Louisiana licenses and ID cards are issued in your full legal name. OMV accepts only original documents or certified copies from the office that issued them. Gather the right combination before your visit so you don't get turned away.
Know the rule
Documents must be originals or certified copies from the department of record. Photocopies are never accepted, whether notarized or not.
Handbook p. 7 ↗First-time applicants bring one of these combinations:
- One primary document and two secondary documents
- Two primary documents
- Nothing extra if you already have a Louisiana photo ID card and your Social Security number is on file
Applicants 17 and under also need:
- The signature of the custodial parent or legal guardian (for any license, duplicate or restriction change)
- Identification from both the minor and the parent or guardian
- Only the domiciliary parent may sign when joint custody has been awarded
- Custodial documents
Transferring an out-of-state license:
- Pass a vision exam given by OMV staff and have a valid Louisiana address
- Surrender your out-of-state license; it is unlawful to have more than one license
- Bring one primary and one secondary document and your Social Security number
- Show proof of insurance on any vehicle you have registered in Louisiana
- Lost the old license? Bring a letter of clearance or official driving record from that state
Know the rule
Everyone eligible for a Social Security number must provide it (it isn't printed on the license). If you have none, bring an SSA letter saying none was assigned or you aren't eligible.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
Male U.S. citizens and immigrants age 15 to 26 must give their Social Security number (Selective Service law) or the license or ID card will be denied.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
First-time applicants must show proof of a driver education course, completed before applying.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Oldest a school enrollment form may be for applicants ages 15 to 17
Handbook p. 8 ↗Immigration timing rules:
- At least 180 days must remain on your visa/I-94, or the license or ID is denied
- A passport stamp for I-551 processing must be less than 9 months old
- A Refugee Resettlement Program letter is valid for 15 days from issue
- I-151 resident alien cards are no longer accepted
- F-1, J-1 and M-1 students must also show the I-20
Primary documents include:
- Original or certified birth certificate, or Certificate of Birth Abroad
- U.S. passport book or card (17 and under also bring a birth certificate or custody papers)
- Certificate of Naturalization or Native American tribal document
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551), refugee travel document (I-571) or reentry permit (I-327)
- Current military ID, dependent ID, DD-214 or Merchant Mariner card
Secondary documents include:
- Out-of-state license or ID with a photo; Social Security card or SSA verification
- Louisiana school, college, employer or government photo ID
- Diploma, yearbook photo, or at least 2 report cards from separate years
- Medicare or Medicaid card
- Vehicle title or registration, utility statement, insurance policy
- One printed pay stub, or W-2 forms for 2 years
Know the rule
The name on your secondary documents should match the name on your primary documents.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Put it into practice
You're 16 and your parents share joint custody; your dad is the domiciliary parent. He must come, show his ID and sign. Bring your ID, the custody papers, proof of driver education, and a school enrollment form no more than 90 days old.