Frequently Asked Questions

Residents of Louisiana dealing with a lost or stolen drivers license are advised to report the loss or theft to local law enforcement. Once a police report is filed, the resident will be provided a copy which they should take with them when visiting a local Louisiana OMV office to apply for a drivers license replacement so the OMV office can keep it on file.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

To prepare for the drivers license application process, drivers can refer to the Louisiana Driver’s License Guide. Information found in the guide includes document requirements, test requirements and other relevant information to help driver s get through the drivers license application process as efficiently as possible.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Louisiana residents with expired drivers licenses must renew their license with the Louisiana OMV. Residents can obtain drivers license renewals either by mail, online or in person. To renew drivers licenses by mail or online, drivers should follow the instruction on their drivers license renewal notices. Drivers license renewal notices are mailed out by the Louisiana OMV roughly three months before the drivers license expiration date. Residents who would like to renew drivers license online can do so at the OMV website.

To renew drivers licenses in person, visit a local Louisiana OMV office with proof of identification, proof of social security and proof of insurance. Additionally, residents will have to pass a vision exam and pay the $24.50 drivers license renewal fee (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Driver s under 17 must meet more requirements than drivers over 17, including taking part in the graduated driver s licensing program which includes the steps of obtaining a learner s permit and intermediate license before a full license can be granted. Drivers who are 17 can obtain a full driver s license provided they have completed 50 hours of driving practice, including 15 hours at night (approved by a parent, legal guardian, or licensed adult over 18). Applicants who are 17 must also provide proof of school attendance (or a letter confirming home-schooling).

Residents who are 17 and have met the above requirements as well as residents over 18 can apply for drivers licenses by filling out an Application for License or Identification Card and bringing it to the local OMV office. Drivers license applications should be accompanied by the following documents:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Fee of $21.50 (fees may vary)

Additionally, drivers must pass the vision, written knowledge and driving tests administered at the OMV office. Additionally, before applying for drivers licenses, drivers must complete either a 38-hour driver s education course (if 17 years old) or a 14-hour pre-licensing course, each with at least 8 hours of behind the wheel instruction.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Drivers in Louisiana who have a suspended drivers license may be eligible for a hardship license based on the offense committed. To find out hardship license eligibility, drivers should contact the Louisiana OMV either by visiting a local Louisiana OMV office or call the Louisiana OMV at 225-925-6146.

To obtain a hardship license, residents must fulfill all hardship license court requirements (like installing an interlock ignition device in the case of a DUI/DWI suspension), provide proof of insurance and pay the hardship license fee.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

To replace drivers licenses, active duty military members should print and fill out the Application for Reconstructed Duplicate/Renewal License/ID Card, checking the box on the form for “Duplicate Request Lost or Stolen License/ID Card.” Applications should be mailed along with the $13 duplicate drivers license fee (fees may vary) to:

Office of Motor Vehicles

Attention: Reconstructed License

P.O. Box 64886

Baton Rouge, La, 70896

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

Residents of Louisiana who have lost, damaged or stolen drivers licenses may apply for a duplicate drivers license by visiting a local Louisiana OMV office. Adult drivers will need to bring with them proof of identification, proof of insurance and the duplicate drivers license fee of $13 (local fees may also apply; fees may vary). For minor drivers, required documents include a certified copy of the driver s birth certificate and a completed Certificate of Required Attendance form from their school (or a Home Study Approval Notification letter if home-schooled).

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

Depending on the offense that brought on the drivers license suspension, drivers in Louisiana will have to meet varying requirements to reinstate suspended drivers license. To find out the specific requirements, visit a local Louisiana OMV office or call the Louisiana OMV at 225-925-6146. Generally, drivers must meet all court requirements, provide proof of insurance and pay all reinstatement fees before reinstating suspended drivers licenses.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Residents of Louisiana who are active duty military must inform the Louisiana OMV of their status by furnishing the office with a copy of their enlistment or deployment papers. Once the papers are provided, their drivers licenses will remain valid up to 60 days after discharge. At that point in time, visit a Louisiana OMV office with yourdrivers license and discharge papers. Military members who have not had their licenses flagged as Military with the Louisiana OMV and are already stationed out of state can send a copy of their enlistment or deployment papers to the following address to have their drivers licenses flagged:

