What you need to do to renew your Louisiana registration

Louisiana car registration renews every year or every two years, depending on your vehicle type. You renew through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at an OMV office — the method you choose depends on whether your vehicle passed inspection and whether you have any unpaid tickets or tax issues.

The fastest route is online through the OMV website if your vehicle is current on inspections and you have no outstanding violations. If you renew by mail or in person, the process takes longer but works the same way: you submit proof of inspection, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new registration card and decal.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana registration renews annually or biennially depending on your vehicle, and you must renew through the Office of Motor Vehicles, not through a third party.
  • Your vehicle must pass a Louisiana safety and emissions inspection before you can renew, and you need proof of that inspection to complete the renewal.
  • Online renewal is available if your vehicle has no inspection failures, no unpaid tickets, and no tax holds, and takes a few minutes to complete.
  • Renewal fees vary by vehicle weight and type, and you can pay by credit card online or by check or money order if you renew by mail.
  • If your registration expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive the vehicle and risk a fine if stopped by law enforcement.

Get your vehicle inspected first

Before you renew your registration, your vehicle must pass a Louisiana safety and emissions inspection. This inspection is separate from the registration renewal itself — you complete it at an inspection station, not at the OMV office. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, emissions system, and other safety equipment.

Find an inspection station near you on the OMV website or by calling the OMV at 225-925-6000. When you pass inspection, the station gives you a receipt or inspection report. Keep this document — you will need it to prove your vehicle passed when you renew your registration. If your vehicle fails inspection, you must fix the problem and return to the station for a re-inspection before you can renew.

Renew online if you are may be able to access

Online renewal through the OMV website is the fastest method if your vehicle meets these conditions: it passed inspection, you have no unpaid traffic tickets, you have no tax holds, and your license plate has not been suspended. Go to the OMV website, select "Renew Registration," and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number.

The system will show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type. You pay by credit card, and your new registration card and decal are mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can drive legally while you wait for the physical decal to arrive, as long as your current registration has not yet expired.

Renew by mail if you prefer not to go in person

To renew by mail, read the registration renewal form from the OMV website or request one by calling 225-925-6000. Fill out the form completely, including your vehicle information and current registration number. Attach your inspection report or receipt and a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the "Office of Motor Vehicles."

Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. Your new registration card and decal will be mailed to the address on file. Do not let your current registration expire while you wait — if it does, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date to avoid this problem.

Renew in person at an OMV office

You can renew in person at any OMV office in Louisiana. Bring your current registration card, your inspection report or receipt, and a valid photo ID. If your vehicle is registered to more than one person, all owners should be present, though some offices allow one owner to renew on behalf of the others if they have written permission.

OMV offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though hours vary by location. Call ahead or check the OMV website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours. In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the renewal fee by cash, check, or credit card, and you receive your new registration card and decal on the spot.

Understand the renewal fee and what affects it

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its type — passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other classification. Fees range but are typically between $50 and $150 for a standard passenger vehicle. The OMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle information to see the exact amount you will owe.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. For example, vehicles owned by disabled veterans or certain nonprofit organizations may pay a lower rate. If you believe your vehicle qualifies for a reduced fee, bring documentation of your status when you renew in person, or call the OMV before you renew online to confirm the fee.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If your registration has expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Stop driving it when ready and renew as soon as possible. You will still need a current inspection report to renew, so if your inspection also expired, get that done first.

When you renew an expired registration, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount varies depending on how long the registration has been expired. Renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process described above — the only difference is the additional cost. Once your renewal is processed, you can legally drive again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my Louisiana registration last?

Most passenger vehicles renew annually, meaning your registration is valid for one year from the expiration date on your card. Some vehicle types, such as certain commercial vehicles, may renew on a different schedule. Check your current registration card to see your expiration date, or call the OMV at 225-925-6000 to confirm your vehicle's renewal cycle.

Can I renew my registration if my inspection failed?

No. You must pass inspection before the OMV will process your renewal. Fix the problem that caused the failure, return to the inspection station for a re-inspection, and then renew your registration using your new inspection report.

What if I move to a different address after I renew?

Contact the OMV to update your address on file. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Your registration card itself does not need to be replaced — the OMV will have your new address in their system, and your next renewal notice will be mailed to the correct location.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

If you renew online or by mail, you can handle it yourself from anywhere. If you renew in person and the vehicle is registered to multiple owners, one owner can renew on behalf of the others if they bring written permission from the other owners and a copy of their ID. Call the OMV office ahead of time to confirm their policy on this.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Louisiana. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will receive a citation and a fine. The amount of the fine depends on how long your registration has been expired. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this penalty.