Louisiana driver's licenses expire every four or six years depending on your age, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
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 your hands. Most people renew before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Louisiana. The OMV website shows your expiration date and which renewal method works for your situation.
Your license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. If you were born in an odd-numbered year, your license is valid for six years; if you were born in an even-numbered year, it is valid for four years. You can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana driver's licenses expire on your birthday and last either four or six years depending on your birth year, not your age.
- You can renew online if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
- Mail renewal is available for valid licenses and costs less than in-person renewal, but takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office is required if your license is expired, damaged, or if you need a new photo or address change.
- You will need your current license, proof of Louisiana residency, and a valid form of identification to renew in any method.
Online renewal through the OMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You go to the Louisiana OMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
Online renewal costs $32.50 for a four-year license or $48.75 for a six-year license. You cannot change your address, name, or photo online. If you need any of those changes, you must renew in person at an OMV office.
Mail renewal for valid licenses
Mail renewal works if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo. You read the renewal form from the OMV website (form DL-44), fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of Louisiana residency to the address shown on the form.
Mail renewal costs $28 for a four-year license or $42 for a six-year license — less than online renewal. Processing takes two to three weeks after the OMV receives your envelope. You cannot use mail renewal if your license is expired, damaged, or if you need to change your address or photo.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address or name, or if your license is damaged or lost. Bring your current license (or a valid ID if your license is expired), proof of Louisiana residency such as a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security number. The OMV office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or within a few days.
In-person renewal costs $32.50 for a four-year license or $48.75 for a six-year license. Wait times vary by location and time of day. The OMV website shows all office locations, hours, and current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly.
What documents you need for any renewal method
All renewal methods require your current Louisiana driver's license or a valid form of identification if your license is expired. You also need proof of Louisiana residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. If you are renewing by mail, you need a check or money order; online and in-person renewals accept credit or debit card.
If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. The OMV website lists all acceptable documents for each type of change.
Expired licenses and late renewal
Driving with an expired Louisiana license is illegal, even if you have applied for renewal. If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to an OMV office in person. Bring your expired license, valid identification, and proof of residency. The OMV will issue your renewed license when ready or within a few days.
There is no penalty fee for renewing after expiration in Louisiana, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you were stopped while driving with an expired license, you could receive a citation. If your license expired more than a year ago, the OMV may require you to retake the written and vision tests before issuing a new license.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you must go to an OMV office in person. Bring valid identification and proof of Louisiana residency. If your license was stolen, you can report it to the OMV at the same time you explore for a replacement. The OMV will issue your new license when ready or within a few days and charge you the standard renewal fee.
You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, though you may want one for your records. If your license was damaged in a way that makes it unreadable (water damage, torn barcode, faded photo), bring the damaged license with you so the OMV can see the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Louisiana license if I live out of state now?
No. Louisiana requires proof of current residency to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can contact the OMV to find out how to surrender your Louisiana license if you wish.
What happens if I renew online but my license arrives damaged?
Contact the OMV with your order number and a photo of the damage. The OMV will reissue your license at no additional cost. Keep the damaged license until you receive the replacement.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an OMV office?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. Many OMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait one to three hours depending on the office and time of day.
Can I renew my license if my name has changed since I got it?
Yes. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You must renew in person at an OMV office; you cannot change your name online or by mail.
How long is my renewed license valid after I receive it?
Your renewed license is valid for four or six years from your birthday in the year you renew, depending on your birth year. The expiration date is printed on the front of your new license.