Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Louisiana residency (such as 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 name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you are renewing for the first time or your license was lost or stolen.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years. You will receive a renewal packet in the mail before your license expires; follow the instructions inside and return it with the required fee. Online renewal through the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website works similarly but is faster—you can complete it from home and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any OMV office, by mail if your license is valid and you have no recent violations, or online through the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid—check the OMV website for current rates.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Walk into any Office of Motor Vehicles location during business hours with your documents and the renewal fee. Most OMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website.
The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your address and any medical conditions, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the OMV staff for a temporary paper license—they can issue one on the spot that is valid for 30 days.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is more involved. You will need to pass a written test and a road test, and you must renew in person. Check with your local OMV office about scheduling, as CDL renewals often require an appointment.
Online renewal through the Louisiana Office of Public Safety
Visit the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any updates to your personal information.
You cannot upload a new photo online, so the system will use your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired for more than five years, if you have had any violations or suspensions, or if you need to change your name or address. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal and when it is an option
If your license is still valid and you have not had any violations, suspensions, or revocations in the past five years, you may be able to renew by mail. The Louisiana Office of Public Safety will send you a renewal packet about 60 days before your license expires. The packet includes a form, instructions, and a prepaid envelope.
Fill out the form, include the renewal fee (or pay by credit card by following the instructions in the packet), and mail it back in the prepaid envelope. Do not send cash. Your new license will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks of the OMV receiving your packet. Keep track of when you mailed it; if you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the OMV to check the status.
If you do not receive a renewal packet in the mail, you can request one by calling the OMV or visiting the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website. You can also choose to renew online or in person instead of waiting for the packet to arrive.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using the same process as a regular renewal—in person, by mail, or online. You will pay the standard renewal fee plus a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on how long your license has been expired; check the OMV website or call for the current amount.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you will need to pass a written test and a road test, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the full fee for a new license. You can take the written test at any OMV office; the road test must be scheduled separately.
If you are unsure whether your license can be renewed or if you need to reapply, call the OMV or visit the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website to check your license status.
Fees and how long the process takes
The renewal fee for a standard driver's license in Louisiana varies based on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The current fees are listed on the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website; they may change, so check before you renew. If your license has expired, you will also pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for the license to arrive by mail, though you can get a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive when ready. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from when the OMV receives your packet.
If you are renewing close to your expiration date and do not want to risk your license expiring before the new one arrives, renew online or in person at least two weeks before the expiration date.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
You can update your address, phone number, or emergency contact information when you renew your license. If you are renewing in person, tell the OMV staff about any changes and they will update your record. If you are renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm your current address and will let you change it if needed. If you are renewing by mail, fill in any new information on the renewal form.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot update your name online; you must renew in person or by mail. The OMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.
If you need to update your medical information—for example, if you now wear glasses or have a new medical condition—you must renew in person so the OMV can note the change on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the OMV or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. This may involve paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must go in person to an OMV office with your proof of identity and residency. The OMV will issue you a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
How do I know when my license expires?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your driver's license. It is also listed on your license record on the Louisiana Office of Public Safety website if you create an account. You can log in anytime to check the date and see whether you are within the window for renewal.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an OMV office. You will need to pass a written test and a road test. Contact your local OMV office to schedule an appointment, as CDL renewals often require advance booking.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Louisiana license?
You should get a driver's license from your new state. However, if your Louisiana license is still valid and you want to renew it before switching, you can renew online or by mail as long as you provide your current out-of-state address. Your new license will be mailed to that address. After renewal, you can then explore for a license in your new state.