How to Renew Your Louisiana Driver's License

Where and how to renew your Louisiana license

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location, or online through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it is only available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit an OMV office. Bring your current license, proof of Louisiana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of the new address. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — the fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid for.

OMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means a shorter wait. You can find the OMV office nearest you and check current wait times on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical suspensions or recent violations.
In-person renewal at an OMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or equivalent document.
OMV offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some Saturday morning hours; wait times are shortest early in the week.
The renewal fee depends on the type of license and the validity period you choose; payment is accepted by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

How long your renewed license lasts

Louisiana driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. When you renew, you choose whether to get a four-year license or an eight-year license. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Both are Real ID compliant, which means they meet federal standards for air travel and entry to federal buildings.

Your license becomes invalid on the expiration date printed on the front. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have already submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal — a receipt from the OMV or a confirmation email from online renewal — but this does not prevent a citation.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online and must go to an OMV office in person. You will need the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or equivalent. The OMV will treat this as a renewal rather than a new process, so you will not need to retake the written or vision test unless the OMV staff member identifies a reason to do so.

Driving with an expired license is a violation in Louisiana. If you are stopped, you can be cited even if you are on your way to the OMV to renew. If your license has been expired for several years, contact your local OMV office before visiting to ask whether any additional steps are required — some offices may ask you to bring extra documentation or may have specific procedures for very old expirations.

Renewing by mail or through a third party

Louisiana does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either online or in person at an OMV office. There is no third-party renewal service — you cannot have someone else renew your license on your behalf, and no private company can do it for you.

If you are unable to visit an OMV office due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local OMV office directly to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to renew with information or may have other options available. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety website lists phone numbers for each OMV location.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspensions, or violations of traffic laws. You must resolve the underlying issue before the OMV will process a renewal.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, visit the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website and use the license status check tool, or call your local OMV office. They can tell you the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person, depending on how long your license has been expired.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses follow different renewal rules than regular licenses. A Louisiana CDL is valid for four years and must be renewed in person at an OMV office — there is no online option for CDL renewal. You will need your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security card, and a valid medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) certified medical examiner.

The medical certificate must be dated within 24 months of your renewal date. If your certificate has expired or will expire before your renewal is complete, you must have a new one issued before the OMV will process your renewal. You may also need to retake the written test and the skills test, depending on the class of CDL and any violations or suspensions on your record. Contact your local OMV office for specific requirements before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or equivalent document.

What counts as proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days and show your name and current Louisiana address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency for renewal purposes.

Do I have to retake the written test when I renew?

No. A standard renewal does not require you to retake the written or vision test. However, if the OMV staff member has reason to believe your vision or knowledge has changed, or if you have certain violations on your record, they may ask you to test. If you are renewing a CDL, you may need to retake tests depending on your record and the class of license.

How much does it cost to renew in Louisiana?

The fee varies based on the type of license and how long you want it valid for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount is listed on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website. Payment is accepted by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at OMV offices.

What if I move out of Louisiana after renewing?

Your Louisiana license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you move to another state. However, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law — typically 30 to 60 days after establishing residency. Driving with an out-of-state license after you have moved is illegal in most states.

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.