What You Need to Renew Online in Louisiana
Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license online through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website if your license is not expired more than one year and you meet a few basic conditions. You do not need to visit an office in person for a standard renewal — you can complete the entire process from your computer or phone, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail.
The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your current Louisiana driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit card or credit card). Louisiana does not mail a temporary license, so plan for the physical card to arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical or legal holds on your driving record.
- The renewal fee is $32.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card during the online transaction.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; Louisiana does not issue a temporary paper license for online renewals.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during the online renewal or visit an OMV office in person to change it separately.
- Online renewal is not available if you need a new photo, have a medical suspension, or have an outstanding traffic warrant or child support hold.
Who Can Renew Online and Who Cannot
Louisiana's online renewal system is available to drivers whose licenses expired within the past year and who have a clean driving record with no holds or suspensions. You are not able to renew online if your license expired more than 12 months ago, if you have a medical suspension, if there is an outstanding warrant against you, or if you have an unpaid child support hold.
You also cannot use online renewal if you need a new photograph on your license. Louisiana requires a new photo every time you renew, but the online system uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than 10 years old, you must visit an OMV office in person.
Drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) cannot renew online; CDL renewals must be done in person at an OMV office. The same applies if you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement or if you need to add or remove any endorsements from your license.
Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal
Start by visiting the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and locating the online renewal portal. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what is on file.
Review all the information displayed — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you can update it during this step. Once you confirm that all information is correct, you will select your renewal term: four years or eight years. The four-year renewal costs $32.50; the eight-year renewal costs $65.
Next, you will enter your payment information. Louisiana accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you may need it to track your license or if you have questions about your renewal.
Address Changes and License Updates
If you have moved since your license was issued, you can change your address during the online renewal process. The system will prompt you to enter your new address, and it will be printed on your renewed license when it arrives. You do not need to visit an office to update your address if you are renewing at the same time.
However, if you need to change your address but your license is not yet expired or if you are not ready to renew, you must visit an OMV office in person or use the mail-in address change form available on the OMV website. Address changes by mail take longer than online renewal, so if you are close to your renewal date, it is faster to wait and change your address during the renewal process.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
Once your online renewal is complete and your payment has been processed, the OMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Louisiana does not issue a temporary paper license for online renewals, so you will need to carry your current license until the new one arrives.
If you do not receive your renewed license within 10 business days, contact the Louisiana OMV directly. Have your confirmation number ready. The OMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if there was a problem with delivery.
Your renewed license will have the same number as your current license. The expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you completed the online renewal, depending on which term you selected.
When You Must Visit an OMV Office Instead
Several situations require an in-person visit to an OMV office. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online renewal and must explore for a new license in person. If you have a medical suspension, an outstanding warrant, or a child support hold, you must resolve these issues before you can renew, and you will need to visit an office to complete the process.
You also must visit in person if you want a new photograph, if you need to add or change endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you need to correct information on your license such as your legal name. OMV offices are located throughout Louisiana; you can find the nearest one on the OMV website by entering your zip code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license has a medical suspension, a traffic-related suspension, or any other type of hold, you cannot renew online. You must visit an OMV office in person. The office staff can tell you what is causing the suspension and what steps you need to take to clear it before renewing.
What if I move after I renew online but before my license arrives?
Contact the Louisiana OMV with your confirmation number and provide your new address. They can redirect your license to your new address. If your license is already in the mail, the OMV may not be able to intercept it, but they can issue a replacement to your new address.
Do I need to take a written test or vision test to renew online?
No. Online renewal is a straightforward renewal process that does not require any testing. You are renewing your existing license based on the information already on file. If you need to take a written or vision test, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Can I renew online if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
It depends on the ticket. Minor unpaid tickets may not block online renewal, but if a ticket has resulted in a suspension or hold on your driving record, you cannot renew online. Contact the OMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether it is affecting your ability to renew.
What if the online system says I am not able to renew online?
The system will tell you why you cannot renew online — usually because your license expired more than one year ago, you have a hold on your record, or you need a new photo. Visit an OMV office with your current license and proof of residency to renew in person, or contact the OMV by phone to ask about your specific situation.