A Louisiana drivers license renewal must be completed with the OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles) before your drivers license expires because there are serious consequences that you may face from law enforcement if you drive with an expired license. It is crucial that you understand where to renew a drivers license because there are a few different renewal methods available. Anyone can renew in-person, or you may be able to renew online or by-mail if you receive an invitation to do so.

It is also important to understand what you need to renew a drivers license, especially if you are interested in getting a REAL ID compliant license. The drivers license renewal requirements all vary from state to state, and in Louisiana there are specific steps that you must follow when you process a renewal. Also, keep in mind that a license replacement is not the same as a renewal because a replacement is needed for a license that has been stolen, lost or damaged while a renewal is only for expiring licenses.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Louisiana

An OMV license renewal can only be done if you and your license are eligible to process a renewal. To be eligible, you must hold a valid license issued by the state of Louisiana and you must be able to pass a vision exam.

Also, your license must be renewed through an local driver’s license office during a certain established period of time before it officially reaches the expiration date.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Louisiana

If you have the question, “When can I not renew my license?” the answer is that there are a few situations where a renewal is not possible. These instances include the following:

• Earlier than 180 days before your license expires.
• Later than 180 days after your license expires: After 180 days passes after the expiration you must request a new drivers license. Also keep in mind that 10 days after expiration, you are subject to a late fee.
• If your license is suspended or revoked, you must wait until your license is no longer suspended or revoked in order to complete the renewal.
• If your license has been damaged, lost or stolen, a drivers license replacement must be processed instead.

How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in Louisiana?

You must understand how early you can renew your drivers license so that you can complete the renewal during the appropriate time period. The times that you can renew your license include:

• 180 days before the expiration date.
• 180 days after the expiration date.

If you are wondering, “When can I renew my license?” you can be sure of the time frame by looking at your drivers license card and finding the expiration date printed on the card. As mentioned above, you can renew up to 180 days before that expiration date or 180 days after. However, you may face penalties if you drive with an expired license, so it is your responsibility to renew your license before it expires.

Louisiana DMV License Renewal Options

In Louisiana, part of knowing how to renew a drivers license is understanding what methods you can use to complete that renewal. You have three options that you may be able to choose from: online, by mail or in-person.

You cannot make changes to personal information including your address when using the internet or by-mail renewal methods. If you require any changes, you must visit your local drivers license office. Additionally, if you want to acquire a REAL ID license, you must also complete the renewal in-person. By choosing the online or by-mail methods, you will receive a license that states “Not for Federal Identification” on it.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

You can only renew a drivers license online if you receive an online renewal invitation in the mail from the OMV. This invitation is issued only to select qualified applicants who have not renewed by mail or internet during their last renewal because Louisiana law does not allow for consecutive mail or internet renewals. The invitation will be sent to you if you qualify approximately 100 days prior to the license expiration month.

To complete the online renewal, you must follow certain steps. This includes the following:

1. Provide necessary renewal information.
2. Authorize payment for the driving license renewal fee.
3. View and print your receipt.

How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail

You can only do a mail-in drivers license renewal if you receive an invitation from the Louisiana OMV that states that you are eligible for a mail renewal. This invitation will also include an application with instructions. To renew via mail, you must:

1. Fill out the drivers license renewal form that was sent to you in the mail.
2. Send copies of any required documentation, if applicable.
3. Provide payment for the renewal fee.
4. Send everything to the following address:

Office of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Reconstructed License
P O Box 64886
Baton Rouge, La. 70896

After you complete the by-mail renewal, allow approximately seven to 10 days for the license to be processed and mailed to you.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

If you have the question, “Where can I renew my drivers license?” the answer is that you can always complete an in-person renewal at a Louisiana DMV office, regardless of whether you are eligible for a mail or internet renewal. To complete an in-person renewal, you must do the following:

1. Visit your local OMV office.
2. Provide your driver license.
3. Provide proof of residency.
4. Provide proof of insurance for any vehicle you own.
5. Pass a vision test.
6. Pay the driving license renewal fee.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Louisiana

If you are a Louisiana resident who is out-of-state, you may be eligible for a mail-in drivers license renewal in Louisiana. However, you must meet certain requirements including the following:

1. You are a full-time student attending classes out of state/country. You must provide a copy of current student ID.
2. You are military or a military dependent. You must provide a copy of your current military ID and copy of enlistment papers or letter from commanding officer.

You must also meet the following criteria:

3. Your license must not be cancelled, suspended or revoked.
4. Your license must not be expired more than 12 months.
5. You must have a photo on the OMV database.
6. You must not have completed a mail-in or internet renewal for your last renewal.

If you meet the criteria listed above, you must submit a completed and signed drivers license renewal application form and attach required documents and fees and send to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Fees must be submitted in the form of a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the OMV.

However, keep in mind that if you are a member of the armed forces or a dependent, your drivers license will remain valid for 60 days after discharge as long as the license was valid upon entrance to service. Therefore, a drivers license renewal can be completed before the 61^st day after discharge as long as you provide your last license issued along with proof of discharge.

Louisiana REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

You have the option when you complete your OMV license renewal to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license. In order to get this federally-compliant license, you must provide renew in-person and provide proof of the following:

• Identity
• Lawful status in the U.S.
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Two documents proving principal residence

Once you have provided the OMV with the appropriate documentation and followed the necessary steps for completing a renewal, you will be issued a REAL ID drivers license.

Louisiana Drivers License Renewal Fees

You need to understand how much to renew a drivers license in regards to the fees involved. The driving license renewal fee amounts may vary slightly by county:

• 6-year: $32.25-$38.25
• 6-year (age 70 and older): $18.75-24.75
• Late fee for licenses expired over 10 days: $15.00

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