What happens when you reinstate a suspended Louisiana license
Reinstating a suspended Louisiana driver's license means going through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to have your driving privileges restored. The process is not automatic — you have to request it, and you may need to pay fees, provide documents, or meet other conditions depending on why your license was suspended in the first place.
Louisiana suspends licenses for different reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, not paying child support, or medical reasons. Each reason has its own reinstatement path, and some require you to complete steps before the OMV will even consider your request.
The OMV does not reinstate licenses automatically when a suspension period ends. You have to contact them, submit the right paperwork, and sometimes pay a reinstatement fee. Once approved, you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick one up at an OMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles directly to request reinstatement — your suspension does not lift on its own when the period ends.
- The reason for your suspension determines what documents you need and what conditions you must meet before reinstatement is possible.
- Most reinstatements require a fee, which varies depending on the suspension reason and how long your license has been suspended.
- Some suspensions require you to complete other steps first, such as paying fines, attending a DUI course, or obtaining a court order.
- You can contact the OMV by phone, mail, or in person at a local office to find out exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the reason it was suspended. The OMV sent you a notice when the suspension took effect, but if you no longer have that letter, you can contact the OMV directly to ask.
Call the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at 225-925-6146. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff can tell you the suspension reason, how long the suspension lasts, what fees explore, and what documents or steps you need to complete before reinstatement.
You can also visit an OMV office in person. Find the office nearest you on the OMV website. Bring a photo ID and your driver's license number if you have it. Staff there can print out your driving record, which shows the suspension reason and any conditions attached to reinstatement.
Common suspension reasons and what each one requires
Traffic violations and points: If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points or for a serious violation like reckless driving, you typically need to pay a reinstatement fee (usually between $100 and $200) and may need to pass a written test or vision test before the OMV will restore your license.
Unpaid fines or failure to appear: If you owe traffic fines or missed a court date, you must pay the fines or resolve the court matter first. Once you have done that, contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to confirm payment, then contact the OMV with proof. The OMV will not reinstate until the court or agency notifies them that the matter is settled.
DUI suspension: A DUI suspension is longer and has more steps. You must wait out the suspension period, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $250 to $500), and in many cases complete a DUI education course or substance abuse treatment program. Some people also need an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. The OMV will tell you which of these explore to your case.
Child support arrears: If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must work with the Office of Family Support to bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once they confirm you are in compliance, they notify the OMV, and your license can be reinstated.
Medical suspension: If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder or vision loss — you must obtain a medical clearance from a doctor and submit it to the OMV. The form is available on the OMV website, and your doctor fills it out to confirm you are safe to drive.
Steps to request reinstatement
Once you have confirmed the suspension reason and completed any required steps (paying fines, finishing a course, getting a medical clearance), you are ready to request reinstatement.
By phone: Call the Louisiana OMV at 225-925-6146. Tell them you want to reinstate your license, provide your driver's license number, and ask what documents to send. They will give you a mailing address and tell you whether you need to include a check for the reinstatement fee.
By mail: Write to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Include your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you have met any conditions (such as a paid receipt or course completion certificate), and a check for the reinstatement fee if one applies. Keep a copy of everything you send.
In person: Visit your local OMV office with your photo ID, driver's license, proof of meeting any conditions, and payment for the reinstatement fee. Staff will process your request on the spot in many cases, though some suspensions require additional review and may take a few days.
Reinstatement fees and what to expect for timing
Reinstatement fees vary by suspension reason. A fee for points or a traffic violation is usually $100 to $200. A DUI reinstatement fee is typically $250 to $500. Some suspensions have no fee at all — for example, a medical suspension lifted by a doctor's clearance may only require you to renew your license at the normal cost.
Ask the OMV staff what the exact fee is for your situation before you send payment. Fees can change, and you want to make sure your check or money order is for the correct amount. If you pay by check, make it out to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. If you go in person and all your documents are in order, reinstatement can happen the same day. If you mail your request, allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing. If the OMV needs to verify something with a court or another agency, it may take longer.
What to do if you cannot meet a reinstatement condition
If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, the OMV may allow you to pay in installments. Call 225-925-6146 and ask whether a payment plan is available for your situation.
If you cannot complete a required course or program because of cost or access, ask the OMV whether any low-cost or free options exist in your area. Some nonprofits and community colleges offer DUI education courses at reduced rates. The OMV staff may be able to point you toward resources.
If you believe your suspension was issued in error or if you have circumstances that make reinstatement impossible right now, you can request a hearing before the OMV. Ask for information about the hearing process when you call.
After your license is reinstated
Once the OMV approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, or you can pick it up at an OMV office. Your new license will have a new number and expiration date.
If your license was suspended for points or a violation, your driving record will still show the suspension history, but you will be able to drive legally again. If you accumulate more violations, you risk another suspension, so pay attention to traffic laws going forward.
If your suspension was for DUI and you were required to install an ignition interlock device, you must have it installed before you drive. The device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Keep all receipts and maintenance records for the device, as you may need to show them to the OMV later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait until you receive your new license in the mail or pick it up at an OMV office.
What if I moved out of state — can I still reinstate my Louisiana license?
Yes. You can request reinstatement by mail or phone no matter where you live. If you plan to move to another state permanently, you may want to switch to that state's license instead. Contact the OMV to discuss your options.
Do I have to take a driving test to get my license back?
Not always. Most reinstatements do not require a new driving test. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation or if your license has been expired for a very long time, the OMV may require you to pass a written test or vision test. Ask when you call.
What if the court or agency that suspended my license says the matter is resolved, but the OMV still shows a suspension?
There can be a delay between when a court resolves a case and when that information reaches the OMV. Call the OMV and provide the court case number or ticket number. Ask them to contact the court directly to verify the status. This usually clears up the issue within a few days.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe fines?
No. If your suspension is for unpaid fines, you must pay them first. However, if you cannot pay the full amount, ask the court whether you can set up a payment plan. Once the court approves the plan, notify the OMV and they may reinstate your license while you pay.