Louisiana requires you to pay all fines and fees, complete any required courses, and submit a reinstatement request to the Office of Motor Vehicles before your license becomes valid again

A suspended license in Louisiana stays suspended until you take specific steps with the state. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. Each cause has its own requirements, fees, and timeline.

The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) handles reinstatement requests, but you cannot straightforward walk in and ask. You must first resolve the underlying issue that caused the suspension, then file the reinstatement request with the correct documents and payment. Skipping any step delays the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the agency that suspended your license — the OMV, a traffic court, the Department of Revenue, or the Office of Family Support — to learn what you owe and what you must complete before reinstatement.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay all fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees; some also require defensive driving courses or substance abuse programs.
  • You submit your reinstatement request to the OMV by mail or in person at a local office, along with proof that you have met all requirements.
  • Processing takes one to three weeks after the OMV receives your complete request; your license is not valid until the OMV notifies you in writing that reinstatement is approved.
  • Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Louisiana, even if you are working toward reinstatement.

Why your license was suspended and what that means for reinstatement

Louisiana suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason determines what you must do to get it back. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, DUI or reckless driving convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record.

When the OMV suspends your license, you receive a notice by mail stating the reason and the agency responsible. If you lost the notice or do not remember why, you can contact the OMV directly at 225-925-6009 or visit an OMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or ID. The staff can tell you the suspension reason and what you need to do.

Some suspensions are mandatory — meaning the law requires them — while others are administrative. Mandatory suspensions, such as those for DUI, typically require more steps and longer waiting periods before reinstatement is even possible. Administrative suspensions, such as those for unpaid fines, can often be lifted once you pay what you owe.

Resolving the underlying issue before you request reinstatement

You cannot reinstate your license until the reason for suspension is resolved. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. If it was suspended for a DUI conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and wait a mandatory period before you can even request reinstatement.

Contact the agency listed on your suspension notice. If the notice names a traffic court, call that court's clerk's office and ask for the balance owed. If it names the Department of Revenue, contact them about child support arrears. If it names the OMV, ask which court or agency is holding the suspension and get their contact information.

Payment methods vary by court and agency. Most accept checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards by phone or mail. Some courts allow in-person payment at the courthouse. Ask whether the agency will send you written confirmation of payment — you will need this for your reinstatement request.

If your suspension is for a DUI conviction, you must also complete a substance abuse program approved by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. The court that convicted you can tell you which programs are available in your area. Completion typically takes four to twelve weeks depending on the program. Request a certificate of completion; you will submit this with your reinstatement request.

Gathering documents and paying the reinstatement fee

Once you have resolved the underlying issue, gather the documents the OMV requires. You will need proof that you have paid all fines and court costs — usually a receipt or letter from the court or agency. If you completed a required course or program, bring the certificate of completion. You will also need your current driver's license or state ID.

The OMV charges a reinstatement fee of $100 for most suspensions. Some suspensions carry additional fees — for example, a DUI-related suspension may include a $250 substance abuse program fee on top of the $100 reinstatement fee. Ask the OMV or the suspending agency whether your suspension carries extra fees.

Make a copy of every document you plan to submit. Keep one set for your records and submit the originals or certified copies to the OMV. Do not send original court documents unless the OMV specifically requests them.

Submitting your reinstatement request to the Office of Motor Vehicles

You can request reinstatement by mail or in person at an OMV office. To request by mail, send your documents and the $100 reinstatement fee to the Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and a brief statement that you have resolved the issue and are requesting reinstatement.

To request in person, visit any OMV office with your documents and payment. OMV offices are located in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, and other cities across the state. Hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the OMV website or by calling 225-925-6009.

The OMV will review your request and documents. If everything is in order, processing takes one to three weeks. If documents are missing or incomplete, the OMV will contact you by mail and ask you to submit what is missing. Do not assume your request was received — follow up by phone after two weeks if you have not heard back.

What happens after the OMV approves your reinstatement

Once the OMV approves your reinstatement, you will receive a written notice by mail. Your license becomes valid on the date stated in that notice. You do not need to do anything else — no new license is issued unless your old one has expired or been damaged.

If your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it. The OMV will tell you in the reinstatement notice whether renewal is required. Renewal costs $60 for a four-year license or $90 for an eight-year license. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at an OMV office.

Keep the reinstatement notice in your vehicle or with your license. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, the notice proves your license is valid. Some officers may not be aware of the reinstatement when ready, so having written proof prevents confusion.

Driving on a suspended license and the consequences

Louisiana law makes it a crime to drive while your license is suspended, even if you have applied for reinstatement or are in the process of meeting the requirements. Driving on a suspended license is a separate offense from the violation that caused the suspension in the first place.

A first offense of driving with a suspended license can result in a fine up to $300, up to 30 days in jail, or both. A second offense within five years carries a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony with a fine up to $1,000 and up to two years in prison.

If you are stopped and your license is suspended, you will be cited and may be arrested. Your vehicle may be impounded. The charge will appear on your criminal record. Even if you later reinstate your license, the conviction for driving suspended remains on your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Louisiana?

Processing takes one to three weeks after the OMV receives your complete request. The time before that — to resolve the underlying issue, gather documents, and mail or deliver your request — depends on your situation. If you owe fines, paying them may take a few days. If you must complete a course, that can take weeks or months. Plan for at least four to six weeks total from the time you start until your license is valid again.

Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I am working toward reinstatement?

No. Louisiana does not issue hardship or work-only licenses for suspended licenses. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense regardless of the reason you are driving. If you need to drive, you must wait until your license is reinstated. Some employers may allow temporary schedule changes or unpaid leave during suspension.

What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?

Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments over several months. You may need to appear in court or submit a written request explaining your financial situation. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask the court whether you can request a temporary license or whether the suspension will be lifted while you pay. Some courts will work with you; others will not.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement is an administrative process, not a legal proceeding. You can handle it yourself by contacting the OMV and the agency that suspended your license, gathering the required documents, and submitting your request. If you are unsure what you owe or what documents you need, call the OMV at 225-925-6009 and ask for help.

What if my license was suspended in another state and I now live in Louisiana?

Louisiana recognizes suspensions from other states through the Interstate Compact on Driver's License Compact. Your Louisiana license will be suspended if you have an active suspension in another state. You must resolve the suspension in the state that issued it, then request reinstatement in Louisiana. Contact the OMV and the other state's motor vehicle agency for specific steps.