How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location in the state. The OMV is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept them through their website — checking ahead can save you wait time.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Non-citizens need to bring their passport or visa along with their current license.

The OMV accepts payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid — typically between $20 and $80 for a standard five-year renewal. Ask at the counter what the exact fee is for your situation, since fees can change and depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

You can renew at any Office of Motor Vehicles location without an appointment, though some offices let you book one online to reduce wait time.
Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or document showing your number.
If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions, which takes longer but saves a trip to the OMV.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

Louisiana lets you renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and if you are not required to take a new photo. To renew by mail, you fill out Form DL-44 (process for Louisiana Driver License or Identification Card), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than going to an OMV office — typically four to six weeks from the time the OMV receives your process. You can read Form DL-44 from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website or pick one up at any OMV office. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person is faster — you usually get your new license the same day or within a few days.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also must renew in person if your vision has changed significantly, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if the OMV requires you to take a new photo. If you are unsure whether you can renew by mail, call your local OMV office before you send anything in.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, even if you renew in person. The OMV can tell you over the phone whether you fall into this category. Renewing before your license expires avoids this requirement.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions usually happen because of unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or unpaid court fines. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the OMV or visit their website and enter your license number. If it is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the ticket or fine, or satisfy the child support obligation — before you can renew. The OMV can tell you what specific action is needed in your case.

Renewing an expired license

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it using the same process as a regular renewal — by mail or in person. You will not need to retake tests or provide new documents beyond what a standard renewal requires.

If your license expired more than one year ago, the OMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, provide proof of residency, and pay the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal fee. This process takes longer and requires an in-person visit. If you are in this situation, call the OMV first to confirm what documents and tests you need.

Real ID compliance and your renewed license

Louisiana driver's licenses issued after May 3, 2023 are Real ID compliant, which means they meet federal standards for identification. If you renew your license, your new one will be Real ID compliant automatically — you do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee.

A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner. You will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you renew before then, your new license will work for these purposes. If you have an older license without the star, you can still use it for driving, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew in person?

If you renew in person at an OMV office, you usually receive your new license the same day or within a few business days. The office will give you a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail. Ask the staff how long it typically takes at your specific location, since processing times vary slightly between offices.

Can I renew my license online?

Louisiana does not currently offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at an OMV office or by mail. Some OMV offices let you book an appointment online to reduce your wait time in person, but you still have to visit the office to complete the renewal.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring any document that shows your Social Security number instead of the card itself — a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate and passport together as proof of identity, though the OMV staff can tell you what alternatives they accept.

Do I need to renew if my address changed?

You do not have to renew your entire license just to change your address. You can update your address at any OMV office for a small fee, usually around $5 to $10. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. If your license is expiring soon anyway, it may make sense to renew at the same time and update your address as part of that process.

What if my license was suspended for unpaid child support?

You cannot renew until the child support obligation is satisfied or a payment plan is in place. Contact the Office of Family Support to find out the exact amount owed and your options for payment. Once you have resolved the issue, the suspension will be lifted and you can renew normally. The OMV can confirm when the suspension has been removed from your record.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.