Office of Motor Vehicles

Suite 200

P.O. Box 64886

Baton Rouge, LA 70896

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Residents of Louisiana who are non-U.S. citizens and have lost, damaged or stolen drivers licenses should visit a local Louisiana OMV office to apply for a drivers license replacement. Non-U.S. citizens will need to provide proof of identification in the form of either one primary and one secondary form of identification, or three secondary forms of identification. Acceptable documents are as follows:

• Primary
  • Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the US Department of State.
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Native American tribal document
  • Foreign Passport
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Department of Homeland Security Refugee travel document
  • Department of Homeland Security Permit to reenter the United States

• Secondary
  • Official driving record from the last state issued
  • Foreign driver’s license (combined with proper immigration documents)
  • Original Refugee Resettlement Program letter

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

Residents of Louisiana dealing with lost, damaged or stolen drivers licenses while out of state can replace a drivers license by mail. To apply for a duplicate drivers license from out of state, residents should print and fill out the Application for Reconstructed Duplicate/Renewal License/ID Card and select “Duplicate Request Lost or Stolen License/ID Card.” Residents applying for drivers licenses out of state must have a permanent address in Louisiana. Mail the completed application along with the duplicate drivers license fee to the following address:

Office of Motor Vehicles

Attention: Reconstructed License

P.O. Box 64886

Baton Rouge, La, 70896

Allow 10 business days to receive the drivers license replacement by mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

The vision test is administered at the OMV office and is not a medical exam. Vision screening is meant to determine whether or not the driver has the minimum standard 20/40 vision for safe driving. Drivers who fail the vision exam will be given a vision report which they must take to a vision specialist and have completed before returning to finish applying for drivers licenses. Drivers are required to wear corrective lenses to drive will have an “01” placed on their licenses.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Licensed drivers in Louisiana are subject to implied consent laws which state that a driver agrees to a blood or breath test if requested from law enforcement officials while operating a motor vehicle in the state. Drivers who refuse to undergo a blood or breath test will have their licenses automatically suspended for six months for a first offense, and a year and a half for subsequent offenses.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Drivers in Louisiana with soon-to-be expiring drivers licenses will receive a drivers license renewal notice approximately three months prior to their drivers license expiration date. Residents can renew drivers licenses with these drivers license renewal notices at the time of receipt. However, drivers may also renew drivers licenses in person at a local Louisiana OMV office up to 180 days prior to the driver s license expiration date.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Residents of Louisiana dealing with a lost or stolen drivers license are urged to file a police report with local law enforcement officials. After filing, bring a copy of the police report to a local Louisiana OMV office and show it to OMV officials when applying for a drivers license replacement. Once the police report is verified, residents will have their drivers license replacement fee waived.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

Louisiana residents have no age restrictions on when they can renew drivers licenses. However, drivers over 70 who are renewing drivers licenses must do so in person at a local Louisiana OMV office. Senior drivers may be required to take a vision test, as well as the written knowledge exam. Drivers license renewal fees for senior drivers over 70 are discounted to $15.50 (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Louisiana residents (including active military members) who are out of state temporarily can apply for a drivers license replacement through the mail by printing, filling out and mailing an Application for Reconstructed Duplicate/Renewal License/ID Card to the following address:

Office of Motor Vehicles

Attention: Reconstructed License

P.O. Box 64886

Baton Rouge, La, 70896

Duplicate drivers licenses applied for by residents out of state will be mailed to the resident s permanent home address in Louisiana.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

Louisiana drivers age 70 and older are required to renew drivers licenses in person at a local Louisiana OMV office. There, drivers may be required to take a vision test to make sure they are seeing the required 20/40 when on the road. Additionally, drivers may also have to take the written knowledge exam as well. Drivers who are required to take the knowledge exam should review the Louisiana Driver’s License Guide in preparation.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Registered drivers in Louisiana must abide by the driving laws and regulations within the state. Residents who violate driving laws are subject to a variety of penalties, including the possibility of a drivers license suspension. Drivers can be assessed a suspended drivers license for a number of reasons, including:

