How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Where and how to renew in Louisiana

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in person, by mail, or online — but not all renewal types work through every method. In-person renewal at an OMV office is the most straightforward route and works for nearly all situations. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. Online renewal through the Louisiana OMV website works only for standard Class D licenses that are not expired and have no address changes.

The fastest option is usually online if you are may be able to access, since you can complete it from home and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at an OMV office takes longer because of wait times — many offices have queues that can stretch several hours — but you walk out with a temporary license valid when ready. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send original documents, which carries the risk of loss in transit.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you hold a standard Class D license — check the OMV website to see if you are may be able to access before starting.
In-person renewal at an OMV office works for all license types and situations, but expect to wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office and time of day.
Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a completed form to the OMV, takes 2 to 3 weeks, and is only available if your license is not expired.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Louisiana residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
Renewal fees in Louisiana are $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

What documents you need for any renewal method

All three renewal methods require the same core documents: a valid form of identification, proof of your current Louisiana address, and your Social Security number. Valid ID includes your current Louisiana driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. If your license is expired, you will need to bring a second form of ID — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID will work.

Proof of residency must be a recent document showing your name and current Louisiana address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, bring a lease agreement or a utility bill in your name plus a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your move-in date.

If you are renewing by mail, you will also need to complete Form OMVMC-1 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash through the mail. The OMV website has the form available as a PDF read.

Online renewal: fastest if you are may be able to access

Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have no address changes since your last renewal, and your license is a standard Class D (non-commercial) license. You cannot renew online if you wear corrective lenses, have medical restrictions, or need to update any information on your license. Check the Louisiana OMV website to see if you are may be able to access before you start — the site has a tool that checks your license number and tells you whether online renewal is an option for you.

If you are may be able to access, go to the OMV website, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The OMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at an OMV office

In-person renewal works for all license types and all situations, including expired licenses, address changes, and medical restrictions. Bring your documents to any OMV office in Louisiana. You do not need to go to the office in your parish — you can visit any location. The OMV website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times for many offices, updated throughout the day.

Arrive early in the day if possible; wait times are typically shortest before 10 a.m. and longest between noon and 3 p.m. When you arrive, take a number from the kiosk and wait to be called. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by debit card (credit cards are not accepted at all OMV offices, so call ahead if you plan to use one). You will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal: slowest but no office visit

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not expired. Complete Form OMVMC-1, include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency, and mail the packet along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents — send copies only, because the OMV will not return them. Include a copy of your current license as well.

Mail your packet to the OMV address shown on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet, plus mail transit time in both directions. You can continue to drive on your current license throughout this time. Your renewed license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If your packet does not arrive or is lost, you will have no proof of renewal, so consider using certified mail or a tracking service.

License types and renewal length

Louisiana offers two renewal periods: a four-year license for $35 and an eight-year license for $60. You choose which length you want at the time of renewal. The eight-year license costs more upfront but spreads the renewal fee over a longer period, so the annual cost is lower. Most people choose the length they had before, but you can switch at any renewal.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and licenses with medical restrictions must be renewed in person at an OMV office. You cannot renew these by mail or online. If your license has a medical restriction, bring documentation from your doctor showing that you still meet the requirements for that restriction.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at an OMV office and bring a second form of ID (such as a passport or birth certificate) in addition to your proof of residency. You cannot use online or mail renewal for licenses expired more than one year.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. If your license is expired and you need to drive before your renewal arrives, renew in person at an OMV office to get a temporary license valid for 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Louisiana driver's license renewal take?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the OMV receives your packet, plus mail transit time.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes, unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent license renewal in Louisiana. However, if you have an unpaid fine related to a suspended license or a serious violation, the OMV may suspend your new license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm your status before renewing.

What if I need to change my address during renewal?

If you are renewing in person, you can update your address at the OMV office. If you are renewing by mail, include your new address on the process form. You cannot change your address through online renewal — if you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an OMV office?

Most OMV offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You take a number and wait your turn. Some offices in high-traffic areas may offer appointment scheduling through the OMV website — check your local office to see if appointments are available.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at an OMV office and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew by mail or online with a name change.

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.