Louisiana replaces lost driver's licenses through the Office of Motor Vehicles, and you can request a replacement in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

If you've lost your Louisiana driver's license, you have three main routes: visit an OMV office in person, mail in a request with supporting documents, or use the online replacement system if your license hasn't expired. The fastest option is usually in-person at a local OMV office, where you can walk out with a temporary permit the same day. The cost is $32.50 for a standard replacement, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you have the right documents.

Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is part of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. They maintain records of all active licenses and can issue replacements without requiring you to retake the written or road test. You will need to prove your identity and Louisiana residency, and you should report the loss to local police if you're concerned about identity theft — though this is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any OMV office with a government-issued ID and proof of Louisiana residency to get a replacement the same day.
  • The replacement fee is $32.50, and you'll receive a temporary paper permit when ready while the plastic card is mailed to you.
  • If your license has expired, you must renew it instead of replacing it, which requires a vision test and costs more.
  • You can mail in a replacement request with a notarized affidavit and copies of your ID and residency proof if you cannot visit an office.
  • Report the loss to local police if you suspect identity theft, though this does not affect the replacement process.

What documents you need to bring to an OMV office

You must bring one form of government-issued photo identification — a passport, military ID, state ID card, or birth certificate paired with a second ID. If you don't have a passport or military ID, a birth certificate alone is not enough; you'll need it plus something like a Social Security card, voter registration, or utility bill in your name.

You also need proof that you live in Louisiana. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days works, or a letter from a landlord on official letterhead stating your move-in date.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized — you'll need it to complete the process. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own ID.

In-person replacement at an OMV office

Find your nearest OMV office on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website. Most parishes have at least one office, and larger cities have multiple locations. Walk in during business hours with your documents — no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning or mid-week visits typically have shorter lines.

At the office, tell the clerk you need a replacement for a lost license. They will ask you to fill out Form DL-44 (process for Louisiana Driver's License). You'll answer questions about your address, physical description, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect driving. The clerk will take a new photo unless you request to use your previous one — most people get a new photo since you're already there.

After you pay the $32.50 fee, you'll receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days. Your plastic license card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic card arrives, the temporary permit is legal to carry and show to police.

Mailing in a replacement request

If you cannot visit an OMV office, you can request a replacement by mail. You'll need to complete Form DL-44 and have it notarized — this is the key requirement that makes mail-in replacement different from in-person. You cannot straightforward sign the form yourself; a notary public must witness your signature and stamp the document.

Notaries are available at most banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and some libraries. The cost is usually $5 to $15. Once notarized, mail the form along with copies (not originals) of your government-issued ID and proof of Louisiana residency to the address listed on the OMV website. Include a check or money order for $32.50 made out to the Office of Motor Vehicles.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. You won't receive a temporary permit by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this time. For this reason, mailing in a replacement only makes sense if you don't need to drive for several weeks or if you live far from any OMV office.

Online replacement through the OMV website

Louisiana offers online replacement through the OMV's official website, but only if your license has not expired. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50.

After you complete the online request, you'll receive a temporary digital permit via email that you can display on your phone or print. Your plastic card will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. This option is convenient if your license is current and you have access to a computer, but it does not work if your license has already expired — in that case, you must renew in person at an OMV office and pay the renewal fee instead.

What to do if your license has expired

If your lost license expired before you lost it, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a vision test and costs more than a replacement. You must visit an OMV office in person; there is no mail-in or online option for renewal.

Bring the same documents you would for a replacement, plus your glasses or contacts if you wear them for driving. The vision test is quick and performed by the OMV clerk using a machine. The renewal fee varies by age and license type but is typically $60 to $80. You'll receive a temporary permit and your new plastic card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

Reporting the loss to police and protecting against identity theft

You are not required to report a lost driver's license to police to get a replacement, but you may want to if you're concerned the license could be used for identity theft or fraud. A police report creates a record and may help if someone uses your license number to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.

To file a report, contact your local police department's non-emergency line or visit in person. Provide them with your license number, the date you lost it, and where you think you lost it. Keep a copy of the report for your records. If you discover fraudulent activity later, you can reference the report when disputing charges with banks or credit card companies.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is free and takes about 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary permit while I wait for my replacement card?

Yes. The temporary paper permit issued at an OMV office is valid for 30 days and is legal to carry and show to police. If you ordered online or by mail, you'll receive a temporary digital permit via email that you can print or display on your phone. Either document allows you to drive legally while your plastic card is in the mail.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

The plastic card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after the OMV processes your request. If you applied in person or online, you'll have a temporary permit when ready. If you mailed in a notarized form, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks before the card is even mailed, so total time is 3 to 4 weeks.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

You'll still need one form of government-issued photo ID to get a replacement. If your wallet contained your only ID, you may need to get a state ID card or passport first. Contact your local parish registrar's office for a birth certificate, which you can then pair with a Social Security card or voter registration to meet the ID requirement at the OMV.

Do I have to get a new photo for my replacement license?

No. You can request to use your previous photo from your lost license. The OMV has it on file. However, most people get a new photo since they're already at the office. If you want to use the old photo, tell the clerk before they take a new one.

What if I find my license after I've already gotten a replacement?

The old license is no longer valid once you've been issued a replacement. You can destroy it or keep it as a memento, but do not carry it or attempt to use it. If you're stopped by police, show the new replacement card. The old one will not work for any official purpose.