Louisiana vehicle registration tags renew every year, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local Office of Motor Vehicles

Your registration tag (also called a license plate tag or decal) proves your vehicle's registration is current. In Louisiana, tags expire on the last day of the month shown on your tag, and you must renew before that date to legally drive. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) handles all renewals, and you have three ways to complete the process: online through the OMV website, by mail using the renewal notice you receive, or in person at an OMV office.

You do not need to visit an office unless your vehicle information has changed, you owe back fees, or your vehicle failed inspection. Most people renew in under 10 minutes online and receive their new tag within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before your tag expires; check your mailbox or renew online without waiting for the notice.
  • Online renewal through the OMV website costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about five minutes, with tags arriving by mail in one to three weeks.
  • You must renew before the expiration date on your current tag or you cannot legally drive the vehicle, even if you have applied.
  • If your vehicle failed emissions testing or you have unpaid tickets or fines, you must handle those issues before the OMV will process your renewal.
  • Mail renewal works if nothing has changed on your registration, but online renewal is faster and lets you track your order status.

Renewing online through the Louisiana OMV website

The fastest way to renew is through the official Louisiana OMV website at omv.louisiana.gov. Go to the "Renew Registration" section, enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number, then follow the prompts. You will need to provide your current mailing address and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee varies by vehicle type and weight; a standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $20 and $40, but commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and RVs have different rates.

After you pay, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new tag will be mailed to the address on file within one to three weeks. You can continue driving on your current tag until the new one arrives, as long as you renew before the expiration date. If you need to check the status of your order, you can return to the OMV website and enter your confirmation number.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Louisiana sends a renewal notice to your address on file 30 to 60 days before your tag expires. The notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically two to four weeks from the time the OMV receives your envelope. If you are close to your expiration date, mail renewal is riskier because delays can happen. If you do not receive a renewal notice, do not wait; renew online instead. You do not need the notice to renew.

Renewing in person at an OMV office

You can renew at any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location. Bring your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and a valid ID. Payment methods vary by location but typically include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You must renew in person if your vehicle information has changed (address, owner name, vehicle color), if your vehicle failed emissions inspection, or if you have outstanding tickets or fines tied to your vehicle. The OMV office can tell you when ready whether any holds exist on your registration and help you resolve them before processing your renewal.

When your vehicle must pass inspection before renewal

Louisiana requires an emissions inspection for most vehicles in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Your inspection is valid for two years. If your inspection has expired or you have never had one, you must pass inspection before the OMV will renew your registration. You cannot renew online if an inspection is required and overdue; you must visit an OMV office or get the inspection done first at a certified inspection station.

If you live outside the emissions testing areas, you still need a safety inspection if your vehicle is over a certain age or if the OMV has flagged your vehicle for inspection. The renewal notice will tell you whether inspection is required. If you are unsure, call your local OMV office before attempting to renew.

What happens if your tag expires before you renew

Driving with an expired tag is illegal in Louisiana. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation and fine. The fine for an expired tag is typically $100 to $200, though it can be higher if the tag has been expired for several months. You are also not covered by your vehicle insurance if you are in an accident while driving with an expired tag, which means you could be personally liable for damages.

If your tag has already expired, renew when ready—do not wait. You can renew online or in person the same day. If you are stopped before you renew, bring proof that you have submitted your renewal (your confirmation number from online renewal or a receipt from an OMV office) to show the officer you are in the process of renewing.

Fees, payment methods, and where your money goes

Louisiana registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its age or condition. A standard passenger car typically costs $20 to $40 per year. Motorcycles cost less, usually $15 to $25. Commercial vehicles, trucks over a certain weight, and RVs cost more. The exact fee is shown on your renewal notice or on the OMV website before you pay.

You can pay online with a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some OMV offices may charge a small convenience fee for credit card payments. The renewal fee goes to the Louisiana Department of Revenue and supports vehicle registration administration and road maintenance programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tag if I have unpaid parking tickets or traffic fines?

No. The OMV will not process your renewal if you have outstanding fines or tickets tied to your vehicle or driver's license. You must pay the fines first. Contact the court or municipality that issued the ticket to find out the amount and how to pay. Once paid, you can renew online or in person.

What if I moved and the OMV has my old address?

Update your address before renewing. You can do this online through the OMV website, by mail, or in person at an OMV office. If you renew with an old address on file, your new tag will be mailed to that address and you will not receive it. Update your address first, then renew.

How long can I drive after my tag expires if I have already renewed?

Once your tag expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted your renewal and are waiting for the new tag to arrive. Renew before the expiration date shown on your current tag. If you are cutting it close, renew online so you have proof of renewal in case you are stopped before the new tag arrives.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner must register it in their name. You should notify the OMV that you no longer own the vehicle to avoid receiving renewal notices. You can do this by submitting a bill of sale or title transfer form to the OMV.

What if my vehicle is financed or leased?

You still renew the registration the same way. If your vehicle is financed, you own it and handle renewal yourself. If your vehicle is leased, check your lease agreement—some leasing companies handle registration renewal for you, while others require you to renew it. Contact your leasing company to confirm who is responsible before attempting to renew.