What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Louisiana driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific requirement tied to that reason. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) suspends licenses for different violations — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or child support arrears — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and walk out; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.
The fastest way to start is to call the OMV at 225-925-6146 or visit an OMV office in person with your ID. They will tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it. Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the requirement; others require you to file paperwork with OMV after you have resolved the issue.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do — unpaid fines, court appearances, DUI programs, or child support resolution each have different steps.
- Call the OMV at 225-925-6146 or visit in person to learn the exact reason and what clears it; do not guess.
- Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you may need to file a reinstatement request with OMV and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion — a court document, a DUI program certificate, or a child support payment receipt — before OMV will lift the suspension.
Find out why your license was suspended
Louisiana OMV suspends licenses for specific reasons, and you need to know yours before you can fix it. The most common reasons are: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court date, DUI or reckless driving conviction, accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record within a 12-month period, or child support arrears reported by the Department of Children and Family Services.
Contact OMV by phone at 225-925-6146 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time) or visit an OMV office with your driver's license or ID card. Have your license number ready. The OMV representative will pull your record and tell you the suspension reason and the date it took effect. Write down everything they tell you, including any case or citation numbers, because you will need this information to resolve the issue.
If you cannot reach OMV by phone, you can also check your suspension status online through the OMV website, though the website does not always show the specific reason — a phone call or office visit is more reliable for getting the full picture.
Resolve unpaid fines or court costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Do not pay OMV; pay the court directly. Call the traffic court in the parish where you received the ticket and ask for the balance due. The court clerk will tell you the total amount, any payment plan options, and where to send payment.
Once the court receives your payment in full, the court notifies OMV electronically, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days. If you pay by mail, allow extra time for processing. Keep your payment receipt as proof. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court about a payment plan; many courts will work with you, and your suspension may be lifted once you make the first payment and commit to a schedule.
Handle a failure to appear suspension
If you missed a traffic court date, your license was suspended for failure to appear. You must contact the court that issued the citation and either appear in person on a new date or resolve the case by phone or mail, depending on what the court allows. Call the traffic court clerk in the parish where your case is and explain that you missed your court date. Ask what options you have to resolve it without appearing in person.
Many courts will allow you to plead guilty or no contest by mail or phone and pay any fines without a second appearance. Once the court resolves your case, they report it to OMV, and your suspension lifts within one to three business days. If the court requires you to appear in person, do so on the date they give you. Bring your ID and any documents related to your case.
Complete a DUI program or conviction requirement
A DUI or reckless driving conviction suspension requires you to complete a court-ordered DUI education program before your license can be reinstated. The court that convicted you will have told you which program to attend; if you are unsure, call that court and ask for the program name and provider contact information. You must enroll and complete the program, then provide OMV with proof of completion.
After you finish the program, the provider gives you a certificate of completion. Take this certificate to an OMV office or mail it to OMV along with a reinstatement request form (Form DL-43, available on the OMV website or at any OMV office). You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee; the amount depends on whether this is your first DUI suspension or a repeat offense. OMV will lift your suspension once they receive the certificate and fee.
Address a point accumulation suspension
If you accumulated 12 or more points on your driving record within 12 months, your license was suspended for point accumulation. This suspension lifts automatically after a waiting period: 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second within five years, and 180 days for a third within five years. You do not have to do anything except wait out the period.
After the waiting period ends, you can drive again without filing paperwork. However, if you want to confirm the suspension has been lifted before the waiting period ends, call OMV at 225-925-6146 to check your status. If you receive another traffic citation during the waiting period, the clock resets, so avoid driving violations while your suspension is in effect.
Resolve child support arrears
If your suspension is due to child support arrears, the Department of Children and Family Services reported you to OMV. You must contact your local child support enforcement office or the obligee (the person receiving support) and bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once you are no longer in arrears, the child support office notifies OMV, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days.
If you are unable to pay the full amount owed, ask the child support office about a payment plan or modification of your support obligation. A modification requires filing a motion with the court, but it can lower your monthly obligation if your circumstances have changed. Do not ignore this suspension; child support enforcement can also pursue wage garnishment or other collection methods.
Pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee to OMV and submit a formal reinstatement request. The fee amount varies: for most suspensions it is $55, but DUI-related suspensions may cost more. Some suspensions (like point accumulation) lift automatically without a fee; others require you to file paperwork.
To reinstate your license, visit an OMV office with your ID and proof that you have resolved the issue (a court document, program certificate, or payment receipt). You can also mail your reinstatement request and proof to OMV at the address listed on their website. Include the reinstatement fee by check or money order. OMV will process your request and mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No, you cannot legally drive until OMV lifts your suspension. However, if you visit an OMV office in person to reinstate your license, they may issue you a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is being printed and mailed. Ask the OMV representative whether a temporary permit is available for your situation.
What if I do not know which court issued my ticket?
Call OMV at 225-925-6146 and provide your suspension details. OMV can tell you which court has your case. Alternatively, if you remember the parish where you received the ticket, call that parish's traffic court directly and give them your name and driver's license number; they can look up your case.
How long does it take for my suspension to lift after I resolve the issue?
Most suspensions lift within one to three business days after the court or agency reports the resolution to OMV. Point accumulation suspensions lift automatically after the waiting period (30, 60, or 180 days). If you are unsure whether your suspension has been lifted, call OMV to check your status before driving.
Do I have to go to an OMV office in person to reinstate my license?
No, you can mail your reinstatement request and proof of resolution to OMV, but visiting an office in person is faster and allows you to get a temporary permit on the spot. If you mail your request, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery of your new license.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
OMV does not waive reinstatement fees, but you can ask about payment plans at an OMV office. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, contact the court or child support office first — resolving those issues may be more urgent than the reinstatement fee itself.