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the OMV to find out the status of your license before attempting to renew.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, you will need to provide a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring this along with your other documents if renewing in person, or include a photocopy if renewing by mail. If you have lost your license and cannot locate it, you will need to report it lost and pay a replacement fee before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, as long as it expired less than three years ago. If it has been expired for three years or longer, you must reapply for a new license instead of renewing. Contact the OMV to confirm your license status if you are unsure how long it has been expired.

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

Most OMV offices do not require appointments for renewal, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the OMV website to see if your local office has scheduling available. Walk-ins are generally accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

What if I do not have a utility bill for proof of residency?

You can use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you, as long as it shows your current Louisiana address and is dated within the last 60 days. If none of these are available in your name, a notarized letter from someone you live with, along with a copy of their utility bill, will work.

How long does it take to get my new license after renewing by mail?

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks after the OMV receives your packet. Mail delivery time is not included in this estimate, so add a few days on each end. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by contacting the OMV or the court that issued the suspension. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew. Call 225-925-6009 to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to clear a suspension.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.