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 steps the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires for that reason. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, unpaid court costs, or accumulating too many traffic violations. Each reason has a different path to reinstatement, and you cannot move forward until you know which one applies to you.
The OMV will not reinstate your license until the underlying issue is resolved. If your suspension is tied to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those first. If it is tied to child support, the Department of Children and Family Services must confirm the debt is current. Once the cause is cleared, you submit a reinstatement request to the OMV, pay the reinstatement fee, and your license becomes valid again.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or check your suspension notice to learn the specific reason your license was suspended.
- Resolve the underlying issue — pay outstanding fines and court costs, bring child support current, or complete a required defensive driving course — before the OMV will reinstate your license.
- Submit a reinstatement request to the OMV by mail, in person, or online through the Louisiana OMV website once the cause is resolved.
- Pay the reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions, though some reasons carry different fees) when you submit your request.
- Your license becomes valid once the OMV processes your reinstatement, which typically takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day if you visit in person.
Find out why your license was suspended
Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it or need to confirm the details, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles directly. Call the OMV at 225-925-6009 (this is the main customer service line) or visit an OMV office in person. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
The OMV can also tell you whether your suspension is still active or has already been lifted. Some suspensions expire automatically after a set period if the underlying issue is resolved, but you still need to request reinstatement to restore your driving privileges. Do not assume your suspension has ended on its own.
Resolve the reason for suspension
The steps you take depend entirely on why your license was suspended. If the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the fine or the traffic violations bureau in the parish where the violation occurred. You can pay by phone, mail, or in person. Once payment is confirmed, the court will notify the OMV that the debt is cleared.
If your suspension is tied to child support arrears, contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services or the child support enforcement office in your parish. You will need to bring your child support account current or arrange a payment plan that the department accepts. The department must send written confirmation to the OMV before reinstatement can proceed.
If your suspension resulted from too many traffic violations or a serious offense like a DUI, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible. The OMV will specify which course you need and which providers are approved. You must complete the course and submit proof of completion to the OMV.
Submit your reinstatement request
Once the underlying issue is resolved, you have three ways to request reinstatement. The fastest is to visit an OMV office in person with proof that the cause has been cleared (a receipt showing payment, a letter from the court, or a certificate of course completion). You can pay the reinstatement fee on the spot and walk out with your license restored the same day.
You can also submit a reinstatement request by mail. Send a letter to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement, along with proof that the underlying issue is resolved and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail it to: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.
Some reinstatement requests can be started online through the Louisiana OMV website, though you may still need to mail in supporting documents or visit an office to complete the process. Check the OMV website to see if your suspension type can be handled online.
Pay the reinstatement fee
The standard reinstatement fee in Louisiana is $100 for most suspensions. Some suspensions carry different fees — for example, a suspension for unpaid child support may have a different fee structure — so confirm the exact amount with the OMV before you submit your request. The fee is non-refundable even if your reinstatement is denied.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card, depending on whether you are paying in person or by mail. If you are mailing your request, a check or money order is safest. If you are paying in person at an OMV office, ask which payment methods they accept.
What happens after you submit your request
If you submit your request in person at an OMV office with all required documents and payment, your license is typically reinstated the same day. You will receive a receipt confirming reinstatement, and your driving privileges are restored when ready.
If you submit by mail, the OMV will process your request within one to two weeks. You will receive a letter confirming reinstatement or explaining if any documents are missing. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated, even if you believe you have submitted everything correctly.
If your reinstatement is denied, the OMV will explain why in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, proof that the underlying issue has not actually been resolved, or a missed important date for a required course. You can resubmit once you have addressed the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Louisiana and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the OMV before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed for fines or child support?
Contact the court or child support enforcement office to ask about a payment plan. Many courts and agencies will accept partial payments or installment arrangements. Once you have an approved plan in writing, the OMV may reinstate your license even if the full amount is not yet paid, though this varies by situation.
How long does reinstatement take if I go to an OMV office in person?
If you have all required documents and payment, reinstatement is usually completed the same day. Bring your suspension notice, proof that the underlying issue is resolved, and the reinstatement fee. Processing time at the office is typically 30 minutes to an hour.
What if I lost my suspension notice and do not know the reason?
Call the OMV at 225-925-6009 with your driver's license number and date of birth. They will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it. You do not need the physical notice to proceed with reinstatement.
Can I reinstate my license online?
Some reinstatement requests can be started online through the Louisiana OMV website, but most require you to mail in supporting documents or visit an office to complete the process. Check the OMV website or call to see if your suspension type qualifies for online reinstatement.