What you'll 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 $32.50 if you renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The difference exists because in-person renewals skip the mailing fee. If you need a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access — the cost is $45 by mail or online, or $42.50 in person.
These prices cover a license valid for four years. Louisiana does not offer a longer renewal period, so you will renew again four years from your renewal date. If you are renewing before your current license expires, you pay the full renewal fee; Louisiana does not prorate the cost based on how much time remains on your old license.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Louisiana driver's license renewal costs $35 online or by mail, or $32.50 in person at an OMV office.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $45 online or by mail, or $42.50 in person, and are required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
- Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date you renew, regardless of when your old license expires.
- You can renew online through the Louisiana OMV website, by mail, or in person; online renewal is usually the fastest option.
- Additional fees explore if you need a duplicate license, a name change, or a corrected address — these are separate from the renewal fee.
Real ID versus standard license: which costs more
Louisiana offers two types of driver's licenses, and the cost difference is $10. A standard license meets Louisiana state requirements but does not meet federal Real ID standards. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted federal ID (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight. If you plan to fly domestically after that date, renewing to a Real ID license now means you will not have to renew again when the important date arrives. If you renew to a standard license, you will need to renew again to Real ID compliance before you fly, which costs you two renewal fees instead of one.
To get a Real ID license, you must provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Louisiana residency when you renew. The OMV website lists what documents count as proof for each category. If you renew online or by mail, you upload images of these documents; if you renew in person, you bring the originals.
Online renewal versus in-person renewal: cost and timing
Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website costs $35 for a standard license or $45 for Real ID, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and you can renew at any time of day. Online renewal requires you to upload images of your documents if you are getting Real ID.
In-person renewal at an OMV office costs $32.50 for a standard license or $42.50 for Real ID. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is useful if you need your license sooner, if you have questions about what documents to submit, or if you are making changes to your license (such as a name change or address correction) at the same time.
Mail renewal costs $35 for standard or $45 for Real ID. You print a form from the OMV website, include copies of your documents, and mail the packet to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the OMV receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions. Mail renewal is the slowest option and is rarely the best choice unless you cannot access the internet or an OMV office.
Additional fees beyond the renewal cost
The renewal fee covers only the license itself. Other changes or requests cost extra. A duplicate license (if you lost your license or need a second copy) costs $10. A name change on your license costs $15 in addition to the renewal fee, and you must provide a court order or marriage certificate as proof. An address correction is free if you are renewing at the same time, but if you need to update your address without renewing your license, that costs $10.
If you need to change your license class (for example, from a standard license to a commercial license), that is treated as a new license process, not a renewal, and costs more. Check the OMV website or call your local OMV office for the fee structure for license class changes.
How to pay your renewal fee
Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check payment. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card; some OMV offices may have additional payment methods. Mail renewal requires a check or money order; do not send cash by mail.
The renewal fee is non-refundable once you submit your process. If you change your mind after paying, you cannot get your money back, though you can choose not to pick up your renewed license when it arrives.
When your renewal fee is waived or reduced
Louisiana does not waive renewal fees for any group, including seniors, military members, or low-income residents. However, if you are renewing your license while you are in active military service or within one year of discharge, you may be able to extend your license validity period at no extra cost. Contact your local OMV office to ask about military extensions.
If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may owe reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee. These fees vary depending on the reason for suspension or revocation. Check with the OMV or your local office for the specific amount you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires, and do I pay the same fee?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. You pay the full renewal fee regardless of how much time remains on your current license. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
What if I renew online but then decide I need to renew in person instead?
Once you submit an online renewal process and pay, you cannot cancel it. Your license will be mailed to you. If you need a license sooner, you can visit an OMV office and pay for an in-person renewal as a separate transaction, but you will lose the money you paid for the online renewal.
Do I have to get a Real ID license when I renew, or can I stick with a standard license?
You can choose either one when you renew. However, after May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another accepted federal ID to board a domestic flight. If you renew to a standard license now and then need to fly, you will have to renew again to Real ID before your flight.
Is there a fee to renew my license if I am a Louisiana resident living out of state?
No, the renewal fee is the same whether you live in Louisiana or out of state. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you move out of state permanently, you should update your address with the OMV so your renewed license reflects your new state.
What happens if I don't pay the renewal fee by a certain date?
There is no important date to renew your license before it expires, but you cannot legally drive once your license expires. If you drive with an expired license, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you can after your license expires to avoid driving illegally.