What you need to bring to renew your Louisiana license
Louisiana requires you to bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of Louisiana residency to renew. Your current license serves as your primary ID. For proof of identity, you can use a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing by mail or online, the requirements are slightly different and are covered in the section below.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewals at an Office of Motor Vehicles require your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Louisiana residency.
- You can renew online if your license is not expired, not suspended, and you have not had a name change or address change in the last four years.
- Mail renewals are available for certain situations but take longer than in-person or online options.
- Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you want it valid — typically between $20 and $60 for a standard license.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks if you renew online or in person.
Renewing online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website
Louisiana allows online renewal through the Office of Motor Vehicles website if you meet specific conditions. Your current license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. You cannot have changed your name or address in the last four years. You must have a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
To renew online, visit the Office of Motor Vehicles website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current information and pay the fee. The system will confirm your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. This process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You do not have to visit an office or wait in line. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Renewing in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles location
If you cannot renew online — because your license is expired, your information has changed, or you prefer to do it in person — you must visit an Office of Motor Vehicles location. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will fill out an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee at the counter.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday typically means a shorter wait than visiting on a Friday or Saturday afternoon. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available only in limited situations. You can renew by mail if you are a Louisiana resident living outside the state, a member of the military stationed outside Louisiana, or unable to visit an office due to a documented medical condition. You will need to request a mail renewal form from the Office of Motor Vehicles, complete it, and mail it back with copies of your documents and payment.
Mail renewal takes significantly longer than in-person or online renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time the Office of Motor Vehicles receives your completed form. If you need your license quickly, this is not the best option.
License renewal fees and validity periods
Louisiana driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Class D license valid for four years costs $20. A license valid for eight years costs $40. If you have a commercial license or a license with special endorsements, the fee is higher. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an Office of Motor Vehicles location, or by debit or credit card online.
When you renew, you choose the validity period. A longer validity period means you pay more upfront but renew less often. Most people choose the eight-year option to avoid renewing as frequently.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an Office of Motor Vehicles location. Bring the same documents — current license (even though it is expired), proof of identity, and proof of residency. You may also be required to retake the written test or vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired. Call your local Office of Motor Vehicles to confirm what you need to bring before you go.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Louisiana, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied to renew, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. Bring proof of your new address along with your other documents. If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail.
If you have changed your address or name but your license is not yet due for renewal, you can request a replacement license at any time by visiting an Office of Motor Vehicles location. This costs less than a full renewal and takes the same amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Louisiana allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which option you choose.
What if I lost my current license?
You can still renew in person by bringing proof of identity and proof of residency. Tell the Office of Motor Vehicles staff that your license is lost. They will issue a replacement license with a new number. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, it takes four to six weeks from the time the Office of Motor Vehicles receives your process. You can drive with your old license until your new one arrives.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an Office of Motor Vehicles?
Appointments are not required, but some offices offer them. Check the Office of Motor Vehicles website to see if your local office accepts appointments. If appointments are available, booking one can reduce your wait time.
What if my license has a medical restriction or commercial endorsement?
You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and any documents related to your restriction or endorsement. The Office of Motor Vehicles will review these documents and update your license accordingly.