What a Louisiana license plate tag is and why you need one

A Louisiana license plate tag is the sticker or decal you place on your vehicle's license plate to show that your registration is current. It displays the month and year your registration expires. Without a valid tag, you cannot legally drive in Louisiana, and a police officer can stop you for an expired tag alone.

The tag is separate from the plate itself. Your plate is the metal or plastic rectangle with numbers and letters that stays on your vehicle for years. The tag is what you renew annually (or every two years, depending on your vehicle type). When you renew your registration with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), you receive a new tag in the mail.

Louisiana tags are typically white with blue lettering showing the expiration month and year. They stick to the upper right corner of your rear license plate. Some vehicles, like commercial trucks or trailers, may have different tag formats, but the principle is the same: the tag proves your registration is paid and current.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana license plate tags are annual or biennial stickers that show your registration expiration date and must be visible on your rear plate.
  • You receive a new tag automatically when you renew your vehicle registration through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
  • Tags typically arrive by mail within two to three weeks after you complete your renewal, whether online, by mail, or in person.
  • Driving with an expired tag is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, even if your vehicle inspection and insurance are current.
  • If your tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from the OMV for a small fee.

How to get a new tag when you renew your registration

When you renew your Louisiana vehicle registration, a new tag comes with it automatically. You do not order the tag separately. The tag is included as part of the renewal process, whether you renew online through the Louisiana OMV website, by mail, or in person at an OMV office.

If you renew online or by mail, the OMV will mail your new tag to the address on file. Expect it to arrive within two to three weeks. If you renew in person at an OMV office, you may be able to receive your tag when ready, though some offices mail them instead. Call your local OMV office ahead of time to confirm whether they issue tags on-site.

Once your tag arrives, remove the backing and stick it firmly to the upper right corner of your rear license plate. Make sure it is straight and fully adhered so it does not peel off while driving. The tag must be clearly visible to law enforcement and traffic cameras.

When your tag expires and renewal important date

Your Louisiana tag expires on the last day of the month shown on the sticker. For example, if your tag reads "12/25," it expires on December 31, 2025. You can renew your registration up to 90 days before your tag expires, which means you can start the renewal process three months early.

Most drivers renew in the month their tag expires or the month before. If you wait until after the expiration date, your registration is technically lapsed, and you are driving illegally. A police officer can cite you for an expired tag even if you have current insurance and a passing inspection.

Louisiana does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for the month your tag expires. Some people renew on the same day each year to make it easier to remember.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged tag

If your tag is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can request a replacement from the Louisiana OMV. You do not need to wait until your registration renewal date. Contact your local OMV office or visit the state OMV website to request a duplicate tag.

Replacement tags cost a small fee, typically between $5 and $10, though the exact amount varies by parish. You can usually request a replacement by mail or in person. If you request by mail, include a letter explaining what happened to the original tag and mail it with your fee to your local OMV office. The replacement tag will arrive within two to three weeks.

If your tag is damaged but still readable, you may not need to replace it when ready, but do so before it becomes illegible. A tag that is too faded or peeling to read can result in a citation.

What happens if you drive with an expired tag

Driving with an expired Louisiana tag is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you solely because your tag is expired, even if your vehicle inspection, insurance, and emissions are all current. The citation is typically a minor traffic offense, but it still goes on your driving record.

Fines for an expired tag vary by parish and the officer's discretion, but they typically range from $50 to $200. In some cases, an officer may issue a warning instead of a citation, especially if your registration expired only recently. However, you should not count on this.

If you are stopped and your tag is expired, the officer may also check whether your registration itself is current. If your registration has lapsed, the penalties are more serious and may include vehicle impoundment in some cases. Renewing before your tag expires avoids this risk entirely.

Different tag types for different vehicles

Most passenger vehicles in Louisiana use the standard white tag with blue lettering. However, some vehicle types have different tags. Commercial vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and vehicles registered as antiques or classic cars may have different colored tags or formats.

Commercial truck tags, for example, are often yellow or have different expiration schedules than passenger vehicles. Motorcycle tags are smaller and shaped differently. Antique vehicle tags may be issued for multiple years rather than annually. If you own a vehicle in one of these categories, confirm the renewal schedule and tag format with the Louisiana OMV when you first register it.

If you are unsure what type of tag your vehicle should have, check your current registration documents or contact your local OMV office. Using the wrong tag type or failing to renew on the correct schedule can result in a citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired tag if I have already mailed in my renewal?

No. Your registration is not considered renewed until the OMV processes it and issues a new tag. Driving with an expired tag is illegal even if you have submitted your renewal paperwork. To avoid this, renew at least two to three weeks before your tag expires so the new tag arrives in time.

What if I move to a different parish after I renew?

You do not need a new tag if you move within Louisiana. Your tag is valid statewide regardless of which parish you live in. However, if you move out of state, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state and obtain a new tag from that state's motor vehicle agency.

Do I need to remove my old tag before putting on the new one?

Yes. Remove the old tag completely before explore the new one. Leaving the old tag on or placing the new tag over it can make the expiration date unclear to law enforcement and may result in a citation. Use a plastic scraper or your fingernail to peel off the old tag, then clean any residue with rubbing alcohol before explore the new tag.

How do I renew my tag if I lost my registration documents?

Contact the Louisiana OMV with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license. They can look up your registration in their system and help you renew without the original documents. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at an OMV office.

Can someone else pick up my tag at the OMV office if I renew in person?

Policies vary by OMV office. Some offices will release tags to a family member or authorized person if you provide written permission. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm their policy and find out what documentation they need.