• Any felonies involving a motor vehicle.
• Texting while driving.
• DWI and DUI convictions.
• Failing to submit to a chemical test (implied consent).
• Reckless driving.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Drivers found to be driving with a suspended drivers licensewill receive fines and jail time based on previous convictions, the type of license they possess and the reason for their license suspension:

• Drivers in Louisiana with class D or E licenses driving under suspension are subject to a $500 fine and six months in jail.
• Drivers with class A, B or C (Commercial Drivers Licenses) drivers licenses are subject to fines of up to $5,000, six months in jail and possible civil penalties of $2,500.

Drivers convicted of driving with a suspended drivers license could see their drivers license suspension extended for another year.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Drivers license replacements fees areas follows:

• Class A, B, and C (CDL) drivers license replacement: $5
• Class D & E drivers license replacement: $13

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

Suspended drivers license reinstatement fees vary depending on the offense, and are as follows:

• First DWI/DUI suspension: $100
• Second DWI/DUI suspension: $200
• Third DWI/DUI suspension: $300
• Failing to submit to blood/breath test: $50
• Lack of insurance and other general suspensions: $60

Credit card transactions are also subject to a $5 credit card fee.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Drivers in Louisiana who have a suspended drivers license may be eligible for a hardship license based on the offense that brought on the drivers license suspension. To check hardship license eligibility, drivers should visit a local Louisiana OMV office or call the Louisiana OMV at 225-925-6146. To apply for a hardship license, drivers can visit a local Louisiana OMV office with proof of insurance, a court order allowing for the hardship license as well as proof of any other requirements necessary (like ignition interlock device documentation, if applicable). Residents will also be required to pay a hardship license fee.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Drivers can submit an Application for License or Identification Card along with all the required documentation to support their application at a drivers license office. When applying for drivers licenses, drivers must also take three tests: vision test, written knowledge test and road skills test. In the event that a driver fails the driving test, they may return at a later date to retest.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Louisiana residents looking to apply for drivers licenses will need to provide a number of documents when visiting a local Louisiana OMV office to apply. Required documents include:

• Application for License or Identification Card
• Certificate of completion from either the 38-hour driver s education course (if 17 years old) or the 14-hour pre-licensing course
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Fee of $21.50 (fees may vary)
• Proof of 50 hours driving practice time, 15 of those hours at night (if 17 years old)

Drivers must also pass the vision, written knowledge and driving tests.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Residents of Louisiana looking to renew drivers licenses can do so either online, by mail or in person at a local Louisiana OMV office. To renew drivers licenses online or by mail, drivers must submit their drivers license renewal notice along with the applicable fees. To renew drivers licenses in person, bring the following documents to the local OMV office:

• One primary form of identification
• One secondary form of identification OR three secondary form of identification (if no primary)
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of insurance

Additionally, residents applying for drivers license renewals must pass a vision exam and pay the $24.50 drivers license renewal fee (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Required documentation when applying for a duplicate drivers license varies depending on whether or not the driver is a minor. Required documents include:

• Adults
  • One primary form of identification and one secondary form of identification or three secondary forms of identification
  • Proof of insurance

• Minors
  • Certified copy of birth certificate
  • Completed Certificate of Required Attendance form from school
  • Home Study Approval Notification letter (if home-schooled)

• Fee of $13 (there may be additional local charges; fees may vary)

Minors applying for duplicate drivers licenses must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

