Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Louisiana driver's license at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The OMV operates about 60 locations statewide, and you can find the one nearest you on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website. If you renew in person, bring your current driver's 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.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. You'll need to send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (the renewal process), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the OMV website. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any OMV location or by mail if your license is not expired and requires no medical updates.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or number.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, while in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
  • Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of issue if you are under 60, or two years if you are 60 or older.
  • You must renew before your license expires; an expired license cannot be renewed by mail and may require additional steps.

In-person renewal at an OMV office

Walk into any OMV location during business hours with your documents and you can usually complete renewal the same day. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times—check the OMV website for your specific office.

The renewal process itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You'll fill out Form DL-44, have your photo taken (unless you choose to keep your current photo), and pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, the fee for a four-year license is $35 for drivers under 60, and $17.50 for drivers 60 and older. You'll receive your renewed license on the spot, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail if the office is processing a backlog.

Mail renewal process and timeline

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-44 from the OMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address provided. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—do not send cash. The OMV recommends using certified mail so you have proof of delivery, though standard mail works as well.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the OMV receives your process. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the OMV to confirm they received your process. Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired; if it has expired, you must renew in person.

When you cannot renew by mail

Your license must not be expired to use mail renewal. If your license has already expired, you must go to an OMV office in person. Additionally, if you have medical conditions, vision restrictions, or other conditions that require a medical evaluation or update, you cannot renew by mail—you must renew in person so an OMV examiner can review your status.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the OMV or the court system, depending on the reason. Contact the OMV directly to learn what steps are required before you can renew.

Renewing an expired license

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it in person at an OMV office using the standard renewal process. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number. You will pay the standard renewal fee, and your new license will be valid for four years (or two years if you are 60 or older) from the date of issue.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your local OMV office before you go in to confirm what tests you will need to take. Some offices waive the written test if the expiration is recent, but this varies by location and examiner.

License validity and renewal timing

A renewed Louisiana driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 60 years old, or two years if you are 60 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires, which gives you time to plan ahead and avoid the rush near the expiration date.

The OMV does not send renewal reminders, so mark your expiration date on a calendar. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a fine or citation. Plan your renewal at least two to three weeks before your expiration date if you are renewing by mail, or within a few days if you are renewing in person.

What to do if you lose your documents or have name changes

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The OMV will not renew your license under a different name without this document. If you cannot locate your original documents, the OMV can direct you to where to obtain certified copies.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or bank statement. If you do not have your Social Security number available in any form, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the OMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Louisiana does not offer online license renewal. You must renew either in person at an OMV office or by mail. Some states have launched online renewal, but Louisiana has not implemented this option yet.

What if I moved to Louisiana from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it as a Louisiana license at any OMV office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Louisiana residency, and your Social Security card or number. You will receive a Louisiana license valid for four years (or two years if you are 60 or older).

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

A new photo is taken during renewal unless you request to keep your current photo. If you want to keep your existing photo, tell the OMV employee before the photo is taken. This option is available both in-person and by mail (though by mail you would need to note this on your process).

What happens if I renew but my license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the OMV office where you renewed and report the issue. They can issue a replacement license at no additional charge if the error is the OMV's fault. If the license was damaged in the mail, the OMV may reissue it. Bring your damaged license with you when you go to the office.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No, you must renew your license yourself in person or by mail. The OMV requires the license holder to sign the renewal process. Mail renewal is the closest option if you cannot visit an office in person, but you must still sign the form yourself.