Yes, you can renew online if your license meets specific conditions
Louisiana allows online renewal through its Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website, but only if your license is not expired and you meet a few straightforward requirements. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you wear corrective lenses, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $38 for a five-year renewal or $58 for an eight-year renewal, paid by debit or credit card.
The renewal is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an OMV office, take a new photo, or retake any tests — the system uses your existing photo and information from your current license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid and you have not changed your address or vision requirements since it was issued.
- You will need your current Louisiana driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid debit or credit card to complete the transaction online.
- The OMV processes online renewals and mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
- If your license has expired, you must renew in person at an OMV office and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Who can renew online and who cannot
You can renew online if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not wear glasses or contacts for driving. You also cannot use online renewal if you have a medical condition flagged on your current license, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to add or remove endorsements such as motorcycle or hazmat.
If any of these explore to you, you must visit an OMV office in person. Louisiana has OMV locations in most parishes; you can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the OMV website. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though some offices accept appointments through their online scheduling system.
What you need before you start
Have your current Louisiana driver's license in front of you. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the expiration date printed on the card. You will also need a valid debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) to pay the renewal fee.
Do not start the renewal if your address has changed since your license was issued. The online system does not allow address changes; if you have moved, you must renew in person at an OMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
The step-by-step renewal process
Go to the Louisiana OMV website and look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Driver License Renewal" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information on screen — your name, address, and current license details. If anything is incorrect, stop and visit an OMV office instead; the online system cannot fix errors in your record. If everything matches, confirm that you are renewing before your license expires and that your address and vision requirements have not changed. Check the box to agree to these statements and proceed to payment.
Enter your debit or credit card information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal status.
What happens after you submit
The OMV processes online renewals in the order they are received. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license or a paper receipt to use while you wait; your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the OMV by phone or through its website to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If there was a problem with your payment or your process, the OMV will contact you by phone or mail to resolve it.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit an OMV office and bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). You will also need to pass a vision screening and retake the written test.
If you have moved and your address has changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. If you now wear glasses or contacts for driving and did not before, or if you no longer need them, you must renew in person because the online system cannot update vision requirements. The same applies if you need to add or remove any endorsements on your license.
Cost and payment options
A five-year renewal costs $38 and an eight-year renewal costs $58. The online system lets you choose which term you want before you pay. Louisiana does not offer a three-year renewal option online; if you want a shorter term, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
You can pay only by debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) when you renew online. The OMV does not accept cash, check, or money order for online renewals. If you prefer to pay by another method, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must renew in person at an OMV office. You will need to bring proof of identity and Social Security number, pass a vision screening, and retake the written test. The OMV may also require you to provide proof of residency.
What if I move before my new license arrives in the mail?
Contact the OMV with your confirmation number and your new address. They can update your mailing address on file so your license is sent to the correct location. Call the OMV or use the contact form on its website to make this change.
Can I renew online if I now need glasses for driving?
No. If your vision requirements have changed since your current license was issued, you must renew in person at an OMV office. You will need to pass a vision screening, and the new license will reflect your corrective lens requirement.
How long is my current license valid while I wait for the new one?
Your current license remains valid until its printed expiration date. You can continue to drive and use it for identification while you wait for your new license to arrive in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will tell you why you are not able to renew online — usually because your license is expired, your address has changed, or you have a medical condition on file. Visit an OMV office in person with your current license and any required documents to complete your renewal.