Louisiana reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate a suspended Louisiana driver's license ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or child support typically costs $100 to reinstate. A suspension for a DUI or reckless driving conviction costs more — usually $250 to $500. Some suspensions require you to pay the original fine or debt before reinstatement is even possible, which can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the total.

The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is the state agency that handles reinstatement. You cannot reinstate online; you must visit an OMV office in person or mail a check with your reinstatement request. The process takes two to four weeks by mail, or you can walk out with a reinstated license the same day if you go in person and bring all required documents.

Before you pay anything, you need to know exactly why your license was suspended. That suspension reason determines the fee, what documents you need, and whether you have other debts to settle first.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees in Louisiana range from $100 to $500, with the amount determined by the reason your license was suspended.
  • You must visit an OMV office in person or mail your reinstatement request with a check; online reinstatement is not available.
  • Some suspensions require you to pay the original fine, court costs, or debt (such as child support) before the OMV will process reinstatement.
  • The OMV can tell you the exact fee and what documents you need by phone at 225-925-6146 if you provide your driver's license number and date of birth.

How to find out your exact reinstatement fee

Call the OMV directly at 225-925-6146 and have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The staff member will look up your suspension record and tell you the exact fee, the reason for suspension, and what documents you need to bring. This call takes five to ten minutes and saves you a wasted trip to an OMV office.

If you cannot reach the OMV by phone, you can visit any OMV office in person. Bring your driver's license (even though it is suspended) and your Social Security card. The staff will print out your suspension record on the spot and tell you what you owe. OMV offices are located in most parish seats and some larger towns; you can find the nearest one at OMV.louisiana.gov.

Write down the exact fee amount and the suspension reason before you leave the phone call or office. You will need this information to complete your reinstatement.

Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court costs, the reinstatement fee is $100. However, you must also pay the original fine and any court costs before the OMV will reinstate your license. The OMV does not collect these payments — you pay them directly to the court that issued the ticket.

Call the district court clerk's office in the parish where you received the ticket and ask how much you owe and where to send payment. Once the court receives your payment, it sends a notice to the OMV. The OMV then processes your $100 reinstatement fee. The total time from paying the court to holding a reinstated license is usually two to four weeks if you mail everything, or same-day if you pay in person and go directly to an OMV office with proof of payment.

Suspensions for unpaid child support

A suspension for unpaid child support requires you to contact the Office of Family Support (OFS), not the OMV. The OFS will not release the suspension until you have made a payment arrangement or paid the full amount owed. Once OFS releases the suspension, you then pay the OMV $100 to reinstate.

Call OFS at 1-888-LAHELPS (1-888-524-3577) and provide your case number or Social Security number. A caseworker will tell you the amount owed and discuss payment options. Some cases allow a payment plan; others require a lump sum. After OFS confirms the suspension is released, take that confirmation to an OMV office along with your $100 reinstatement fee.

Suspensions for DUI or reckless driving convictions

A suspension for DUI (driving under the influence) or reckless driving conviction carries a reinstatement fee of $250 to $500, depending on whether it is your first or repeat offense. A first DUI suspension costs $250 to reinstate. A second or subsequent DUI costs $500. Reckless driving suspensions typically cost $250.

You cannot reinstate until the suspension period has ended. For a first DUI, the mandatory suspension is six months. For a second DUI within ten years, it is one year. For reckless driving, the suspension period depends on the court's sentence. Check your court paperwork or call the OMV to confirm when your suspension period ends.

Once the suspension period has passed, you can pay the reinstatement fee and get your license back. Some DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before reinstatement is possible. The OMV will tell you if this applies to your case when you call.

How to reinstate in person at an OMV office

Bring your driver's license, your Social Security card, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made out to "State of Louisiana." If your suspension requires payment of fines or court costs, bring proof that you have paid those first — a receipt from the court or a confirmation letter from OFS. Walk up to the counter, hand over your documents, and the staff will process your reinstatement on the spot. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your physical license is mailed to you.

OMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch. Arrive early if possible; wait times are usually shortest before 10 a.m. Bring all documents in one trip — if you forget something, you will have to return.

How to reinstate by mail

Write a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made out to "State of Louisiana." Include a letter with your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for suspension (as the OMV told you). If your suspension required payment of fines or court costs, include a copy of your receipt or confirmation letter showing payment.

Mail everything to the Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the OMV to send you confirmation. Processing takes two to four weeks. You will receive your reinstated license by mail; there is no temporary permit option when you reinstate by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Louisiana, even if you have paid the reinstatement fee and are waiting for processing. If you reinstate in person at an OMV office, you receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days. If you reinstate by mail, you cannot drive until your physical license arrives.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

The OMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support, OFS may allow a payment arrangement. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and ask if they offer a payment plan. Some courts do; others require full payment before the OMV will reinstate.

Do I need a new written test or driving test to reinstate?

No. Reinstatement is a fee-based administrative process. You do not take any test. However, if your suspension was for DUI and an ignition interlock device is required, you must have that installed before reinstatement is complete.

What if I lost my driver's license and my license is also suspended?

You will need to pay both the reinstatement fee and the replacement fee for a lost license. Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 to confirm the total amount owed. Bring your Social Security card to the OMV office since you do not have your license to present.

How long does a suspension stay on my record after I reinstate?

The suspension itself is removed from your active record once you reinstate. However, the reason for the suspension (DUI, unpaid fines, etc.) remains part of your driving history. This history is visible to insurance companies and law enforcement, but it does not prevent you from driving once your license is reinstated.