What you pay to renew your Louisiana driver's license

A standard Louisiana driver's license renewal costs $35 if you renew by mail or online, or $38 if you renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The difference covers the in-person processing fee. These are the base renewal fees for a four-year license, which is the standard term for most adult drivers in Louisiana.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must appear in person at an OMV office, and the fee remains $38. The state does not charge an additional penalty fee for late renewal, but the in-person requirement adds time and travel cost to your process.

Louisiana also issues eight-year licenses to drivers age 65 and older. That renewal costs $60 in person or $57 by mail or online. Younger drivers cannot choose the longer term; the four-year license is the only option unless you are renewing for the first time after turning 65.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard four-year license renewal is $35 online or by mail, or $38 in person at an OMV office.
  • If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person and pay the $38 fee.
  • Drivers age 65 and older can renew for eight years at a cost of $57 by mail or online, or $60 in person.
  • Louisiana does not charge additional penalties for renewing a license that has been expired, only the standard renewal fee.

When you renew by mail or online versus in person

Renewing by mail or online saves you $3 on the base fee and eliminates a trip to an OMV office. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days after they receive your process. Online renewal through the OMV website is faster — you can complete it in minutes and your new license ships within the same timeframe.

You can renew online or by mail only if your current license is not expired or has been expired for three years or less. If you meet that requirement, you do not need to visit an office. Mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form (Form DL-44), and a check or money order. Online renewal requires you to log into your OMV account and pay by debit or credit card.

In-person renewal at an OMV office takes longer in terms of wait time — you may spend 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day — but you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. This matters if you need to drive when ready after renewal.

Additional fees for special license types

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal fee is $60 in person or $57 by mail. CDL renewals cannot be done online. You must appear in person at an OMV office and bring your current CDL, medical certification (Form MCSA-5876), and a completed process.

If you are renewing an ID card instead of a driver's license, the fee is $20 in person or $17 by mail or online. ID cards are valid for four years and follow the same renewal windows as driver's licenses.

Real ID compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses — there is no separate fee to upgrade or renew to Real ID status. However, you must provide additional documents (a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address) when you renew, even though the fee does not change.

What documents and information you need to bring

For mail or online renewal, you need your current Louisiana driver's license or ID card, proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online, you will need to set up or log into your OMV account using your driver's license number and date of birth.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing a Real ID license, also bring a birth certificate and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

How to find an OMV office and check wait times

Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes, but not all. The state OMV website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have limited Saturday hours. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day — offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Lafayette.

The OMV does not publish real-time wait times online, so calling ahead is the best way to find out how busy an office is. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the OMV website or call your local office to confirm whether you need to schedule a time slot before you go.

Fees for replacing a lost or damaged license

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license before your renewal date, the replacement fee is $20 in person or $17 by mail. This is separate from your renewal fee. If your replacement license arrives close to your renewal date, you will still need to renew on schedule and pay the full renewal fee — the state does not prorate or credit the replacement fee toward your renewal.

Duplicate licenses (a second copy of your current valid license) cost $10 in person or $7 by mail or online. Some drivers order duplicates to keep one at home and carry one with them, though Louisiana does not require you to do so.

Payment methods and processing times

For in-person renewal, OMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.

After you submit your renewal, processing time depends on your method. Online renewal is fastest: your license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes the same time from the date the OMV receives your process, so add 3 to 5 days for postal delivery. In-person renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for your permanent license to arrive by mail, but you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I have moved to a different address?

Yes. Online renewal allows you to update your address at the same time. You will need to provide proof of your new Louisiana address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew a Louisiana license; you must obtain a license from your new state.

What happens if I renew my license but it arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the OMV office that processed your renewal. If the license was damaged in the mail, the OMV will usually replace it at no additional cost. If there is an error in your name, address, or other information, the OMV will correct it and reissue your license without charging you again. Keep your receipt and temporary license as proof of your renewal while you wait for the replacement.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I am over 65?

No. Drivers age 65 and older can renew by mail or online just like younger drivers, as long as their current license is not expired or has been expired for three years or less. The only difference is that you can choose an eight-year renewal term instead of four years, which costs $57 by mail or online, or $60 in person.

Is there a fee to change my name or address during renewal?

No. Name and address changes are included in the renewal fee. You do not pay extra to update either one. You will need to provide the required documents (certified name change document for name changes, proof of residency for address changes), but the fee remains $35 online or by mail, or $38 in person.

What if I let my license expire more than three years ago?

You must renew in person at an OMV office and pay the $38 fee. You cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The OMV does not charge a penalty for the length of time your license has been expired, only the standard in-person renewal fee.