Driver's License

Department of Motor Vehicles: 

• Website: www.dpd.state.la.us/omv/. Provides thorough information on all motor vehicle and license issues. 
• Phone: 877-DMV-LINE (368-5463). The toll-free line is informative.  An official is available to answer your questions.
• OMV ExpressLane  www.dps.state.la.us/omv/home.html:  An easy way for Louisiana residents to renew their vehicle registration, driver's license or ID card. The system is available 7 days a week and virtually 24 hours a day. (Note: Credit card transactions cannot be performed between 11:50 PM and 12:10 AM Central Time due to administrative processing.)

Driver's License and Identification Card:

• How To Transfer An Out-Of-State Driver's License:  New Louisiana residents must transfer their out-of-state driver's licenses to Louisiana within 30 days of establishing residency. It is required that the new resident appear in person at a local Office of Motor Vehicles (see list below) to apply for a Louisiana driver's license. 
  • You will need one primary document, your current, valid out-of-state driver's license, or official copy of your driving record, or a clearance letter, or teletype from law enforcement faxed directly to your local office, Social Security Card, and proof of insurance if you own an automobile.
  • If the name on your driver's license does not match the name on your birth certificate, you must furnish your state certified marriage license.
  • Minors, 17 years of age or younger, must be accompanied by custodial parent or legal guardian with picture I.D. In case of joint custody, only domiciliary parent may sign.
  • All applicants must meet visual and medical requirements.
  • Persons transferring valid, non-commercial, out-of-state licenses (as exemplified in Louisiana's Class E and D) will NOT be required to take any examination other than the vision test. The written test will be required if the out-of-state license is expired one year or more. The written and driving skills tests are required if the out-of-state license is expired two years or more.
  • You will be issued a Louisiana license that is equivalent to the one you are surrendering from out of state.
  • Fee: Class E - $24.50 in addition to other fees that may vary at the local office.
  • Full time students living in Louisiana but maintaining out-of-state or out-of-country permanent residency do not have to obtain a Louisiana license as long as full-time student status is in effect and driver's license is valid.
  • Military personnel and dependents assigned to Louisiana are not required to obtain a Louisiana license.
  • Resident Cost:
    • A 4-yr personal drivers license is $29.50 for residents 17 to 69; $9 for individuals over 70.
    • A 4-year state Identification Card is $21; a permanent ID card is available at no charge to residents over 60.
    • Visit www.dps.state.la.us/omv/fees.htm  for commercial and chauffeur fees, motorcycle endorsement fees, duplicate cards, trade-up fees, etc.  The driver's license application form can be downloaded from the website.
• What to Expect - Visit the website for detailed requirements.
  • Drivers under the age of 18 have several stages of driving permits. 
  • Applicants may be exempt from one or all of the exams (written, visions, on-the-road).
  • Proof of insurance is required.
  • You may opt to leave your social security number off your Louisiana license.
  • The department accepts primary and secondary documents of identification, including birth certificates, passports, immigration documents, Social Security cards, proof-of-residence information, out-of-state or military licenses or identification cards, etc. Check the website or call the toll-free number to determine what you'll need to bring with you.