Yes, you can renew online if your license meets certain conditions
Louisiana allows online renewal for driver's licenses, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You'll need to go through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website, and the process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online — you must visit an OMV office in person and take the written test again. The same applies if you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your photo.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your Louisiana license is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.
- You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process online.
- The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card during checkout.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than one year ago or you need to change your photo or address, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the OMV website: your current Louisiana driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. You'll also need to know your current address as it appears on your license.
Check your license expiration date first. If it expired more than 12 months ago, stop here — the online system will reject you, and you'll need to visit an OMV office instead. If your license is still valid or expired within the past year, you're ready to proceed.
The step-by-step renewal process
Step 1: Go to the OMV website. Visit omv.louisiana.gov and look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option on the homepage. Click it to start.
Step 2: Enter your information. The system will ask for your driver's license number and Social Security number. It uses these to pull up your current record and verify your identity.
Step 3: Review your details. The screen will show your name, address, and other information from your current license. If anything is wrong — your address changed, your name is misspelled — you cannot fix it online. Stop here and visit an OMV office instead.
Step 4: Choose your license term. You can renew for four years ($35) or eight years ($65). Select which one you want.
Step 5: Pay the fee. Enter your credit or debit card information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your payment processes when ready.
Step 6: Confirm your submission. You'll see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot — keep this for your records.
What happens after you submit
The OMV processes your renewal within one business day. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer during high-volume periods.
You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. You do not need to carry any confirmation paperwork — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need to verify your renewal status, you can call the OMV at 225-925-6146, though they may ask for your confirmation number.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit an OMV office if your license expired more than one year ago. The online system will not process your renewal, and attempting it will waste time. You'll need to take the written test again, which requires an in-person visit.
You also must go in person if you want to change your address, update your photo, add a Real ID star, or change any other information on your license. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. The OMV office will take a new photo and process everything on the spot, though you'll still receive your new license by mail.
Common problems and what to do
If the online system rejects your information, it usually means your license number or Social Security number was entered incorrectly. Go back and try again, checking each digit carefully. If it rejects you a second time, your license may have expired more than one year ago — check the expiration date on your card.
If you submitted your renewal but never received your new license after 14 days, contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 with your confirmation number. They can check whether your license was mailed and provide a tracking status. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it, though this may take an additional week.
If you move before your new license arrives, you do not need to do anything — mail forwarding through the U.S. Postal Service will deliver it to your new address. If you want to update your address on your license before it arrives, you'll need to visit an OMV office and renew again in person.
Finding an OMV office if you need one
Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes. Visit omv.louisiana.gov and use the office locator tool to find the one nearest you. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you're traveling a distance.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Processing times at the office vary — some locations have walk-in service, while others require an appointment. Check the website or call before you go to see whether your local office takes appointments or serves customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if your license status is anything other than valid or expired. You must visit an OMV office in person, where staff can address the suspension or revocation before processing any renewal.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew online without your license number. Visit an OMV office and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity and residency. You can renew the license at the same time, though you'll pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Do I need a Real ID to renew online?
No. Online renewal does not add a Real ID star to your license. If you want a Real ID designation, you must renew in person at an OMV office and bring the required documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency.
Can I renew my license online if I'm out of state?
Yes. The online system does not require you to be in Louisiana. You can renew from anywhere as long as your license is still valid or expired within the past 12 months. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in Louisiana.
What if my name changed since I got my license?
You cannot update your name online. Visit an OMV office with your current license, a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change, and proof of residency. Staff will update your record and issue a new license on the spot.