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Why do I need a driver's license?
  • You must have a Louisiana driver’s license if you are a resident of Louisiana and want to drive a vehicle on public streets and highways. You must always carry your driver’s license on your person when you drive or operate a vehicle, as it is required if one is stopped by law enforcement. Please note that law enforcement will now also accept a valid Louisiana Digital License ID.
What type of license do I need?
  • The class of license you will need depends on the type of vehicle you will be driving and if you are employed for the principal purpose of driving. Classes A, B, and C are commercial driver’s licenses. Class D is commonly called a “chauffer’s license” as this license can be used to transport passengers for a fee. Most people require a Class E license for their own personal vehicle, which is non-commercial; This type of license allows an individual to drive any single vehicle under 10,000 pounds for personal use recreation or farm vehicle (within 150 miles of the farm). If you want to drive a motorcycle or a commercial vehicle, you will need to apply for a separate endorsement. Visit www.expresslane.org.  for more information.
How do I get a driver’s license?
  • Drivers younger than 18 years old applying for their first license must satisfy the requirements of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) graduated driver's license (GDL) program. Drivers will also need to complete three tests when applying for your license: Vision test, Knowledge test, and Road skills test. Beside these tests, there are additional requirements you must have to be able to apply for a driver’s license.
  • The Graduated Licensing Program is for teenagers 15-18 years old to complete to obtain their license. There are three stages of licensure under this program:
    • Learner’s permit that allows only supervised driving
    • Intermediate license- unsupervised driving within restrictions
    • Full license
    • - Note: If you are 18 years old and did not previously enter into the graduate licensing program, you can directly apply for a full license. For more details regarding the GDL requirements, visit www.dmv.org/la-louisiana/teen-drivers. 
  • Everyone applying for their first driver’s license must provide proof of completion of Driver Education training. Depending on your age, the requirements for driver’s education training may differ.
    • If you are under age 18, you must complete 38-hour driver’s education course.
    • If you are age 18 or older, you must complete either 38-hour driver’s education course or a 6-hour pre-licensing course and an 8-hour behind-the-wheel course.
    • The education course must be approved by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Approved courses can be found at https://local.dmv.org/louisiana/driving-school-and-drivers-ed. 
  • All licenses are issued at your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and you must apply in person. You may need an appointment, so it is best to call ahead.
  • You will need to bring two primary forms of identification, or one primary and two secondary forms;
    • Primary forms of ID include your original birth certificate, a certified copy pf birth certificate and birth card, Native American tribal document, passport, Military selective service card, immigrant permanent resident cards, etc.
    • Secondary forms of ID: include Social Security Card, State ID card, school or college ID card which has a photo, medical cards, education diploma, yearbook, report cards, driver education certificate, or other documents such as W-2 forms and property titles;
  • If you are a male U.S. citizen between the ages of 15 to 26 years old, you must supply your social security number when you apply for a Louisiana State driver's license.
  • You must pass a vision test, a written test, and a road skills test to get your driver's license.
  • Vision Test: The vision test is not a medical exam. The vision test will determine if your vision meets the minimum standards for driving which is 20/40. If you wear corrective lenses/contacts in order to pass the exam, you license will note that you are required to wear those while driving. The vision test will take place at the OMV. If you fail the vision test, you will be given a vision report to bring to any vision specialist of your choice.
  • Knowledge Test: This test is used to confirm your understanding of safe driving practices, driving laws, and traffic signs and signals. The test is multiple choice and you must score an 80 to pass. The test questions are taken from information contained in the newest Louisiana Driver’s manual for the license class you are attempting to acquire. To obtain a digital manual, visit https://www.expresslane.org/Pages/OMVForms/Driver's-License-Study-Manuals.aspx. . The website features the guides in Spanish and English.
  • Road Skills Test: The road skills tests assess your driving skills such as backing, yielding right of way, keeping in lane, using of signals, attention to surroundings and more. The examiner will direct you to make certain stops, starts, and turns during the test. the examiner will deduct points for any driving errors you commit. The examiner will not trick you into committing an error.
    • This test may be taken through the OMV or by a certified third-party tester. The third-party tester must be certified by the OMV. There is a charge for a certified third party tester to administer the test. The cost may be up to $40.00. To find third party testers visit the OMV website at www.expresslane.org. 
    • If you take the test through the OMV, you must provide your own vehicle. The vehicle must be in safe driving condition, pass a safety inspection, have a valid inspection sticker, and current license plate and registration document. If you do not own a vehicle, a third party tester may rent a vehicle to you at an additional cost.
    • Remember that road skills tests are postponed during inclement weather.
    • You will fail the test for any of the following reasons:

      1. A violation of any traffic law (laws can be found in the driver’s manual and Title 32 of the Louisiana revised statutes

