What It Costs to Reinstate a Suspended License in Louisiana

Louisiana charges a reinstatement fee of $150 to restore a suspended driver's license. This is a flat fee set by the state, regardless of why your license was suspended. You must pay this fee to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) before your license becomes active again.

The $150 covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement. Some suspensions also require you to pay additional fines, court costs, or restitution — those are separate from the reinstatement fee and depend on the reason for your suspension. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, you may owe the ticket fines on top of the $150.

You cannot drive legally until both the reinstatement fee and any other required payments have been received and processed by OMV. The reinstatement does not happen automatically once you pay — you must submit the fee through the correct channel, and OMV must confirm receipt.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana's reinstatement fee is $150, paid directly to the Office of Motor Vehicles.
  • You may owe additional fines or court costs beyond the $150 fee, depending on why your license was suspended.
  • Payment by mail takes 7 to 10 business days to process; in-person payment at an OMV office is faster.
  • Your license is not reinstated until OMV receives and processes your payment and confirms you have met all other requirements.

How to Pay the Reinstatement Fee

You have three ways to pay the $150 reinstatement fee: by mail, in person at an OMV office, or online through the OMV website. Each method has different processing times.

Paying by mail: Write a check or money order for $150 payable to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Include a letter stating your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Mail it to the address listed on your suspension notice or on the OMV website. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after OMV receives your payment.

Paying in person: Visit any OMV office with a check, money order, or cash. Bring your suspension notice and a photo ID. The fee is processed when ready, though your license may not be printed and mailed the same day. This is the fastest way to confirm your payment was received.

Paying online: The OMV website allows online payment for some suspension types. Go to the Louisiana OMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the payment instructions. Online payments typically process within 24 to 48 hours during business days.

What Else You May Need to Pay

The $150 reinstatement fee is only the first cost. Depending on why your license was suspended, you may owe additional money before OMV will reinstate it.

If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those fines first. If it was for unpaid child support, you must contact the Office of Family Support or the court handling your case — they must confirm the debt is paid or a payment plan is in place before OMV will reinstate you. If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, you may owe court fines, DUI education program fees, or probation costs.

Before you pay the $150 reinstatement fee, contact OMV or the agency that suspended your license to confirm the total amount you owe. Paying only the $150 when you owe more will delay your reinstatement.

How Long Reinstatement Takes After You Pay

Processing time depends on how you pay. If you pay in person at an OMV office, your payment is recorded when ready, but your physical license may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You can request a temporary driving permit on the same day you pay in person, which allows you to drive legally while you wait for your license.

If you pay by mail, add 7 to 10 business days for OMV to receive and process your check, plus another 7 to 10 days for your license to be printed and mailed to you. If you pay online, processing typically takes 24 to 48 hours, followed by 7 to 10 days for your license to arrive.

You can check the status of your reinstatement on the OMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. This tells you whether your payment has been received and whether your license has been mailed.

If You Cannot Pay the Full $150 Right Now

Louisiana does not offer a payment plan for the reinstatement fee itself. The $150 must be paid in full before your license is reinstated. However, if you owe additional fines or court costs beyond the $150, you may be able to set up a payment plan for those through the court or the agency that imposed them.

Contact the agency listed on your suspension notice to ask whether a payment plan is available for the underlying debt. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments. If a payment plan is approved, OMV may reinstate your license once you have made the first payment and have a signed agreement in place, even if the full debt is not yet paid.

If your suspension was for unpaid child support, contact the Office of Family Support to discuss payment options. They have more flexibility than courts do with payment arrangements.

What Happens If You Drive With a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license in Louisiana is a criminal offense. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.

If you are stopped and your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face additional towing and storage fees. A conviction for driving with a suspended license also extends your suspension period and may result in a new suspension on top of the existing one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license online?

You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the OMV website for most suspension types, but you cannot complete the entire reinstatement process online. You must still pay the fee, wait for processing, and receive your license by mail. Some suspensions require additional steps, such as proof of insurance or completion of a DUI program, which must be submitted separately.

What if I lost my suspension notice and don't know where to send the payment?

Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles directly at the phone number on their website or visit an OMV office in person. They can look up your suspension, tell you the total amount owed, and provide the correct mailing address or payment instructions. Bring your driver's license number and date of birth.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?

If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you must first request a hearing or appeal through the agency that suspended your license. If the suspension is overturned, you do not owe the reinstatement fee. If the suspension is upheld, you must pay the $150 to reinstate. Contact OMV or the suspending agency to learn how to request a hearing.

Will my insurance rates go up after I reinstate my license?

Your insurance company may increase your rates or cancel your policy if you had a suspension, depending on the reason for it and your insurer's policies. Contact your insurance agent before you reinstate your license to understand how it may affect your coverage and rates.

Can someone else pay the reinstatement fee for me?

Yes. A family member or friend can pay the $150 fee on your behalf by mail or in person at an OMV office. If paying in person, they should bring your driver's license number and date of birth. If paying by mail, they should include your name, date of birth, and license number in the letter with the check or money order.