A trip to your local DMV can be a nightmare. There are usually long lines and you almost never have everything you need to process your request. While going to the DMV can be a hassle, everyone has to go eventually. You can get Louisiana DMV forms online now which makes your job easier.
We’re here to answer your Louisiana DMV questions.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the DMV:
How Do I Make an Appointment at the DMV in Louisiana?
Do you need an appointment for Louisiana DMV? Many parishes require that you set an appointment. In fact, I have personally been told that I had to go outside and set an online appointment before they would see me. Scheduling an appointment with your local DMV is simple. You can go to www.ExpressLane.org and select “Book Appointment.” You will then be asked to enter your information to finalize your appointment. Many locations are still requiring social distancing due to COVID-19. Setting an appointment saves time.
Driver’s License Renewals
According to Louisiana law, anyone who has a driver’s license must be eligible to renew their license 180 days prior to or upon expiration. You have the option to change your class of driver’s license either at the renewal period or between periods. If you receive an invitation to renew, you can do so online. However, if you do not receive a driver’s license renewal invitation, then you will have to go in person to your local OMV.
You will need to bring a few documents to renew your driver’s license such as:
- Identification
- Proof of Residency in Louisiana
- Current Auto Insurance
- Social Security Number
You must pass a vision test and any other tests required by law.
Louisiana DMV License Renewal Online
If you’re wanting to renew your driver’s license quickly, you can do it online. You will need to enter your renewal information, authorize a payment and print your receipt. Louisiana DMV Express Lane saves time and you won’t have to wait in line to handle your business.
By renewing your Louisiana driver’s license online, you are certifying that you:
- Received a mail-in invitation to renew your driver’s license
- That you have not experienced loss of consciousness
- That all of your vehicles are covered by insurance
- That you do not have any conditions, mental or physical that prevents you from operating a vehicle in a safe manner
- That your new driver’s license will replace your old license
- That you have been provided with the information that is required by law
Louisiana DMV license renewal is a simple process if you have everything you need when you go to renew.
Louisiana DMV Payment Plan
If you end up owing fees or fines to the Office of Motor Vehicles, you now have the ability to enter into a payment plan to lower your amount. Some DMV fines are pretty hefty and they will work on a monthly amount that you can afford. The Louisiana DMV system is usually easy to work with when it comes to setting up a payment plan.
Eligibility Requirements
There are a few requirements that you must meet before you can start a DMV payment plan:
- You must have a working email address;
- Must have a Louisiana driver’s license: Class A, B, C, D or E;
- Compliance for outstanding violations;
- Must have a valid payment option such as debit, credit, ACH or prepaid credit card;
*Businesses are not able to use the installment plan at this time.
Louisiana DMV Express Lane
You can handle the majority of your vehicle business online now at Expresslane.org. This saves wait time and you don’t have to be around crowds.
Here’s a list of things you can do at Louisiana DMV Express Lane:
- Cancel your license plate
- Renew your driver’s license
- Renew your vehicle registration
- Obtain a duplicate driver’s license or ID card
- Replace your vehicle registration
- Access LA Wallet
Online driver’s license renewals have a few requirements. Louisiana law states that you can renew your license up to 180 days prior to or upon expiration of your driver’s license. You can even update your type of license either between the renewal timeframe or at your actual renewal. You should receive a driver’s license renewal invitation by mail if you qualify roughly 100 days before your expiration date. However, if you don’t receive the invitation, you may be required to go in person to renew your DL.
You can find many Louisiana DMV forms online right HERE.
How Do I Renew a License Plate in Louisiana?
You must renew your license plate every few years in Louisiana. You should receive in the mail a registration notice from the Office of Motor Vehicles which states that it’s time to renew. You have the option to renew your vehicle registration either online, in person or by mail as long as you do it before the expiration date. Here’s a few things you will need to renew your vehicle registration:
- Your renewal notice that was mailed to you or current vehicle registration;
- Credit card for payment
Renewing your vehicle registration online is fairly easy, but you can schedule an appointment right HERE if you need assistance.
Once online, you will be prompted to enter your vehicle’s information, verify your place of residence, make a payment and print your receipt. It helps to have the information ready before you log on to save time.
If you go in person to the DMV to renew your vehicle registration, you will need the following items:
- Proof of Louisiana auto insurance
- Valid driver’s license
- Your renewal notice they mailed
- Current inspection sticker
- Renewal fee
How to Cancel Your License Plate Online
You simply to go ExpressLane.dps: From there you will type in your VIN #, license plate digits, driver’s license number, name, zip code of vehicle owner and a valid email. It may take up to 24 hours to update your information and you will receive a receipt when complete. Canceling your Louisiana license plate online is easy and will save time at the DMV.
How Do I Reinstate My Suspended License in Louisiana?
There are a few steps you must take if you’re trying to have your driver’s license reinstated. It’s fairly easy to do yourself and doesn’t take too long to complete. Every situation is different, but here are a few things you need to do in order to reinstate your driver’s license in Louisiana:
- Take care of your court requirements if needed.
- Send in required compliance documents to the Office of Motor Vehicles
- Get an SR22 from your insurance company and submit to the OMV if needed
- Pay your fines and the fee to reinstate your driver’s license.
What is the REAL ID
The REAL ID is a secure identification method that was adopted after 9/11. The U.S. Government determined that states needed a better way to ID citizens. The REAL ID program was created and adopted. The main purpose of the READ ID Act is to set minimum standards for the issuance of driver’s licenses and Identification cards. It’s used for accessing federally regulated areas and facilities.
A REAL ID driver’s license or ID card will have a gold circle with a start cutout on the face of the ID. A non-REAL ID card will have the words “NOT FOR FEDERAL ID.” Not all driver’s licenses are REAL ID compliant. If you’re wanting access to a military base or Federal facilities, many areas require a REAL ID compliant card.
Here’s a list of items you can use for proof to have a REAL ID issued to you:
- Proof of your lawful status in the U.S.
- Birth Date
- Identity
- SSN
- Principal Residence Proof (2) required
What Counts as Proof of Residency in Louisiana?
You will need two documents to prove your residency in Louisiana. You can use documents such as cable bill, school records, energy bill, water bill, insurance paperwork, vehicle title, rental agreement, mortgage bill, etc.
Can I Get a REAL ID Online Louisiana?
Unfortunately, you cannot get a REAL ID online in Louisiana at this time. You must go to the local DMV office and give them your required documentation.
Do They Take Another Picture for the REAL ID?
Yes. If you don’t already have a REAL ID and want to change your current driver’s license to a REAL ID, you will be required to take another photo.
How Much Does a REAL ID Cost in Louisiana?
A REAL ID will cost the same as a driver’s license or ID card. There is no extra fee associated with obtaining a REAL ID card versus a driver’s license in Louisiana.
You can learn more about the REAL ID in Louisiana right HERE.
Louisiana DMV Change of Address
Can I Change My Address on my Driver’s License Online Louisiana?
Unfortunately, you must go to your local OMV office if you need to change your address. They will issue a new driver’s license or identification card that reflects your new address.
Louisiana DMV Locations:
Louisiana DMV Shreveport (Appointment Only)
- 9310 Normandie Dr, Shreveport, LA 71118
- (318) 688-6807
Louisiana DMV New Orleans
- 7500 Bullard Ave Suite 104, New Orleans, LA 70128
- (504) 243-7501
Louisiana DMV Baton Rouge
- 7701 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
- (225) 925-6146
Louisiana DMV Alexandria
- 5602 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303
- (318) 487-5933
Louisiana DMV Monroe
- 5171 NE Road, Monroe LA 71203
- (318) 362-3121