You can renew your Louisiana driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed
Louisiana's online renewal system lets you renew without visiting an office, but only under specific conditions. You must be renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license), your current license cannot be expired for longer than one year, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or new restrictions since your last renewal. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. You will need your current Louisiana driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. Louisiana will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical suspensions or new restrictions.
- You will need your current license number, email address, and a debit or credit card to complete the process online.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and your new license arrives by mail in about one week.
- If your license is expired by more than one year or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles.
How to start the online renewal process
Go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will be directed to create or log into an account using your email address. Have your current driver's license in front of you — you will need to enter your license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address and emergency contact information. Review this carefully, because the address you confirm is where your new license will be mailed. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step. Once you confirm your information, you will move to the payment screen.
Payment and what happens after you submit
Louisiana accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewal. Enter your card information and the system will process the payment when ready. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number — save this in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
After you submit, your renewal enters the processing queue. Louisiana typically processes online renewals within 3 to 5 business days, though during busy periods it can take longer. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address you confirmed. Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days, so plan for up to two weeks total from submission to arrival.
When you cannot renew online and must go in person
If your license has been expired for more than one year, the online system will not let you complete a renewal. You will need to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles with your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. The in-person process takes longer but covers renewals that the online system cannot handle.
You also cannot renew online if your medical status has changed — for example, if you now have a vision restriction, a hearing restriction, or a condition that requires a medical evaluation. Louisiana requires you to see an examiner in person for these renewals. Additionally, if you have any active suspensions or holds on your license, you must resolve those at an office before you can renew.
What to do if your renewal is delayed or you need your license sooner
If more than two weeks have passed since you submitted your online renewal and you have not received your new license, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether it has been mailed or if there is a problem holding it up.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your old license remains valid for driving purposes until it officially expires, even if you have already renewed. You do not need a temporary license or permit. If your old license has already expired and you are waiting for the new one, you should not drive — contact the Office of Motor Vehicles to learn about there is a delay.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
The online renewal process includes a step where you can update your address before you submit. This is the time to make that change — the address you confirm is where your new license will be mailed. If you need to change your address after you have already submitted your renewal, you will have to wait for your new license to arrive and then visit an office to update it, or you can contact the Office of Motor Vehicles to see if they can intercept the mail and reissue it to a new address.
Other information — such as your name, emergency contact, or organ donor status — can also be updated during the online renewal. Review each field carefully before you submit, because corrections after submission require an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my license is expired by more than a year?
You cannot renew online. You will need to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring any documents related to your identity or address to speed up the process.
Can I renew a commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles. The same applies if you have any commercial endorsements on your license.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You can update your address during the online renewal process before you submit. The new address is where your license will be mailed. If you realize the mistake after submitting, contact the Office of Motor Vehicles with your confirmation number to see if they can correct it before the license ships.
Do I need to print anything or bring documents to complete online renewal?
No. The entire process is online and requires no documents or printing. You only need your current license number, email address, and a payment card. Your new license will arrive by mail.
Can someone else renew my license for me online?
No. You must complete the renewal yourself using your own email address and identity verification. The system requires you to enter your license number and date of birth to confirm you are the license holder.