What you need to do to reinstate your Louisiana driver's license
To reinstate your Louisiana driver's license, you must contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), pay any reinstatement fees, and meet the specific requirements that caused your license to be suspended or revoked in the first place. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. Each reason has different requirements and different fees.
You cannot straightforward renew your license online or at a kiosk if it has been suspended or revoked. You must go through a formal reinstatement process, which usually means visiting an OMV office in person or submitting documents by mail. The process can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license for work or other essential travel.
Key Takeaways
- The reinstatement fee in Louisiana ranges from $100 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension, and you must pay this before your license is restored.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension — such as paying traffic fines, completing a DUI program, or proving child support payments are current — before reinstatement is possible.
- The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles handles reinstatement; you can contact them by phone at 225-925-6146 or visit an office in person with required documents.
- Reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after you submit all required documents and fees, though some cases take longer if additional verification is needed.
- If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you may be able to set up a payment plan instead of paying the full amount at once.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
Louisiana suspends driver's licenses for many different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic tickets or fines, DUI or DWI convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines in full or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket. Once the court confirms payment or an active payment plan, you can request reinstatement from the OMV. If your suspension is related to child support, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) must clear your case — usually by confirming that you are current on payments or have a court-approved payment arrangement.
For DUI or DWI suspensions, you typically must complete a substance abuse program, pay court fines, and serve any required suspension period before reinstatement is possible. If your suspension is for failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current insurance to the OMV. For point-based suspensions, you may need to wait out a mandatory suspension period or take a defensive driving course, depending on how many points you accumulated.
The reinstatement fee and how to pay it
Louisiana charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. The fee is typically between $100 and $250. You must pay this fee along with any other outstanding fines or fees before your license can be reinstated. The OMV does not refund reinstatement fees, even if your reinstatement is denied for any reason.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by check, money order, or credit card when you submit your reinstatement request. If you are paying in person at an OMV office, you can also pay with cash. If you are submitting documents by mail, include a check or money order made payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash through the mail.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court or agency that issued the original fine or suspension to ask about a payment plan. Some courts will allow you to make monthly payments, which may allow you to move forward with reinstatement once a plan is in place.
How to submit your reinstatement request
You have two main options: visit an OMV office in person or submit your request by mail. Visiting in person is usually faster because staff can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing. If you submit by mail, the process takes longer because documents must be received, reviewed, and processed.
To find the OMV office nearest you, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website or call 225-925-6146. When you visit, bring your current ID, proof that you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension (such as a court receipt showing fines paid or a letter from DCFS confirming child support is current), and payment for the reinstatement fee. If your license was suspended for insurance reasons, bring proof of current insurance.
If you submit by mail, send your documents to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason you are requesting reinstatement. Enclose copies (not originals) of all supporting documents and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Keep copies of everything you send.
What happens after you submit your request
After the OMV receives your reinstatement request, staff will review your documents to confirm that you have met all requirements. This review typically takes two to four weeks. If everything is in order, the OMV will reinstate your license and mail you a new one. If documents are missing or incomplete, the OMV will contact you by phone or mail to ask for additional information.
During the review period, your license remains suspended. You cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted a complete reinstatement request. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, you may be able to request a temporary driving permit from the OMV, though these are granted only in limited circumstances such as for work or medical reasons.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new physical license in the mail within one to two weeks. Your new license will have the same number as your previous license unless the OMV issues you a new one for security reasons.
If your reinstatement request is denied
The OMV may deny your reinstatement request if you have not fully resolved the underlying reason for suspension, if you have submitted incomplete documents, or if new violations have occurred since the suspension. If your request is denied, the OMV will send you a letter explaining the reason and what additional steps you need to take.
If you believe the denial was made in error, you can request a hearing before the OMV. Contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 to ask about the hearing process. You will have an opportunity to present evidence and explain your situation to an OMV hearing officer.
Special situations and alternatives
If your license was suspended for multiple reasons, you must resolve all of them before reinstatement. For example, if your license was suspended for both unpaid traffic fines and failure to maintain insurance, you must pay the fines and provide proof of current insurance before the OMV will reinstate your license.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the reinstatement process is the same, but some CDL suspensions carry additional requirements such as medical certification or additional training. Contact the OMV to confirm what is required for your specific situation.
If you are unable to drive legally while your reinstatement is pending, consider using public transportation, rideshare services, or asking friends or family for rides. Some employers offer flexible work arrangements or temporary schedule changes for employees whose licenses are suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the OMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and further suspension. You may request a temporary driving permit for work or medical reasons, but these are rarely granted.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after the OMV receives a complete request with all required documents and fees. If documents are missing or incomplete, the process takes longer. Submitting in person at an OMV office is usually faster than mailing documents.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee all at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the original fine or suspension to ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow monthly payments. Once you have a court-approved payment plan in place, you may be able to move forward with reinstatement even if you have not paid the full amount.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer, but one can help if your case is complicated or if your reinstatement request was denied. A lawyer can also help you understand your options if you owe money to multiple agencies or courts.
What if I lost my license or it was damaged?
If your license was suspended and you have also lost or damaged it, you still must go through the reinstatement process. Once your license is reinstated, the OMV will mail you a new one. You do not need to replace it separately.