Yes, you can renew online if you meet Louisiana's requirements
Louisiana allows online renewal for driver's licenses, but only if your license is still valid or expired by fewer than five years. You must be at least 21 years old, have a Social Security number on file, and not have any medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. The process happens through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website, takes about 15 minutes, and costs the standard renewal fee.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you have certain medical conditions, or you need to change your address, you cannot renew online — you will need to visit an OMV office in person. The same applies if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, which requires document verification that the online system cannot handle.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
- You will need your current Louisiana driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process online.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must visit an OMV office and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Louisiana driver's license, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card for payment. You will also need an email address where you can receive your renewal confirmation. The OMV website will ask you to enter your license number and date of birth to verify your identity before you proceed.
If you have moved since your license was issued, do not use the online renewal — you must go to an OMV office in person to update your address. The online system cannot process address changes, and submitting a renewal with outdated information can delay your new license or cause it to be mailed to the wrong location.
The step-by-step process on the OMV website
Go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the driver's license renewal option. Enter your current license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and display the information on file. Review it carefully — if anything is incorrect, stop and visit an OMV office instead, because the online system cannot make corrections.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you will answer a series of health and vision questions. These are screening questions; if you answer yes to any of them (for example, if you have had a seizure or your vision has worsened), the system will direct you to an OMV office for an in-person exam. If you pass the screening, you will pay the renewal fee with your credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number by email.
How long it takes and what happens next
After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email when ready with your transaction number. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the OMV to verify the mailing address and check whether there were any issues with your renewal. Keep your confirmation email and transaction number until your new license arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not allow you to renew. You must visit an OMV office, bring proof of identity and Social Security number, and may be required to retake the written test and vision screening. The same applies if you need to change your name, correct errors in your personal information, or upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license.
Medical conditions that affect driving — such as diabetes, heart conditions, or vision problems — also require an in-person visit. The OMV may ask you to provide a medical certificate from your doctor before issuing a new license. If you have any doubt about whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call your local OMV office before attempting to renew online.
REAL ID compliance and online renewal
Louisiana's standard driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, meaning it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, you cannot do so online — you must visit an OMV office in person and bring original or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence.
If you renew online now, your new license will be a standard license, not REAL ID-compliant. You can upgrade to REAL ID later by visiting an office, but you will need to pay an additional fee and provide the required documents at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I moved to a different state since my license was issued?
You cannot renew your Louisiana license online if you have moved out of state. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you are still a Louisiana resident but moved within the state, you must visit an OMV office to update your address before your license expires.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an OMV office and resolve the suspension or revocation before you can obtain a new license. Contact the OMV to find out what steps are required in your case.
What happens if I enter incorrect information during online renewal?
If you realize you made a mistake after submitting your renewal, contact the OMV when ready with your confirmation number. Depending on what was incorrect, they may be able to cancel the renewal and have you start over, or they may issue a corrected license. Do not ignore the error — using a license with wrong information can cause problems.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. The OMV will use the photo from your current license for your renewed license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Can I renew online if my license is currently suspended for unpaid traffic fines?
No. You must pay the fines and have the suspension lifted before you can renew. The OMV system will flag your record and prevent online renewal if there is an active suspension. Visit an OMV office or contact them to resolve the suspension first.