What Causes a License Suspension in Louisiana and How to Fix It
A suspended license in Louisiana means the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) has temporarily taken away your driving privileges, but the suspension can be lifted once you address the underlying reason. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, unpaid traffic tickets, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each reason has a different path to reinstatement, and you cannot drive legally until the suspension is removed.
The first step is finding out exactly why your license was suspended. You can check your suspension status and the reason through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website or by calling their customer service line. Once you know the cause, you can take the specific action needed to clear it — whether that means paying a fine, appearing in court, or completing a required program.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or check their website to learn the exact reason your license is suspended before taking any action.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue (pay a fine, appear in court, or satisfy child support obligations) before the OMV will lift the suspension.
- After resolving the cause, you must request reinstatement through the OMV, which may involve paying a reinstatement fee and submitting required documents.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course or other program before reinstatement is possible.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after the OMV receives your completed request and payment.
Finding Out Why Your License Is Suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles maintains records on every suspended license. You can look up your status online through the OMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth, or you can call the OMV directly at 225-925-6146 during business hours.
When you contact the OMV, have your driver's license number ready and ask them to tell you the specific reason for the suspension. Write down the exact reason and any case or ticket numbers they provide. This information is essential because different suspension reasons require different solutions. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires payment, while a suspension for failure to appear requires you to go to court.
Resolving Traffic Fines and Court-Related Suspensions
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the ticket or citation. The court name and location should be listed on your ticket or on the OMV suspension notice. Call the court's traffic division and explain that you want to resolve the matter and reinstate your license.
You have several options depending on the court's policies: you can pay the fine in full, set up a payment plan, request a court date to contest the ticket, or in some cases request a continuance if you need more time. Once the court resolves the matter — either through payment, a guilty plea, or a court appearance — the court will notify the OMV that the suspension should be lifted. This notification can take several days to process.
If you cannot afford to pay the full fine when ready, ask the court about payment plans or hardship waivers. Many Louisiana courts allow you to pay in installments or reduce the fine based on financial hardship. Some courts also offer traffic school as an alternative to paying the fine.
Handling Child Support-Related Suspensions
If your license is suspended because of unpaid child support obligations, you must contact the Louisiana Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support. They manage child support enforcement and can tell you the exact amount owed and your options for payment.
You can set up a payment plan with the Office of Family Support rather than paying the full amount at once. Once you have made an arrangement or paid what is owed, the office will notify the OMV to lift the suspension. This process typically takes one to two weeks after the office sends the notification.
Completing Required Programs or Courses
Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course or other educational program before reinstatement is possible. The OMV suspension notice will specify if a course is required. If one is, you must find an approved provider, complete the course, and submit proof of completion to the OMV.
Louisiana approves defensive driving courses through various online and in-person providers. The course typically takes four to eight hours to complete, depending on the provider. Once you finish, the provider will give you a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you will need to submit it with your reinstatement request.
Requesting Reinstatement and Paying the Reinstatement Fee
After you have resolved the underlying cause of the suspension, you must formally request reinstatement from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You can do this by mail, in person at an OMV office, or through their website if the suspension type allows online reinstatement.
The reinstatement fee in Louisiana is typically $100 to $150, depending on the reason for the suspension. Some suspension types have different fees — for example, suspensions related to drug convictions may have a higher fee. Include the reinstatement fee with your request, along with any required documents such as proof of course completion, proof of fine payment, or court documentation.
Submit your reinstatement request to the address listed on your suspension notice or on the OMV website. Include a copy of your driver's license and any supporting documents. The OMV will process your request and notify you by mail once your license has been reinstated. This typically takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your complete request.
What to Do If Your License Remains Suspended
If you have resolved the underlying issue but your license is still showing as suspended after two weeks, contact the OMV again. Sometimes notifications from courts or other agencies take longer to reach the OMV, or paperwork may have been mislabeled. Ask the OMV to check whether they have received notification from the court or agency that handled your case.
If the OMV has not received the notification, contact the original court or agency directly and ask them to send confirmation to the OMV. Provide the OMV with the fax number or mailing address where the notification should be sent. Keep records of all your communications and payments in case you need to prove you resolved the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Louisiana does not issue work permits that allow you to drive with a suspended license. You cannot legally drive until the suspension is fully lifted by the OMV. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that can result in additional fines and jail time.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?
The OMV typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving your complete process and payment. If you submit by mail, add several days for delivery time. You can check your status online or call the OMV to confirm when your license has been reinstated.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the OMV directly to ask about payment plan options or fee waivers based on financial hardship. Some offices may allow you to pay the fee in installments. You can also ask whether resolving the underlying cause first might reduce or eliminate the reinstatement fee in your specific situation.
Do I need to take a new written test to get my license back?
For most suspensions, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — reinstatement straightforward restores your existing license. However, if your suspension was due to a drug conviction or certain serious violations, the OMV may require you to pass a new written test before reinstatement.
What happens if I get pulled over while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal charge in Louisiana. You can face fines up to $300, jail time, and additional license suspension. If you are pulled over, be honest with the officer and explain that you are working to reinstate your license. This does not prevent the charge, but it may be considered during any court proceedings.