It is always in your best interest to speak with an attorney about your case. If you cannot afford an attorney, a legal aid organization may be able to represent you for free or at reduced cost. However, certain restrictions apply and they may not be able to take your case. You may also qualify for reduced-cost legal services through the LSBA's Modest Means Directory. You also have a right to represent yourself, and there are diverse services available to help you learn more.
Where do I go for a driver's license?
Click here for a list of Motor Vehicle Offices.
What is the graduated licensing program?
The Graduated Licensing Program is the licensing system for all applicants age 15 and 16 that includes the temporary instructional permit (TIP), the learner’s permit, and the intermediate license. At age 17 and above, drivers are eligible for a full license without graduating from a learner’s permit. However, students of all ages, including adults, must obtain a TIP and complete required driver education before they can obtain a license.
Check out the Louisiana Graduated Driver’s License Laws.
Is it required that I get a state ID card?
If you have a driver’s license, a state ID card is not necessary. However, if you do not have a driver’s license you should get a state ID card. A state ID is a valid form of photo ID. You can use it to prove your name and age for obtaining government benefits, voting, flying, entering into many clubs/bars, and buying age-restricted items.
What kind of documents should I bring with me to provide my identity?
Find information about what documents you should bring to the OMV on our How to Apply page.
I have an out-of-state ID. Do I have to get a Louisiana ID?
You do not have to change your ID if you are a full time student or military personnel living in Louisiana but are keeping out-of-state permanent residency. Everyone else who plans on living in Louisiana should get a Louisiana ID.
How do I transfer my out-of-state license?
Go to the local OMV office with your valid out-of-state driver’s license or official driving record. You will need one primary document, your social security number, and proof of insurance if you own an automobile. For more information click here.
Do I have to go to the OMV to renew my expired license or state ID card?
No. You can renew online. There may be an online express line fee. Note that you cannot change your address when you renew online. If you need to change your address, you must go to the OMV.
I forgot to renew my ID before the expiration date. Is there a penalty?
There is an added $15 fee if your license or ID is more than 10 days expired.
What can medically disqualify me from receiving my driver's license?
Before you can receive a driver's license you must get a physical and be found medically fit. Some medical reasons you may not qualify are vision loss, hearing loss, diabetes, and epilepsy. There are some medical exemptions. For more information concerning the medical requirements and/or exemptions, check out the OMV page on medical & vision requirements.
What is a REAL ID?
In 2005 Congress passed the REAL ID Act which established requirements for state driver’s licenses and ID cards that could be used by the federal government for official purposes. Beginning May 7, 2025, Louisiana residents will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, in order to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircraft. For more information on the REAL ID for Louisiana residents and a list of the documents required for obtaining a REAL ID please click here.
What happens if my driver’s license is suspended but I need to drive for work or for other life necessities?
Some people who have their licenses suspended can apply for a hardship license. A hardship license gives a person limited driving rights during a period of suspension. This license allows the applicant to drive so they can earn a living and/or maintain life necessities.
The process of getting a hardship license varies. The applicant can apply for a hardship license from OMV. However, in some situations, the applicant will need to get a court order telling OMV to issue a hardship license.
An applicant is only able to get a hardship license during his or her first suspension. The only exception is if the applicant’s license was once suspended for unpaid fines and those fines have been paid. Once an applicant receives a hardship license, he or she cannot get another one.
A hardship license has some restrictions. An ignition interlock device may be a condition for a hardship license after certain offenses. The hardship license cannot be used to replace a CDL. The license only permits driving for the purposes of earning a living or for life necessities. When driving with a hardship license, traveling to work, school, and the hospital are necessities. Other locations may be considered necessities, at the discretion of the courts and/or police officers. For more information please click here.
What is an ignition interlock device and is it required for a Hardship License?
An ignition interlock device system is an in-car alcohol breath-screening device. It is connected to the engine’s ignition system. It prevents the engine from starting if it detects a blood alcohol level above a preset limit. The interlock device is only required when your license is suspended because of a DWI.
There are several types of state-issued ID cards. The most common of these cards include a state ID card, the class E driver’s license, and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This box allows you to compare the usages, prices, and requirements to obtain each of these ID cards.
Each type of ID card has different requirements and application processes. The major characteristics of each card are described in the following tabs.
| What can I use it for? |
This is only a valid form of ID. It CANNOT be used to operate a motorized vehicle. |
| What are the application requirements? | No extra requirements needed outside of the standard paperwork and documents proving your identity (see below). |
| How do I apply? |
1) Go to your local OMV and fill out the License or Identification Card form. *This form can be downloaded off the OMV website here. 2) Bring documents proving your identity. You need to have two primary documents OR one primary and two secondary documents OR a Louisiana ID card/driver’s license with a clear picture of the applicant. 3) Have or know your social security number. |
| What is the cost? | See the box labeled "Fees" on this page for the current basic license fee. |
| What can I use it for? |
A personal driver’s license is needed to operate a motorized vehicle. It is also a valid form of ID.
|
| What are the application requirements? |
Applicants must provide documents to prove identity (see below). In addition, they must complete driver’s education classes and pass the written, skills, and vision test at OMV. To take the skills test, applicants must bring a vehicle with a current safety inspection sticker, current license plate sticker, current registration, and proof of insurance. |
| How do I apply? |
1) Go to your local OMV and fill out the License or Identification Card form. *This form can be downloaded off the OMV website here. 2) Bring documents proving your identity. You need to have two primary documents OR one primary and two secondary documents OR a Louisiana ID card/driver’s license with a clear picture of the applicant. 3) Have or know your social security number. |
| What is the cost? | See the box labeled "Fees" on this page for the current basic license fee. |
| What can I use it for? |
This license allows you to drive commercial vehicles and your personal vehicle. It is also a valid form of ID. A CDL allows a driver to
|
| What are the application requirements? |
In order to obtain a CDL, drivers must first obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by satisfying the following requirements:
Required documentation/forms can be found on the OMV website here.
For a step-by-step summary of the process to obtain a Louisiana CDL, see below.
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| How do I apply? |
1) Consider finding a study guide or training course to prepare for the written exams relevant to your CDL.
2) Get CDL physical and get medical examiner to complete necessary forms.
3) Visit a full service CDL issuing office with all items and requirements satisfied from “What are the application requirements?” section above.
4) Complete written test to receive a CLP.
5) Pass skills test with an approved CDL third party tester.
6) Return to OMV office with a sealed envelope containing the skill test results from tester to have CDL issued.
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| What is the cost? |
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The Legal Education and Assistance Program (LEAP) is a project sponsored by the Louisiana State Bar Association, with the support of the Louisiana Library Association, the Law Library of Louisiana, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, and Acadiana Legal Services. LEAP aims to provide support and assistance to public librarians throughout the state by providing them with the tools to help their patrons with their legal questions. LEAP understands that librarians are prohibited from providing legal advice, but instead helps them provide legal information, including referrals to attorneys.
