What you need to do to renew in Louisiana
Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person — mail and online are only for licenses that are current or expired less than three years.
The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so check your mailbox around that time. The notice tells you which method works for your situation and includes the fee amount, which varies based on how long you want the license to last (usually three, five, or eight years).
Louisiana does not require a vision test or written exam during renewal unless your license was suspended, revoked, or you have a medical condition flagged in the system. Most people straightforward update their information and pay the fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail or online only if your license is current or expired within the last three years; otherwise you must go in person to an OMV office.
- The state mails a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration and includes the fee amount and instructions for your specific situation.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is processed within one business day; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
- You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment; some people also need proof of legal name change or updated medical information.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice the state sent you and mail it back with your current or expired license, a check or money order for the fee, and a copy of a proof of residency document. Acceptable residency proofs include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
Mail your packet to the address printed on the renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date OMV receives it. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal — use online or in-person instead.
If you have changed your name since your last license, include a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, OMV may request updated medical documentation before approving the renewal.
Renewing online
Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website is the fastest option. You will need your current or expired license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system verifies your identity using this information and then walks you through updating your address, phone number, and other details.
After you submit payment, your renewal is processed within one business day. Your new license ships by mail within five to seven business days. You can check the status of your order on the OMV website using your license number and date of birth.
Online renewal is available only if your license is current or expired within the last three years. If you have a medical condition or name change, you may not be able to complete the full renewal online — the system will tell you to visit an OMV office instead.
Renewing in person at an OMV office
Visit any Office of Motor Vehicles location with your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment. Bring the original or a certified copy of any document proving a legal name change. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts so the vision test can be done with them on.
OMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Louisiana OMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times are often shorter if you schedule an appointment online first.
In-person renewal is completed the same day in most cases. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within five to seven business days. This is the only option if your license expired more than three years ago, and it is also required if you have a suspended or revoked license.
Fees and how long your new license lasts
Louisiana driver's license renewal fees depend on the validity period you choose. You can renew for three years, five years, or eight years. The longer the validity period, the higher the upfront fee, but the lower your cost per year. Your renewal notice shows the fee for each option.
The fee does not change based on which renewal method you use — mail, online, and in-person all cost the same. If you are over 70 years old, you may be charged a different fee; check your renewal notice or call your local OMV office to confirm.
If you renew before your current license expires, your new license's expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew. This means you do not lose any time on your license by renewing early.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit an OMV office in person. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will check the status of your suspension or revocation and tell you what steps you need to take before renewal is possible.
Suspensions and revocations are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. You may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course, or provide proof that child support is current before OMV will process your renewal. The OMV office can give you a list of what is required in your specific case.
What happens if you drive on an expired license
Driving on an expired Louisiana license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you can be cited and fined. However, if your license expired within the last 30 days and you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal request, many officers will not issue a citation — they may issue a warning instead. Keep your renewal notice or online confirmation with you while your new license is in the mail.
If your license expired more than 30 days ago, you are driving without a valid license, which carries a higher fine and possible court appearance. Renew as soon as possible, even if you have not received your renewal notice in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana license if I moved out of state?
No. You must hold a valid Louisiana address to renew a Louisiana license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Louisiana license to any OMV office or by mail.
What if I never received my renewal notice?
Contact your local OMV office or call the state OMV customer service line. They can confirm your address on file and resend the notice, or you can proceed with renewal using the online or in-person method. Bring proof of your current address to an OMV office if you renew in person.
Do I need a new photo for license renewal?
If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license is used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within five to seven business days. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact OMV to report it.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For mail renewal, yes — someone can mail your packet on your behalf. For online renewal, only you can log in and complete it. For in-person renewal, you must appear in person at the OMV office; a family member cannot renew it for you.