Where and how to renew your Louisiana license
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Online renewal through the OMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to renew early. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is current and you have not changed your name, and takes about 10 minutes with delivery in 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than three years ago, or if you need to update your address or legal name.
- Mail renewal is available for current licenses but takes 4 to 6 weeks, so plan ahead if you are close to expiration.
- The renewal fee in Louisiana is $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, payable by card, check, or money order.
- You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which carries a fine and can complicate insurance claims.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Louisiana driver's license and one document showing your current address. The OMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
If you are changing your legal name, bring your current license plus the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. If you are renewing after your license has expired for more than three years, the OMV may require additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport.
Payment is required at the time of renewal. The OMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash, check, or money order. If paying by check or money order, make it payable to the Office of Motor Vehicles.
Mail renewal timeline and process
Mail renewal is an option only if your license is currently valid and you have not had a name change. You will need to request a renewal form from the OMV website or call 225-925-6146. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the OMV receives your envelope. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on your process. Because of this delay, mail renewal is best if you have at least two months before your license expires. If you are within 30 days of expiration, in-person or online renewal is safer.
Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records. If your renewal does not arrive within six weeks, contact the OMV to confirm receipt and check the status of your process.
Online renewal step-by-step
Go to the OMV website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will be asked to enter your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against the OMV database. If the verification is successful, you will proceed to the next screen.
Review your current address and other license information. If any detail is incorrect, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit an OMV office in person instead. If everything is correct, confirm that you want to renew and proceed to payment.
Enter your payment information. The OMV charges $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed 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.
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than three years. The OMV treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal, and you will need to provide additional documents and may be required to pass a vision test.
You must also visit an OMV office if you have changed your legal name since your last license was issued, if you need to update your address and do not have current proof of residency, or if you want to change your license class or add endorsements such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement.
If you have a Real ID compliant license and want to keep it, you can renew online or by mail. If you do not have a Real ID license and want to obtain one, you must visit an OMV office in person and bring a passport, birth certificate, or other federal ID document along with proof of residency.
License expiration dates and early renewal
Louisiana driver's licenses expire on your birthday four or eight years after issue, depending on which license type you chose. You can renew your license up to 180 days before the expiration date without penalty. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday in four or eight years.
If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you have a grace period of 30 days after expiration to renew without additional penalties. After 30 days, driving with an expired license is a violation and can result in a fine. An expired license also complicates insurance claims if you are in an accident, because your insurer may deny coverage.
If you are a commercial driver (CDL holder), your license renewal rules are different and more frequent. Contact the OMV or visit your local office for CDL-specific renewal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew in person at an OMV office or by mail. If it expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person and the OMV will treat it as a new license process, which may require a vision test and additional documents such as a birth certificate.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You must update your address in person at an OMV office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You cannot update your address online or by mail. The address update is free, but if you are also renewing your license, you will pay the renewal fee.
How long does it take to get my renewed license if I go in person?
If you visit an OMV office in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
Bring your current license, the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency to an OMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. The renewal fee is the same, but processing in person takes about 30 minutes.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
The OMV does not check for outstanding tickets or fines during renewal. However, if you have an unpaid traffic fine, the court may place a hold on your license, which would prevent renewal. Contact the court in the parish where the ticket was issued to check for any holds before you attempt to renew.