Louisiana lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website without visiting a location in person, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or changes since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as an in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. If your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the OMV website works only if your license is current and you have had no violations, suspensions, or address changes since your last renewal.
- The online process costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you have a CDL, or you need to change your address, you must renew at an OMV office instead.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The OMV allows online renewal only for standard driver's licenses that are still valid. Your license must not be expired, or if it is expired, it cannot have been expired for more than 30 days. You also cannot have had any address changes, name changes, or corrections to your license information since your last renewal.
You cannot renew online if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you have had a suspension or revocation on your driving record, if you need to add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat), or if you are renewing a license that was issued to someone under 18 years old at the time of issuance. In any of these cases, you must visit an OMV office in person.
Steps to renew your license online
Go to the Louisiana OMV website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct.
Review the vision and medical questions on the form. Answer honestly about any changes to your health or vision since your last renewal. If you answer yes to any medical question, the OMV may require you to visit an office or provide a medical form from your doctor before your renewal is processed.
Choose your payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and enter your card information. The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, but typically ranges from $35 to $60 for a standard five-year renewal. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
The OMV will send you a confirmation email with your transaction number. Keep this email for your records. Your process then enters the processing queue, which usually takes 3 to 5 business days. During this time, the OMV reviews your information and checks for any issues with your driving record.
Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time it ships. You can continue to drive using your old license until your new one arrives. If you need to know the status of your renewal after a week, you can call the OMV at 225-925-6146 with your confirmation number.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you must visit an OMV office. Find your nearest location on the OMV website and check the office hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid payment method.
If you have had an address change, bring proof of your new address. If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, bring documentation showing the suspension or revocation has been lifted. If you need to add endorsements, bring proof of any required training or testing (such as a motorcycle safety course certificate).
In-person renewals are usually processed the same day, and you can drive home with a temporary paper license while your permanent license is mailed to you.
How long your renewed license is valid
Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. When you renew online, you can choose to renew for five years or, in some cases, for a shorter period. Your new license will expire on the date shown on the card itself.
You should begin the renewal process about 60 days before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired no more than 30 days ago. If it has been expired for more than 30 days, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Common reasons online renewal is denied
The most common reason the OMV denies an online renewal is a mismatch between the information you enter and what is in their system. Double-check your Social Security number, date of birth, and license number before submitting. Even a single digit wrong will cause the system to reject your process.
Medical or vision questions can also trigger a denial. If you answer yes to any health question, the OMV may require you to provide a medical certification form signed by your doctor before your renewal is processed. You will receive a letter explaining what form you need and where to send it.
If your renewal is denied, you will receive an email explaining why. You can then either correct the information and try again online, or visit an OMV office in person to complete your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a month ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license is current or expired no more than 30 days ago. If it has been expired for more than 30 days, you must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if I moved and need to change my address on my license?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must visit an OMV office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will update your address and issue your new license the same day.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
After your online renewal is approved (3 to 5 business days), your license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you have not received it after two weeks, contact the OMV with your confirmation number.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an OMV office. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on your endorsements and driving record.
What payment methods does the OMV accept for online renewal?
The OMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will enter your card information on a find payment page. The renewal fee is charged when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email with your transaction number.