Your license lasts six years, but life changes in between: you move, change your name, or lose the card. Louisiana sets firm deadlines for updates, and OMV keeps a public record of every conviction and crash.
A license expires six years from your nearest birthday
Handbook p. 15 ↗How early before the expiration date you may renew
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
You must pass the vision exam to renew. Check that the information on your new license is correct before you leave.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
Residents under 70 with a Class D or E license may be invited to renew by mail or internet, but never two renewal cycles in a row. You can always renew in person.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
Armed forces and Peace Corps members serving outside Louisiana (and their dependents) keep a valid license for 60 days after discharge if it was valid when they entered service; it's delinquent on the 61st day.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Time to correct the address on your license after you move (no charge)
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
Change your name with a certified marriage license, certified birth certificate (to return to your birth name) or certified court order. A name change between renewals costs the duplicate license fee.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
A lost, stolen or destroyed license is replaced with a duplicate, applied for in person. A minor needs a custodial or domiciliary parent, tutor or guardian there to sign (domiciliary parent only, if joint custody).
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
OMV or a court may put restrictions on your license. Violating a restriction breaks the law and can get your license suspended.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
Every physically impaired person, and anyone over 60 applying for a first license, must submit a physician and/or vision specialist report on OMV's form.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Your driving record
| What's recorded | Kept for |
|---|---|
| Traffic convictions and collisions | 5 years |
| DWI convictions | 10 years |
You can't get a license if:
- Your license is revoked
- You haven't passed driver's education or a pre-licensing course
- You haven't passed the written and/or skills test
- You are under 15
Know the rule
A Louisiana ID card is widely accepted as proof of identity but does not let you drive. Any resident with a valid Louisiana address who meets the ID requirements may get one.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Put it into practice
You move across town on May 1. You have until May 11 to get the address on your license corrected, and it's free. Your vehicle registration has the same 10-day deadline.