Louisiana License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Louisiana
You renew your license through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Louisiana licenses last 6 years. Yours expires on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the OMV renewal portal.
- In person — go to a OMV office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to expresslane.org. Can you renew online? Check that your license is in the renewal window.
- Gather documents — Grab your license number and SSN. Have payment ready. Want REAL ID? Bring ID and address docs.
- Complete the application — Use ExpressLane online. Or visit an OMV office. Check your info. Then submit.
- Pay the fee — Pay $32.25. Use a credit card, debit card, or e-check.
- Receive your license — Get a temp at the office. Online? Your card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 days.
Louisiana Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $32.25 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $32.25 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $10 |
| Name change | $32.25 |
| Knowledge test retest | $10 |
| Valid for | 6 years |
You pay $32.25 for 6 years. REAL ID costs the same. No late fee in LA.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Louisiana driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Proof of Louisiana residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 2 years
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have a valid Social Security number on file
- You are not over age 70
LA lets you renew online many times. Keep your photo current. You'll need a new one now and then.
Go to OMV online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Louisiana License Expires
LA doesn't have a grace period. Driving expired is a crime here.
- Before expiry — Up to 6 months before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 2 years after expiration without retaking tests
- Long-lapsed penalty — Over 2 years late? Retake both tests. Driving expired is a crime in LA. Fines reach $500.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Louisiana. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes. You'll take one at each in-person visit. Online? No vision test needed.
- In-person visits — LA lets you renew online many times. Keep your photo current. You'll need a new one now and then.
- Wait time — Online takes 3 to 5 days. Your card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 days.
Common Louisiana License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing about the senior in-person requirement at age 70
LA needs in-person visits for drivers 70+. The cycle drops to 4 years too. Plan to visit an OMV office each time.
Searching for "Louisiana DMV" instead of OMV
LA uses the OMV. The portal is expresslane.org. Search "LA OMV" instead. "LA DMV" leads to fake sites.
Not realizing driving on an expired license is a misdemeanor
In LA, expired isn't just a ticket. It's a crime. Fines reach $500. Jail time is possible too.
Waiting beyond 2 years to renew
LA gives you 2 years to renew late. No retests during that time. After that, pass both tests again.
REAL ID Info for Louisiana
LA REAL ID is free to upgrade. Visit an OMV office. Bring your birth cert or passport, SSN card, and LA address proof.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
Senior & Age Rules
Age 70+? LA cuts your cycle to 4 years. You must go in person each time.
What Makes Louisiana Different
LA calls it the OMV. That's the Office of Motor Vehicles. Use ExpressLane online.
Age 70+? You switch to 4-year cycles. You must go in person.
Driving expired in LA is a crime. It isn't just a ticket. Few states are this strict.