What you need to renew online in Louisiana
Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and your address on file is current. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.75 for an eight-year renewal — you pay by debit or credit card.
Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew online and must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license expired within the last year and you have no medical holds or address changes.
- The online renewal costs $32.50 for four years or $48.75 for eight years, paid by debit or credit card at the time of renewal.
- You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days and can continue driving your current license until it arrives.
- If your license is expired more than one year, has medical suspensions, or your address needs updating, you must renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will be taken to a page asking whether you want to renew online or in person — choose online. The system will ask for your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to pull up your record.
Review the information on your license to make sure it is correct. If your name, address, or other details have changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you will need to visit an office in person. If everything matches, proceed to confirm your email address and select your renewal term (four or eight years). Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
When you cannot renew online
You must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person if your license expired more than one year ago. You also cannot renew online if you have any medical suspensions on your record, which the system will tell you during the process. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must update it in person — the online system will not let you proceed if your current address does not match the one on file.
If you need to change your name, add a Real ID designation, or update your vision correction status, those changes also require an in-person visit. The online system is designed only for straightforward renewals where all your information stays the same.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once you submit your renewal online, you will see a confirmation page with a confirmation number. Save or print this number — you do not need it to receive your license, but it is useful if you need to check the status of your order. You will also receive a confirmation email at the address you provided.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you moved recently and updated your address at the post office, your license should follow you. If you are concerned about mail delivery, you can contact the Office of Motor Vehicles with your confirmation number to verify the mailing address they have on record.
Checking your renewal status
You can check the status of your online renewal on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. Go to the same page where you started the renewal and look for a "Check Renewal Status" or "Track Your Order" option. Enter your driver's license number and confirmation number to see whether your license has been printed, shipped, or delivered.
If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Office of Motor Vehicles by phone or through their website. Have your confirmation number ready. Delays can happen, especially during high-volume periods, but the office can investigate if your license seems lost.
Renewing in person if online is not an option
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles location. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. If you are renewing after a medical suspension, bring documentation from your doctor clearing you to drive.
You can find the nearest office and check hours on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments — check before you go. In-person renewals are usually processed the same day, and you can drive home with your new license or a temporary permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is about to expire?
Yes. You can renew online as long as your license has not expired yet or expired within the last year. You do not have to wait until the expiration date — you can renew anytime during that window. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before your current one expires.
What if I entered the wrong email address during renewal?
Contact the Office of Motor Vehicles with your driver's license number and confirmation number. They can update your email address on file so you receive the confirmation and any status updates. Have this information ready when you call.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles location.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cannot be renewed online in Louisiana. You must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person and may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on your CDL class and medical certification status.
What if my payment is declined during online renewal?
The system will tell you when ready if your card is declined and will not process the renewal. Try again with a different card, or visit an office in person to pay by cash, check, or card. Your information will not be saved, so you will start the process over.