How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

How Louisiana driver's license renewal works

Louisiana renews driver's licenses every four years for most adults. You can renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Louisiana DOTD website if your license is not suspended or revoked. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in hand.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number and instructions for each renewal method. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — you will just need to bring your current license and proof of residency to an OMV office.

Key Takeaways

Louisiana driver's licenses renew every four years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how quickly you need the new license.
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is valid and not suspended, but you will need your renewal number from the notice that arrives in the mail.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo if your license is more than eight years old.
In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need a new photo and do not have a recent one to submit by mail.
The renewal fee is the same regardless of method, but in-person visits may require an appointment depending on your local OMV office.

Online renewal through the Louisiana DOTD website

Online renewal is the fastest method if your license is valid and not under suspension or revocation. You go to the Louisiana DOTD website, enter your driver's license number and renewal number (from your renewal notice), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The process takes about 15 minutes, and your renewed license ships within five to seven business days.

Online renewal does not require a new photo — Louisiana uses your existing photo on file. This works if your current photo is acceptable to you and your license has not been suspended or revoked. If either of those conditions does not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal and photo requirements

To renew by mail, send your renewal notice, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a new photo if your license is more than eight years old. Mail your packet to the address listed on your renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope, so mail early if your license expires soon.

If you need a new photo, you can use any recent color photo that meets Louisiana's photo standards: a clear head-and-shoulders shot taken within the last six months, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. You do not need a professional photo. Include the photo with your renewal packet, and the OMV will scan it into the system.

Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to visit an office or if you have time before your expiration date. The downside is the two- to three-week wait and the risk that your envelope gets lost in transit. If your license expires before the OMV processes your renewal, you cannot legally drive — the new license is what counts, not the process.

In-person renewal at an OMV office

Renewing in person at an OMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your renewed license the same day or within a few days. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you need a new photo, the OMV takes one at the office.

Many OMV offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. Check the Louisiana DOTD website to find your nearest office and see whether appointments are required. Walk-ins are still accepted at some locations, but you may wait longer. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must renew in person and may need to resolve the suspension or revocation first — call your local OMV office to confirm what is required.

What to bring and what it costs

Regardless of renewal method, you need your current driver's license or renewal notice and payment for the renewal fee. The fee amount depends on the type of license (standard, commercial, motorcycle) and does not change based on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Louisiana does not charge extra for a new photo taken at an OMV office.

For mail and in-person renewal, bring proof of Louisiana residency such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address. If you are renewing online, you do not need to submit proof of residency — the system verifies your information against state records.

When your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an OMV office in person. The OMV will not issue a renewed license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Call your local OMV office or check the Louisiana DOTD website to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Each reason has a different resolution process. Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can renew in person at an OMV office the same day.

What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives

If your renewed license does not arrive before your current license expires, you are not legally allowed to drive. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are renewing by mail and your expiration date is approaching, switch to online renewal or visit an OMV office in person to speed up the process.

If you are renewing online and your license expires before the new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Louisiana DOTD website to carry while you wait. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and shows that your renewal is in progress. Check the DOTD website for instructions on printing a temporary license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Louisiana license if I moved out of state?

No. Louisiana only renews licenses for residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Louisiana license to any OMV office or to law enforcement.

What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?

You can still renew without the notice. For online renewal, call the Louisiana DOTD or visit an OMV office to get your renewal number. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency, and the OMV will look up your information in the system.

How long does a renewed license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. Mailing time adds another few days on each end, so plan for four to five weeks total from the time you drop your packet in the mail. Online renewal is faster — five to seven business days from approval.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Only if your current license photo is more than eight years old. If your photo is newer than eight years, you can renew online or by mail without a new photo. If you want a new photo anyway, you can get one taken at an OMV office during in-person renewal.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial licenses renew on the same four-year schedule as standard licenses. You must renew in person at an OMV office — online and mail renewal are not available for commercial licenses. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

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.