How to Renew a Louisiana Driver’s License
Quick Answer:
- Louisiana driver's licenses expire every six years on your birthday, and the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) sends a renewal notice about 100 days before expiration.
- You must renew in person at an OMV office every other renewal cycle. For the alternating cycle, you may be eligible to renew online or by mail.
- A $15 late fee applies if your license has been expired for more than 10 days, and waiting too long can mean retaking written and driving exams.
Renewing your Louisiana driver's license is straightforward when you know which method you qualify for and what the deadlines are. Miss those deadlines, and the process gets more complicated and more expensive. Here is exactly how each renewal option works, what to bring, and what happens if your license has already expired.
When Does a Louisiana Driver's License Expire?
Your license expires every six years on your birthday. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) mails a renewal notice approximately 100 days before your expiration date. This notice tells you whether you are eligible to renew online, by mail, or must visit an OMV office in person. You can renew as early as 180 days (six months) before the expiration date.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, you are still responsible for renewing on time. The OMV sends notices to the last address on file, so if you have moved and did not update your address, you may never receive it.
What Are the Three Ways to Renew?
| Renewal Method | Who Qualifies | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| In person at an OMV office | All drivers (required every other renewal cycle, or if you did not receive a notice, or if you need to change your name or address) | Current license or other identity document, proof of liability insurance (if you own a vehicle), vision test at the office |
| Online (OMV ExpressLane) | Only if your renewal notice says you are eligible, your address has not changed, and you are not upgrading to REAL ID | License number, date of birth, valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) |
| By mail | Only if you received a computer-generated mail-in invitation from the OMV | Completed application form (included with invitation), payment |
The key rule to remember: Louisiana requires you to renew in person every other cycle. If your last renewal was done online or by mail, your next renewal must be in person at an OMV office, regardless of what your notice says.
How Do You Renew In Person?
In-person renewal is the most common method and the only option if you did not receive a renewal notice, need to update your address or name, or are upgrading to a REAL ID. Here is what to bring:
- Your current Louisiana driver's license (even if expired). If you do not have it, bring an alternative identity document such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID.
- Proof of liability insurance for every vehicle you own. Louisiana law requires current coverage, and the OMV will verify it.
- Social Security number. You may be asked to verify it during the renewal process.
- Two documents proving residency if you are renewing or upgrading to a REAL ID (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage document).
- Payment for the renewal fee. Fees vary by license type. Drivers over 70 pay a reduced rate of $18.75 plus local service fees and are exempt from late fees.
At the office, you will complete an application, pass a vision screening, have your photo taken, and provide your thumbprint. You will leave with a temporary license that is valid until your permanent card arrives by mail, typically within 30 days.
Take Your Defensive Driving Course Online
How Do You Renew Online?
If your renewal notice confirms you are eligible, you can renew through the OMV ExpressLane website. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. An electronic service charge applies in addition to the standard renewal fee.
You cannot renew online if your address has changed (you must update it in person), you are upgrading to a REAL ID for the first time, your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, or your last renewal was already done online or by mail.
How Do You Renew by Mail?
Mail renewal is only available if the OMV selects you and sends a specific mail-in invitation with a pre-printed application form. You cannot request this option on your own. If you receive the invitation, follow the enclosed instructions and mail the completed form with payment to the address provided.
Military members stationed outside Louisiana can also renew by mail by sending their license number, out-of-state address, and a copy of their military ID to the OMV's Baton Rouge office. If your license expires while on active duty, it remains valid for 60 days after your discharge date.
What Happens if Your Louisiana License Expires?
The consequences escalate the longer you wait:
| Time Since Expiration | What the OMV Requires |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 days | Standard in-person renewal. No late fee. |
| More than 10 days | In-person renewal plus $15 late fee. Possible traffic citation if caught driving. |
| More than 1 year | In-person renewal plus vision screening and written knowledge exam. |
| More than 2 years | Full reapplication: vision screening, written knowledge exam, and driving skills test. |
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Louisiana. If you are pulled over, you can receive a traffic citation on top of the late fee. If your license has been expired long enough to require retesting, you are essentially starting the licensing process over.
What if You Need to Change Your Address?
Louisiana law requires your current address to appear on the face of your license. If you have moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an OMV office in person to update your address and have a new license issued. Bring a document showing your new Louisiana address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement.
What About the LA Wallet Digital License?
Louisiana offers a digital driver's license through the LA Wallet app. The digital license is accepted by Louisiana law enforcement and at some other locations within the state. However, it does not replace your physical license for federal purposes (such as boarding a domestic flight) and cannot be used outside of Louisiana. It also does not affect or replace your renewal requirements with the OMV.
What Can Slow Down Your Renewal?
- Not receiving your renewal notice because your address is outdated with the OMV
- Trying to renew online when your last renewal was already online or by mail (the OMV requires in-person every other cycle)
- Missing the 10-day window after expiration, which triggers the $15 late fee
- Not having proof of liability insurance for vehicles you own
- Waiting more than one year, which adds a written knowledge exam to the process
How to Avoid OMV Hassles
The OMV does not accept appointments for most transactions, so plan to visit during off-peak times. Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and the lunch hour for the shortest waits. Have all your documents ready before you walk in, and check the OMV office locations for hours and services at your nearest branch.
Stay Sharp Behind the Wheel
Whether you are renewing on time or catching up after an expiration, refreshing your knowledge of traffic laws and road signs is always a smart move. If your renewal requires a knowledge test, preparation makes the difference between passing on the first visit and making a return trip. I Drive Safely's Louisiana defensive driving course covers current traffic laws, helps you earn a potential insurance discount, and keeps your skills sharp. Start your course today and drive with confidence.
7 Surprising Signs of Aggressive Driving
What is the difference between being an assertive and aggressive driver? It's not simply to road rage or not to road rage. Not knowing can increase your insurance costs and possibly endanger lives. Are you constantly over the speed limit? Does yellow mean go faster? There are over 5 million car accidents annually. Know the facts. Drive safely. Enjoy the ride.
Tips To Pass Your DMV Behind-the-Wheel Test
Here are the necessary things you need to know to pass your DMV behind-the-wheel drivers license test.
5 Crazy Cases of Road Rage
We all get heated behind the wheel sometimes, but some drivers have let their anger turn dangerous. Here are five of the craziest road rage incidents we could find.
Looking for more driving resources?
Enter your email for deals, study materials, car maintenance tips, insurance savings, and more.