How to learn about your Louisiana license is suspended right now
You can check your Louisiana driver's license status through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website without paying a fee. Go to omv.louisiana.gov, select "License Status Check," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you cannot access the website or need to speak with someone, call the OMV at 225-925-6146. Have your driver's license number ready. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. They can tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to restore it.
A third option is to visit an OMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID. You can find the office nearest you on the OMV website under "Locations." Walk-in checks usually take 10 to 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- The Louisiana OMV website lets you check your license status when ready for free at omv.louisiana.gov.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, unpaid court costs, and driving without insurance.
- You will need to resolve the underlying reason for the suspension before the OMV can restore your license.
- Driving on a suspended license in Louisiana is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Common reasons your Louisiana license might be suspended
Louisiana suspends licenses for several reasons, and the cause determines what you must do to restore it. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or failed to appear in court, the court can request a suspension through the OMV.
Another frequent cause is failure to maintain auto insurance. Louisiana requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If your policy lapses or you drive without coverage and are caught, the OMV will suspend your license. You must provide proof of current insurance to restore it.
Child support arrears also trigger suspension. If you owe back child support, the Department of Children and Family Services can request that the OMV suspend your license. You will need to contact the child support office and make a payment arrangement or pay the full amount owed.
Other reasons include unpaid parking tickets in certain cities, failure to pay a toll, DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving, accumulating too many points on your driving record, and failure to complete a required defensive driving course. The OMV status check will specify which reason applies to your license.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know why your license is suspended, you must address the underlying issue. If it is unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can usually pay online, by phone, or in person. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount owed and whether a payment plan is available.
If the suspension is due to lapsed insurance, obtain a new insurance policy and keep proof of the policy number and effective date. You will submit this proof to the OMV when you request restoration.
For child support arrears, contact the Office of Family Support at 1-888-LAHELPS (1-888-524-3577) or visit the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website. They can tell you the exact amount owed and set up a payment plan if needed.
After you have resolved the underlying reason, return to the OMV website or visit an OMV office to request license restoration. You may need to pay a restoration fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension. The OMV will process your request and notify you when your license is active again, usually within one to three business days.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Louisiana. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be arrested, and your vehicle may be impounded. The penalties depend on whether this is your first offense and the reason for the suspension.
A first offense for driving with a suspended license typically results in a fine of $100 to $300 and possible jail time of up to 30 days. A second offense within five years increases the fine to $200 to $500 and jail time up to 60 days. A third or subsequent offense can result in fines up to $1,000 and jail time up to six months.
Additionally, driving on a suspended license can extend the suspension period itself. The OMV may add extra time to your suspension or impose additional penalties. Your insurance rates will also increase significantly if you are convicted, and some insurers may cancel your policy entirely.
How long a suspension typically lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines or court costs usually last until you pay the amount owed. Once payment is made and verified, the OMV can restore your license within one to three business days.
Insurance-related suspensions typically last until you provide proof of current coverage. Suspensions for child support arrears continue until you make a payment or establish a payment plan with the child support office.
Suspensions for DUI or DWI convictions follow a fixed timeline set by Louisiana law. A first DUI suspension lasts at least one year. Subsequent offenses result in longer suspensions—two years for a second offense within ten years, and three years for a third offense within ten years.
Some suspensions are indefinite until you complete a required action, such as attending a defensive driving course or paying accumulated court costs. The OMV status check or the court that issued the suspension will specify the exact duration and what must happen for restoration.
Requesting a hardship license while suspended
In some cases, Louisiana allows you to request a hardship license (also called a work permit) while your license is suspended. A hardship license permits you to drive only for specific purposes, such as going to work, attending school, or obtaining medical treatment.
To request a hardship license, you must visit an OMV office in person with proof of the hardship. Acceptable proof includes a letter from your employer stating your work schedule, a school enrollment document, or a medical appointment letter. You will also need to pay a fee, which varies by reason for suspension.
Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship license. Suspensions for DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving, or multiple traffic violations typically do not. Contact the OMV directly at 225-925-6146 to ask whether your suspension qualifies before visiting an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license through any method. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension and have it restored by the OMV. Once your license is active again, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person depending on your renewal type.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A driver's license suspension is a public record and may appear on background checks conducted by employers or landlords. The suspension itself is not a criminal conviction, but it does indicate a legal issue. Once your license is restored, the suspension remains part of your driving history but is no longer active.
What if I lost my license and do not know my license number?
Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 with your full name and date of birth. They can look up your license number and check your status. You can also visit an OMV office in person with a state ID or passport to request this information.
Can I appeal a suspension if I think it was a mistake?
Yes. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the OMV or the agency that requested the suspension. For court-ordered suspensions, you may file an appeal with the court. For child support suspensions, contact the Office of Family Support. The process and timeline vary by reason.
How long does it take to restore my license after I resolve the issue?
Once the underlying reason is resolved and verified, the OMV typically restores your license within one to three business days. Some restorations process the same day if you handle it in person at an OMV office. You will receive notification by mail or email when your license is active.