Louisiana driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
The fastest route is online at omv.louisiana.gov if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving. The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs $32.50 for a four-year renewal or $65 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is already expired, you need to update your address, or you are renewing for the first time after turning 60—you must go to an OMV office in person or mail in an process. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and produces a license you can use when ready. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at omv.louisiana.gov works only if your license is current, you have not changed your name or address, and you have no medical restrictions to report.
- In-person renewal at any OMV office lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day and a permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 days.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process, proof of residency, and your current license, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date OMV receives it.
- Louisiana licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card; you can renew up to 6 months before expiration without penalty.
- Renewal fees are $32.50 for four years or $65 for eight years, and you must bring a valid form of ID and proof of Louisiana residency to any in-person appointment.
Online renewal through the OMV website
Visit omv.louisiana.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.
Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license has not expired, you have not changed your legal name, you have not moved to a different address, you have no new medical conditions or restrictions, and you are not renewing for the first time after age 60. If any of these do not explore to you, proceed to in-person or mail renewal instead.
After you complete the online form and pay by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives and your current license has expired, you can print a temporary license from the confirmation page—this is valid for 30 days.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Find your nearest OMV office at omv.louisiana.gov/locations. You can schedule an appointment online or walk in during business hours; appointment wait times are usually shorter. Bring your current driver's license, one form of valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and one document proving your current Louisiana address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days).
The OMV staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed, you can update it during this visit. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may need to bring a form signed by your doctor.
The in-person fee is $32.50 for a four-year renewal or $65 for an eight-year renewal, payable by cash, debit, or credit card. If you are 60 or older, you must renew in person; the OMV may require a vision test or medical form depending on your age and driving record.
Mail renewal by process
Request a renewal process by calling the OMV at 225-925-6009 or read it from omv.louisiana.gov. Complete the process and include a copy of your current driver's license, one form of valid ID, and one document proving your Louisiana address (same documents as in-person renewal). Do not send your original license—send a copy only.
Mail the completed process and documents to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32.50 (four years) or $65 (eight years) made payable to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope, so mail it early if your license is close to expiring.
You will not receive a temporary license by mail. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. For this reason, mail renewal is best used only if your license is not expiring for at least 4 to 5 weeks.
Renewal timing and expiration dates
Your Louisiana driver's license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to 6 months before that date without any penalty or extra fee. If you renew after your license has expired, you still pay the standard renewal fee—there is no late fee in Louisiana.
Licenses issued to drivers under 60 are valid for four years. Licenses issued to drivers 60 and older are valid for four years as well, though the OMV may require a vision test or medical clearance at renewal. If you turn 60 between renewals, your next renewal will still follow the four-year cycle from your current expiration date.
Check the expiration date on your license now. If it is within 6 months, you can start the renewal process when ready through any of the three methods. If it has already expired, you can still renew, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license has expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods, but you cannot use an expired license as a valid form of ID. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must go to an OMV office in person to get a temporary license on the spot. You cannot renew online if your license is expired.
Bring your expired license, one other valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address. The OMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. This temporary license allows you to drive legally during the waiting period.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew in person or by mail. Bring proof of your new Louisiana address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days).
If you have changed your legal name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. Name changes cannot be processed online or by mail.
If you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if a previous condition has improved, inform the OMV staff during in-person renewal or note it on the mail process. You may be asked to provide a form signed by your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to 6 months before your expiration date without penalty or extra cost. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your birthday. The new license will have a new expiration date four or eight years from the date you renew.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to an OMV office in person with one valid form of ID and proof of your address. The OMV will issue a replacement license on the spot. If you also need to report the loss for fraud protection, ask the staff about filing a report at the same time.
How long does a temporary license last?
A temporary paper license issued in person at an OMV office is valid for 30 days. A temporary license printed from the online renewal confirmation page is also valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license covers you if there is a delay.
Do I need a medical exam to renew my license in Louisiana?
Most drivers do not need a medical exam. However, if you are 60 or older, the OMV may require a vision test or ask you to provide a medical form signed by your doctor, depending on your driving record and any reported medical conditions. Call your local OMV office before your appointment if you are unsure.
What if my renewal process gets lost in the mail?
If you mailed your process and do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact the OMV at 225-925-6009 with your confirmation details. They can check the status of your process and remail it if needed. For faster results, consider renewing in person at your nearest OMV office instead.