How to Get and Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

What you need to get a Louisiana driver's license

Louisiana issues driver's licenses through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which operates as part of the Department of Public Safety. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you'll visit an OMV office in person with specific documents. Louisiana does not issue licenses by mail or online process.

You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Louisiana residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For residency, Louisiana accepts utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or insurance documents dated within the last 60 days.

If you're explore for your first license, you'll also need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. The knowledge test covers Louisiana traffic laws and road signs. The driving test happens at the OMV office with an examiner in your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

Louisiana requires you to visit an OMV office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency dated within 60 days.
First-time applicants must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test before receiving a license.
Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 70 and two years for drivers 70 and older.
Renewal can happen at an OMV office or through the mail if your license is not suspended and you meet certain conditions.
The cost varies by license type and age, ranging from around $20 to $60 depending on what you're getting.

Costs and license validity periods

A standard four-year driver's license costs approximately $28 for drivers under 70. Drivers 70 and older receive a two-year license for approximately $14. These prices can vary slightly by OMV office location, so confirm the exact fee when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office.

Louisiana driver's licenses expire four years from the date of issue for most drivers. If you're 70 or older, your license expires after two years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which means you don't have to wait until the last minute.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must reapply in person as if getting a new license. This means retaking both the written and driving tests.

Renewing your Louisiana license by mail

You can renew by mail only if your current license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and you meet Louisiana's mail renewal conditions. The OMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. This notice includes instructions and a form you can complete and mail back with payment.

Mail renewal takes approximately four to six weeks from the time the OMV receives your completed form and payment. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. During this time, you can still drive legally using your current license until it expires.

If you have had any traffic violations, suspensions, or other issues since your last license was issued, you may not be may be able to access for mail renewal. The renewal notice will indicate whether you can renew by mail or must visit an OMV office in person.

Getting a REAL ID-compliant license

Louisiana offers REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs slightly more than a standard license—approximately $35 to $40 depending on the license type.

To get a REAL ID license, you must provide the same documents as a standard license plus additional proof. You'll need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Louisiana residency. Some documents can serve double duty—for example, a utility bill counts as both identity verification and residency proof for REAL ID purposes.

If you already have a standard Louisiana driver's license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so at any OMV office. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire. Bring your current license and the additional documents required for REAL ID conversion.

Finding an OMV office and scheduling your visit

Louisiana has OMV offices in most parishes (counties). You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. During busy periods, walk-in wait times can exceed two hours, so calling ahead or scheduling an appointment is recommended.

To schedule an appointment, call the OMV office directly or use the online appointment system on the Department of Public Safety website if your parish offers it. When you call or book online, have your current license number or identification information ready. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance during peak seasons.

If you cannot reach your local OMV office or need to travel to a different parish, you can visit any OMV office in Louisiana. Your residency proof must still show a Louisiana address, but the office does not have to be in your home parish.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

A suspended license means you cannot drive legally during the suspension period, but the suspension is temporary and can be lifted. A revoked license means your driving privilege has been cancelled and you must reapply for a new license after the revocation period ends. Suspensions typically result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Revocations usually result from serious violations like DUI convictions.

If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue—paying fines, appearing in court, or completing a required program—before the OMV will lift the suspension. Contact the court or the OMV directly to find out what steps you need to take. Once the issue is resolved, the OMV will notify you that your suspension has been lifted.

If your license has been revoked, you cannot drive until the revocation period ends. After that period expires, you must visit an OMV office and reapply for a new license, including retaking the written and driving tests. The OMV will tell you when you become may be able to access to reapply.

Changing your name or address on your license

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Louisiana residency to any OMV office. The fee for a name change is approximately $10 to $15.

If you move within Louisiana, you can update your address by mail or in person. To update by mail, complete the address change form available on the Department of Public Safety website and mail it with your current license and a copy of your new residency proof. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks. You do not need to pay a fee for an address-only change.

If you move out of Louisiana, your Louisiana license remains valid until it expires, but you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. Holding licenses from multiple states is illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written driving test online?

No. Louisiana requires you to take the written knowledge test in person at an OMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. The test covers Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Louisiana Driver's Guide, which is available on the Department of Public Safety website.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at any time, but you must schedule another appointment at an OMV office. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each test attempt costs the standard license fee. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after additional practice.

Do I need to renew my license if I move to another state?

No, your Louisiana license remains valid until it expires. However, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires—typically 30 to 60 days after moving. Holding active licenses from multiple states is illegal.

Can I get a duplicate license if mine is lost or stolen?

Yes. Visit any OMV office with proof of identity and residency. A duplicate license costs approximately $10 to $15 and is processed on the spot or within a few days. You do not need to retake any tests for a duplicate.

What documents do I need if I'm a non-citizen?

Non-citizens can obtain a Louisiana driver's license if they have valid immigration status. You'll need proof of identity, Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), and Louisiana residency. Bring your passport or travel document showing your immigration status. Contact your local OMV office for specific requirements based on your visa type.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.