Getting your license back in Louisiana requires paying what you owe, meeting the suspension period, and filing the right paperwork with the Office of Motor Vehicles
A suspended license in Louisiana stays suspended until you address the reason it was suspended — usually unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a conviction-related suspension. The state does not automatically restore your license when time passes. You must take specific steps: pay outstanding balances, wait out any mandatory suspension period, and submit a reinstatement request to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The exact process depends on why your license was suspended.
Most suspensions fall into one of three categories: financial (unpaid fines or fees), court-ordered (from a conviction), or administrative (from the Department of Revenue, usually for child support or tax debt). Each has different requirements and timelines. Knowing which type applies to you determines what you pay, where you pay it, and how long you wait.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, drug convictions, and other court orders — each type has different reinstatement steps.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs before the OMV will process a reinstatement request.
- Some suspensions include a mandatory waiting period that begins only after you pay what you owe.
- The reinstatement fee is $100 to $150 depending on suspension type, and you pay this in addition to any fines or restitution.
- You can check your suspension status and reason through the OMV website or by calling the OMV directly.
Finding out why your license is suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. Louisiana suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason determines what you must do to restore it. The fastest way to find out is to check the OMV website or call the OMV directly.
Go to omv.louisiana.gov and look for the driver record or license status tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended, the reason, and any balance owed. If you cannot access the online tool or need to speak with someone, call the OMV at 225-925-6146. Have your license number ready. The OMV can tell you the suspension reason, any amount owed, and what steps come next.
Write down the suspension reason and any case or ticket number the OMV gives you. You will need this information when you pay fines or file for reinstatement.
Paying fines and court costs before reinstatement
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or restitution, you must pay the full amount before the OMV will reinstate your license. The court or the traffic violation bureau holds this money, not the OMV. You cannot pay the OMV directly to clear a fine-related suspension.
Contact the court that issued the ticket or the traffic violation bureau in the parish where the violation occurred. You can find the court's phone number and payment options on the Louisiana court system website or by calling the parish courthouse. Most courts now accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. Pay the full balance and ask for a receipt or confirmation number.
After you pay, the court sends notice to the OMV that the fine is satisfied. This can take a few days to a week. Do not assume your license is automatically restored — you still need to file a reinstatement request with the OMV after the court confirms payment.
Handling child support and tax-related suspensions
If the Department of Revenue suspended your license for unpaid child support or tax debt, the process is different. The Department of Revenue, not the courts, controls this suspension. You must work with the Department of Revenue to resolve the debt before the OMV can reinstate your license.
Contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue at 225-219-0000 or visit revenue.louisiana.gov. Tell them your license was suspended and ask what amount is owed. If the suspension is for child support, you may also need to contact the Office of Family Support. The Department of Revenue can set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Once you pay or arrange a payment plan, the Department of Revenue notifies the OMV, and you can then file for reinstatement.
If you are behind on child support, paying the current month's obligation may not be enough — you may need to pay arrears or enter a court-approved payment arrangement. Ask the Department of Revenue or the Office of Family Support what satisfies the suspension.
Waiting out mandatory suspension periods
Some suspensions include a mandatory waiting period that does not begin until after you have paid what you owe. Drug-related convictions and certain DWI convictions carry these periods. For example, a first DWI conviction in Louisiana includes a suspension that lasts at least one year from the date of conviction, even if you pay all fines when ready.
The OMV will tell you if a waiting period applies when you call or check your status online. If there is a waiting period, note the date it began and when it ends. You cannot file for reinstatement until that date has passed. Once the waiting period is over and you have paid all fines and court costs, you can submit your reinstatement request.
Some suspensions have both a financial component and a waiting period. For example, you might owe $500 in fines and also have to wait six months after paying. Pay the fines first, then wait the required time, then file for reinstatement.
Filing a reinstatement request with the OMV
After you have paid all fines and satisfied any waiting period, you file a reinstatement request with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an OMV office. The reinstatement fee is $100 to $150 depending on the suspension type — this is separate from any fines or court costs you already paid.
The easiest method is online through omv.louisiana.gov. Look for the reinstatement or license restoration option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method (credit card or debit card). The online system will confirm that your fines are paid and your waiting period is over before it accepts your request. If everything is clear, you pay the reinstatement fee and submit. The OMV typically processes online requests within one to three business days.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reinstatement fee (check or money order). Include a copy of any court receipt showing fines were paid. Mail it to the address listed on the OMV website. Processing by mail takes longer — usually two to three weeks.
You can also visit an OMV office in person. Bring your driver's license, proof of payment for any fines, and the reinstatement fee. An OMV employee can verify your status and process the request on the spot. Your license is usually restored the same day or within one business day.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount
If you owe fines but cannot pay the full balance at once, contact the court or the Department of Revenue and ask about a payment plan. Many Louisiana courts allow you to pay fines in installments. The court will set a schedule, and as long as you make payments on time, your license will not be suspended for non-payment of that particular fine.
However, if your license is already suspended, a payment plan does not automatically restore it. You must pay enough to satisfy the court's requirement, and then the court notifies the OMV. The OMV may still require the full reinstatement fee. Ask the court what amount you need to pay to clear the suspension versus what you can pay over time for remaining balance.
If you are facing financial hardship, some courts have hardship waivers or reduced fee programs. Ask the court clerk whether your situation qualifies. This is not common, but it is worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the fine?
If you pay online and file for reinstatement online, the OMV typically restores your license within one to three business days. If you pay by mail or in person at a court, it may take a week or more for the court to notify the OMV. Then you still need to file the reinstatement request, which adds another few days. Plan for one to two weeks total.
Can I drive on a suspended license if I have paid the fine but not filed for reinstatement yet?
No. Your license remains suspended until the OMV officially restores it. Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime in Louisiana and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait until you receive confirmation from the OMV that your license is restored.
What if I do not know which court issued my ticket?
Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 and give them your license number. They can tell you which court or traffic violation bureau holds your fine. The OMV can also provide the court's phone number and address. Alternatively, if you remember the parish where you received the ticket, call that parish's courthouse and ask for the traffic division.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I already paid the fine?
Yes. The reinstatement fee ($100 to $150) is separate from any fines or court costs. It is the fee the OMV charges to process your license restoration. You must pay both the original fine and the reinstatement fee.
What if my license was suspended for a reason I disagree with?
If you believe the suspension is an error or you have a legal defense to the underlying charge, you may need to contest it in court. Contact a lawyer or the public defender's office in the parish where the case was filed. Do not ignore the suspension — continuing to drive on a suspended license creates additional legal problems. Resolve the underlying case first, then address the suspension.