Yes, you can renew online if you meet Louisiana's requirements
Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license online through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, update your name, correct vision or medical information, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $35 for a five-year license, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The OMV processes most online renewals within one business day and mails your new license to the address on file. You can continue driving with your current license during this time — there is no gap in your driving privileges while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired within the past 12 months, and you have no address or name changes.
- The online renewal costs $35 for a five-year license and requires a valid email address and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your current license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than a year ago, you have an address change, or you need to update personal information, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Check your may be able to access before you start
Before you begin the online renewal, confirm that your situation matches Louisiana's requirements. Your license must be currently valid or expired no more than 12 months ago. If your license expired more than a year ago, the OMV requires you to renew in person.
You also cannot use the online process if you need to change your mailing address, update your legal name, correct your vision prescription status, add or remove medical restrictions, or if your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason. If any of these explore to you, you'll need to visit an OMV office in person.
What you'll need to have ready
Gather these items before you log into the OMV website. You'll need your current Louisiana driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, a valid email address where you can receive confirmation, and a payment method — the OMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
You do not need to print anything or upload documents for an online renewal. The system pulls your information from the OMV database, so as long as your address and personal details are correct in their records, you can proceed without additional paperwork.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and look for the "Renew Online" option on the homepage. Click it and select "Driver License Renewal." The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Next, review the information the OMV has on file for you — your name, date of birth, address, and vision status. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your credit or debit card details and the $35 renewal fee. After payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Write this number down or take a screenshot; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. The OMV typically processes online renewals within one business day, and mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from there. You can continue driving with your current license during this time — there is no gap in your driving privileges.
What happens if the system rejects your renewal
If you start the online process and the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means one of your circumstances doesn't match the requirements. Common reasons include an address change pending in the system, a medical restriction that needs updating, or a suspension or hold on your record.
When this happens, you'll need to visit an OMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days), and any documents related to name changes if applicable. An OMV staff member can tell you exactly what needs to be corrected before you can renew.
Tracking your new license and what to do if it doesn't arrive
The OMV does not send tracking numbers for renewed licenses sent by mail. Your confirmation email will include the date your renewal was processed, and you can add 7 to 10 business days to estimate arrival. If your new license doesn't arrive within 14 business days of your renewal date, contact the OMV by phone or visit an office in person with your confirmation number.
If you need to drive out of state or travel before your new license arrives, your current license remains valid and is still acceptable identification. You do not need a temporary license or any special document while waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit an OMV office if your license expired more than 12 months ago, you need to change your address, update your name, correct your vision prescription, add medical restrictions, or if your license is suspended or revoked. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement) or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time.
In-person renewals take longer — plan for 30 to 45 minutes at the office — but they handle all types of updates in one visit. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents supporting name or address changes. The cost is the same: $35 for a five-year license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or in person until the suspension is lifted. Contact the OMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.
What if I moved to a different address since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if you have a new address. You must renew in person at an OMV office and bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.
Do I need a REAL ID to renew online?
No. Online renewal produces a standard Louisiana driver's license. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license for federal travel or building access, you must renew in person and bring documents like a passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency.
Can I renew online if my license expired two years ago?
No. The OMV only allows online renewal if your license expired within the past 12 months. If it's been longer, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Will I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one by mail?
No temporary license is issued for online renewals. Your current license remains valid and acceptable for driving and identification purposes until your new license arrives by mail.