Skip to Main Content

Obtaining a Louisiana Driver's License: How to Apply

Find an Attorney

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.

Find attorneys and services in your area.

Requirements for Obtaining a Louisiana Driver's License

Embed from Getty Images

All license applicants in Louisiana must meet the following requirements in order to obtain a license. In addition, applicants must present the documentation outlined on the right half of this page.

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.

Temporary instructional permit (TIP)

  • All students enrolled in a driver education program must present a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) to the enrolled driver education provider prior to the administration of the knowledge test, behind the wheel instruction, and road skills testing.
  • The student must have the TIP in their possession when operating a motor vehicle during the behind the wheel portion of instruction, when accompanied by a licensed driver education instructor, and during the administration of a road skills test.
  • Upon completion of driver’s education, the TIP will be surrendered to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) along with proof of completion of the driver’s education course and any other necessary documents.

Guide to license eligibility and requirements by age

Age 14 – Eligible for classroom instruction ONLY

  • Students may participate in the classroom instruction if they are, at a minimum, in the eighth grade and within 90 days of their 15th birthday. Students cannot participate in the behind-the-wheel training until the age of 15.

Age 15 – Eligible for Learner’s Permit (Need TIP first)

Pre-licensing requirement

  • Successful completion of 38-hour driver’s education course.
  • Pass visual exam.
  • Pass knowledge test with OMV or driving school.

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or adult at least age 21 years old, or licensed sibling at least age 18 years old.
  • No cell phone usage, including hands free.
  • Must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of those hours at night.

Age 16 – Eligible for Intermediate License (Need TIP and learner’s permit first)

Pre-licensing requirement

  • Possess Learner’s Permit for a minimum of 180 days.
  • Completed 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of those hours at night.
  • Pass road skills test with OMV or driving school.
  • A parent or legal guardian shall attest that the pre-licensing requirements have been met by providing a signed statement to OMV:
  • No at-fault crashes with learner’s permit.
  • No moving violations with learner’s permit.
  • No seat belt, curfew, drug, or alcohol law violations.

Restrictions

  • Restricted driving between 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. unless with licensed parent/guardian, licensed adult at least 21 years old, or licensed sibling 18 years or older.
  • Unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years old or older, the teen may not transport more than one passenger under age 21 and who is not an immediate family member, between the hours of 6 p.m. – 5 a.m.
  • Drivers 17 years old and under are prohibited from using cell phones for talk, text (read, write, or send), unless for emergencies.
  • Drivers shall ensure all passengers are properly seat belted prior to placing vehicle in motion.
  • The term “Intermediate” will be depicted on the driver’s license.

Age 17+ – Eligible for Class “E” License (Need TIP first)

Pre-licensing requirement

  • Complete requirements for Intermediate License or complete 38-hour driver’s education course and road skills test.
  • No at-fault crashes (12 consecutive months).
  • No moving violations (12 consecutive months).
  • No seat belt, curfew, drug, or alcohol law violations (12 consecutive months).

Restrictions

  • Drivers 17 years old and under are prohibited from using cell phones for talk, text (read, write, or send), unless for emergencies.

NOTE: Adults are also required to complete driver’s education or a pre-licensing course in order to obtain their first driver’s license. Adults must also obtain a TIP from OMV before participating. These courses are either:

  1. 30 hours classroom instruction and 8 hours behind-the-wheel instruction; OR
  2. 6 hours pre-licensing classroom instruction and 8 hours behind-the-wheel instruction.

Check out these study guides for the written test.

Required Documents

Bring the documents listed below to a local Office of Motor Vehicles when applying for a license. The requirements for the age categories are listed below.

Applicants must also presents the current basic license fee.

Note that photocopies of documents are NOT accepted.

Documents required for issuance of a temporary instructional permit (TIP)

  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of residency
  • Verification of your Social Security Number
    • Acceptable verification includes your Social Security card, W2 form, or a print out from the Social Security Administration verifying the number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, a letter from the Social Security Administration must be presented. The number may also be given verbally.
  • You must also present one additional form of identification such as a photo work ID, high school diploma, insurance card, etc.

Additional Requirements for Applicants Seventeen and Under

  • The signature of the custodial parent or legal guardian is required for the issuance of any license (including first time applications, duplicates and changing restrictions).
  • Documentation must be presented to prove custody or legal guardianship.
  • Identification must be presented by the minor and the parent or guardian.
  • Only the domiciliary parent may sign if joint custody has been awarded.

 

Documents required for issuance of a new license

For adults:

  • One primary document such as a certified birth certificate, Louisiana ID card, current passport, or current military ID
  • Verification of your Social Security Number is required. This can be your Social Security Card, W2 form, or a print out from the Social Security Administration verifying the number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, a letter from the Social Security Administration must be present. The number may also be given verbally.
  • One additional form of identification such as a photo work ID, high school diploma, insurance card, etc.
  • Proof of Address
  • Certificate of Successful Completion received from the driver’s education class you attended must be presented when graduating from a TIP.

For minors:

  • Certified birth certificate
  • Verification of your Social Security Number is required
  • Proof of Address
  • Certificate of Successful Completion received from the driver’s education class you attended must be presented when graduating from a TIP.
  • Non-immigrant alien requires additional information
  • A custodial parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the application.
  • The parent must present identification and the legal guardian must also present legal documentation verifying the guardianship.

LEAP

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.

Logos of the organizations involved in LEAP