Residents of Louisiana who are looking to apply for drivers licenses will need to do so in person at a local Louisiana OMV office. When applying, drivers will need to bring an Application for License or Identification Card along with all required documents and a certificate of completion from either the 38-hour driver s education course (if 17 years old) or the 14-hour pre-licensing course. Additionally, drivers will need to pass the vision exam, road skills test and written knowledge exam. By default, written knowledge exams are administered in English. However, if English is not the driver s first language, arrangements can be made by calling the Louisiana OMV at 225-925-6146.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Residents in Louisiana with expired drivers licenses must renew drivers licenses either online, by mail or in person at a local Louisiana OMV office. Drivers in Louisiana who fail to renew drivers licenses by the expiration date are not legally allowed to operate motor vehicles in the state until they have renewed. Likewise, drivers who are late on their drivers license renewals will be assessed a $15 late fee (fees may vary) on top of the regular drivers license renewal fee.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Residents of Louisiana who have applied for a drivers license renewal online or by mail should receive their drivers licenses within 10 business days. Drivers who have applied for a drivers license renewal at a local Louisiana OMV office will receive their license at the OMV office. Drivers who have not received their drivers license renewal in the mail within the allotted time should contact the Louisiana OMV by phone at 225-925-6146, or by mail at:

Office of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 64886

Baton Rouge, LA 70896

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Required tests to get drivers licenses in Louisiana include a vision test, written knowledge test and driving test. The written knowledge test consists of about 40 questions and must be passed with a score of 80 percent or higher. Driving tests can be conducted either at the local Louisiana OMV office or at a third-party provider.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Depending on the age of the driver submitting a drivers license application, there are three different types of class E non-commercial drivers licenses you may apply for. New drivers younger than 16 must apply for the learner s permit and hold it for at least 180 days or until their 16th birthday (whichever period is longer) before they can graduate to the next step. Drivers between 16 and 17 who have had a learners permit for at least 180 days can apply for an intermediate license, which they can hold onto until they ve completed at least 50 hours of driving practice (15 at night) and the rest of the drivers license application requirements. Drivers over 18 or drivers who are 17 and have met the requirements can apply for a full non-restricted class E drivers license, provided they ve completed either a 38-hour driver s education course (if 17 years old) or a 14-hour pre-licensing course.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

Drivers with suspended drivers licenses in Louisiana must wait the length of their entire suspension before driving privileges reinstated. Drivers license suspension lengths depend on the offense, and whether or not this is the driver s first conviction.

Once the drivers license suspension period has passed, you may apply for reinstatement. For certain types of convictions, drivers may request a suspension hearing.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Louisiana drivers licenses are valid for four years, and expire on the driver s birthday in the fourth year. The Louisiana OMV mails out drivers license renewal notices approximately three months prior to the drivers license expiration date. Drivers license renewal notices carry all the information necessary to renew drivers licenses by mail, online or in person at a local Louisiana OMV office.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Residents of Louisiana who need to apply for duplicate drivers licenses must do so by visiting a local Louisiana OMV office. After submitting the proper identification documents, proof of insurance, and the $13 duplicate drivers license fee (fees may vary), drivers will receive their drivers license replacement right there at the facility. However, drivers out of state and applying through the mail must wait 10 business days to receive adrivers license replacement.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card

To check the status of a license in person, visit a local Louisiana OMV office. If an in person visit is difficult, residents may also call the OMV offices at 225-925-6146. Residents may also check their drivers license status online by ordering a driving record.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Louisiana

Drivers license applications may not be mailed in or completed online. To apply for drivers licenses, visit your local OMV office, then print and fill out an Application for License or Identification Card and submit it along with the proper documentation. Additionally, drivers license applicants will be required to take either a 38-hour driver s education course (if 17 years old) or a 14-hour pre-licensing course. Additional tests include the written knowledge exam, road skills test and vision test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Louisiana

If you receive a drivers license renewal notice, then you do not need to take a vision test. By renewing online or by mail, vision test requirements are waived. However, if yourrenew drivers licenses in person at a local Louisiana OMV office, then you are subject taking a vision test. This is often the case if you renewed your drivers license online or by mail the previous time. Drivers with expireddrivers licensesof a year or more are required to take the vision and written knowledge exams again.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana

Yes, the OMV sends outdrivers license renewal notices approximately three months prior to expiration dates. The notices include instructionson how torenew drivers licenses online or by mail. Drivers who have not received a drivers license renewal notice must apply to renew drivers licenses in person at a local Louisiana OMV office.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Louisiana