Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Louisiana driver's license in person at any Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you're called; mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the OMV receives your materials. You'll need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a completed Form DL-44 if renewing by mail.
If you're renewing in person, bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, proof of Louisiana residency, and your current license. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the OMV office. If your address has changed since your last license, bring two documents showing your new address — one can be the same residency proof you use for the process.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana driver's licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiration or up to six months after.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have no medical restrictions, but the OMV must receive your materials before your license expires.
- In-person renewal at an OMV office requires a vision test and takes about 30 minutes; mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
- The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license; you can choose which term when you renew.
- If you renew by mail and your process is rejected, the OMV will return your materials and you'll need to renew in person instead.
Renewing before or after your expiration date
You can renew your license starting one year before it expires. The OMV recommends renewing at least two months early to avoid delays, especially if you're renewing by mail. If you miss your expiration date, you can still renew up to six months after it expires without penalty — your license straightforward becomes invalid on your birthday, and you cannot drive legally until you renew.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person. You'll still pay the standard renewal fee, but you'll need to retake the written test and vision screening at the OMV office. Expired licenses cannot be used as identification for other purposes, so renewing promptly is important if you need your license for banking, travel, or other transactions.
Mail renewal: when it works and when it doesn't
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than six months) and you have no medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing. If you've changed your name, address, or other information since your last license, you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to add or remove endorsements like a commercial driver's license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement.
To renew by mail, complete Form DL-44, include your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — currently the OMV's Baton Rouge office. Keep a copy of everything you send. The OMV will mail your new license to the address on file; if the office rejects your process, they'll return your materials and you'll need to visit an OMV office in person to complete the renewal.
In-person renewal at an OMV office
Walk into any OMV location during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The office will take a new photo, run a vision screening, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
If you're renewing in person and your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. One can be your proof of residency; the second can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail. The OMV office will verify your information against state records and may ask follow-up questions if anything doesn't match. Processing time is usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
Choosing your license term and paying the fee
When you renew, you can choose between a four-year license ($35) or an eight-year license ($60). The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. Most people choose based on how long they plan to keep their current address and whether they want to avoid the renewal process for as long as possible. If you're renewing by mail, specify which term you want on your Form DL-44.
Payment by mail must be by check or money order made out to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. In person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — accepted cards vary by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you're paying by mail and your check bounces, the OMV will return your process and you'll need to resubmit with a valid payment method.
What happens if your renewal is delayed or rejected
If you renew by mail and the OMV receives your materials after your license expires, your process will be rejected and returned to you. You'll then need to renew in person at an OMV office. If your process is rejected for other reasons — missing documents, illegible information, or a mismatch with state records — the OMV will return your materials with a letter explaining the problem. You can correct the issue and resubmit by mail, or visit an office in person to resolve it when ready.
If you're renewing in person and the OMV finds a problem with your documents or information, staff will tell you on the spot and give you a chance to correct it or provide additional documentation. If you cannot resolve it that day, you'll need to return with the correct documents. In-person renewal is generally faster and more reliable because you can address issues when ready rather than waiting for mail to go back and forth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspension or revocation?
No. You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an OMV office in person, where staff will check your driving record and tell you whether you're able to renew. If your suspension or revocation is still active, you'll need to resolve that issue first — usually by paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period — before you can renew.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You'll need to renew in person at an OMV office. Bring proof of residency, your Social Security number or ITIN, and any other ID you have. The office will verify your information in the system and issue a replacement license. You'll pay the standard renewal fee, not an extra replacement fee, as long as your license hasn't been expired for more than six months.
How long does it take to get my new license after renewing by mail?
The OMV takes 7 to 10 business days to process your process after they receive it, then mails your new license. Total time from mailing your process to receiving your new license is typically 2 to 3 weeks, depending on postal delivery time. If you need your license sooner, renew in person and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Yes, if you renew in person. The OMV will take a new photo at the office. If you renew by mail, your new license will use your current photo from the system. If you want a new photo when renewing by mail, you must renew in person instead.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at an OMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. You'll pay the standard renewal fee.