Louisiana Driver License — Requirements, Renewal & REAL ID
Complete guide to getting, renewing, and upgrading your Louisiana driver license in 2026. Issued by the Louisiana OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles) (expresslane.org). Includes document checklist, renewal steps, REAL ID requirements, and suspended license reinstatement.
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Louisiana driver license — key facts 2026
Complete guides
Louisiana driver license — step by step
Getting a new Louisiana driver license
Apply in person at a Louisiana OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles) office. Bring original documents — photocopies and digital documents are not accepted. Allow 1–2 hours for your first visit including the knowledge test and vision screening.
Required documents
Identity & presence
- ✓US passport or certified birth certificate from vital records (hospital copies not accepted)
- ✓Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub showing full 9-digit SSN
- ✓Proof of lawful presence if non-US citizen: visa, I-94, Green Card, or EAD
Residency & application
- ✓Two proofs of Louisiana residency — utility bill, bank statement, lease, or government mail — showing full name and current address, dated within 90 days
- ✓Completed OMV application (available at expresslane.org or at the office)
- ✓Application fee: $32.25 (verify at expresslane.org)
Louisiana uses ExpressLane (expresslane.org) rather than a standard state DMV domain for its online services. Louisiana DUI first-offense suspension ranges from 90 days to 2 years depending on BAC level. Louisiana participates in the Driver License Compact.
Renewing your Louisiana driver license
Louisiana driver licenses are valid for 6 years. Renew online at expresslane.org if your information has not changed. In-person renewal is required for REAL ID upgrades.
Renewal options
- Online (Yes): Visit expresslane.org with your license number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits, and $32.25 payment
- In person: Visit any Louisiana OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles) office with current license, address proof if changed, and payment
- REAL ID upgrade: Must be done in person with full REAL ID documentation
REAL ID in Louisiana
REAL ID enforcement took effect . A REAL ID-compliant license, US passport, or other accepted federal ID is required for domestic flights and federal facility access.
Louisiana REAL ID requires an in-person visit to a Louisiana OMV office. Pre-enrollment and online services are available at expresslane.org. Louisiana REAL ID licenses display the gold star.
REAL ID document checklist for Louisiana
Identity (choose one)
- ✓US passport or passport card
- ✓Certified birth certificate from vital records (NOT hospital copy)
- ✓Permanent Resident Card or EAD
SSN, residency & name
- ✓Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub with full 9-digit SSN
- ✓Two proofs of Louisiana residency dated within 90 days
- ✓Name change docs if applicable — certified marriage certificate or court order
Suspended license in Louisiana
Louisiana charges $60-$100 for DUI reinstatement depending on the violation. SR-22 is required for 3 years. An IID may be required. A Louisiana Hardship License may allow limited driving for work and essential activities during the suspension period.
DUI suspension key facts — Louisiana
- Suspension length: 90 days-2 years (1st offense)
- Reinstatement fee: $60-$100
- SR-22 requirement: 3 years
- Issuing authority: Louisiana OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles)
For complex situations — out-of-state violations, multiple suspensions, or document barriers — our specialists know the exact Louisiana reinstatement process.
Louisiana questions
Louisiana driver license — FAQ
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