      2. Any dangerous action or incident

      3. Lack of cooperation or refusal to follow instructions

      4. Collision

      5. Cumulative minor mistake

  • If you fail the road skills tests, you will be able to return at a later day to re-take the test.
    • How can I pay?
    • You will need to pay a driver’s license fee, which is generally paid in cash. The Office of Motor Vehicles accepts payment by cash, credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and electronic funds transfer, but will charge an extra fee for any payment made with a credit, debit card, or electronic check. Refer to the Office of Motor Vehicles website for updated payment information. (www.expresslane.org).
    • If you are presently in foster care, the fees for your license can be waived, but there is still a fee for the driver’s education course or pre-licensing class.
    Do I have to renew my license?
    • Yes, a Louisiana driver’s license expires after 6 years. The law requires a license holder eligible to renew their license up to 180 days prior to or upon expiration. You must pass the vision exam before your license can be renewed. If you do not receive a mail in renewal notice nor notice on the LAwallet app if you receive a digital license, you must then visit your local OMV for renewal. .
    What if I move from the address listed on my license?
    • Louisiana Law requires you to correct the address on your license within 10 days after a move. Visit your local OMV to have your license corrected at no charge. Failure to change your address could result in a violation if stopped by law enforcement. .
    What if I want to change my name or gender on my License?
    • You may change your name on your license by visiting your local OMV. Bring a certified copy of your state approve marriage license, certified birth certificate, or certified copy of a court order authorizing a name change. If you change your name between license renewals, a duplicate license fee will need to be paid.
    • If you want to change your gender listed on your license, provide a medical statement from a physician that states your gender change/reassignment.
    How do I get a digital license ID??
    • A digital license ID is available from the app LA Wallet on the Apple or Google Play stores. You must have a physical license to be able to obtain the digital license. After you download the app, follow the instructions to set up an account. Click add license and fill out the information as is shown on your physical license. Once you added all the information click purchase license. The fee as of 2020 for the digital license is $5.99. Your digital license will be valid for the life of your physical license. Every other expiration year, you can renew your license via the app. The cost to renew your license via the app is the same as the prices set by the OMV for a physical license which as of 2020 is $32.50. unlike when visiting the OMV, you cannot change your address, picture, or gender from what is listed on your current license via the app.
    • For more information visit LA Wallet
    Do I need car insurance?
    • Yes, if you own a car, the state requires that you have in your car proof of liability insurance coverage at all times. Failure to maintain liability insurance may result in the loss of your driver's license and/or seizure of your vehicle, and also may require you to pay fines and reinstatement fees. Also, when you register your car, you are required to show proof of liability insurance.
    • If you are driving someone else's car, there must be proof of their liability insurance coverage in the car.
      • Under the "No Pay/No Play" law, if you do not have liability insurance on the vehicle involved in an accident, you cannot collect from the other driver for the first $25,000 in property damage or $15,000 bodily injury, regardless of who is at fault. Plus, you may still have to pay fines and reinstatement fees, even if an accident is not your fault.
    Can I use a phone while I’m driving?
    • No. Under Louisiana law, you may not write, send, or read a text message, nor access social media, while on a public road or highway. Texting while driving will result in expensive tickets. The fines may be doubled if you are involved in a traffic accident while texting.
    • Persons under 18 may not use a cell phone when driving.
    • In a school zone, no one may use a cell phone for talking, texting, or social media except for emergencies.
    • Limited exceptions to cell phone laws may be made if you find yourself in one of the following situations:
      • Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency or serious road hazard;
      • Reporting a situation in which you believe your personal safety is threatened;
      • Reporting or preventing a criminal act against yourself or another person; or
      • Writing, reading or sending a text message while your vehicle is lawfully parked.
    What do I do if I get pulled over?
    • If a police car is following you with its siren on or emergency lights flashing, pull over to the right as quickly and safely as possible. Come to a complete stop and stay in the car until and unless the officer directs you to get out. Don’t start rummaging through your back pocket for your wallet and license, or in your glove compartment for your registration, until the officer asks you for them.
    • Even if you haven’t committed a violation, police officers can order drivers and any passengers to get out of a car. If an officer “reasonably believes” that drivers or passengers might be carrying weapons, they can “pat down” the car’s occupants. If an officer asks you if he/she can search the car, you have a right to say no, and this is not an admission of guilt. Police officers cannot search a car without your permission or a warrant based on a traffic violation, unless they have reason to believe that the car contains a weapon or evidence of crime that someone other than the driver might dispose of.
    What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?
    • Read your traffic ticket carefully.
      • Printed on the ticket will be the name of the parish where you were ticketed as well as important information regarding payment deadlines.
      • Traffic ticket fines vary based on the type of violation. Fines also vary based on the parish where you received the ticket.
      • There may be expensive late fees or additional penalties added to your traffic ticket fine if you do not pay on time and/or appear in court on the scheduled date.
      • Read your traffic ticket for payment instructions. The parish in which you received the traffic ticket may allow you to pay your ticket online, by mail, or in person. You may be required to appear in court for certain of types tickets. If you want to fight the traffic ticket you will need to appear in court. You may want to hire a traffic ticket attorney to help you.
    • If your traffic ticket doesn't show the amount due, contact the appropriate parish traffic court for information, or visit their website to get the correct fine amount you are required to pay.
    • The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) keeps track of the number and types of traffic offenses you have committed. If you have committed certain or too many traffic offenses, your driver's license could be suspended or you could be charged higher car insurance premiums by your car insurance company.
      • You can sometimes have your traffic ticket dismissed by completing a defensive driving course. This depends on the type of violation you received. Contact the Louisiana parish court where you ticket was issued to check to see if you are eligible to take a defensive driving course.
      • If you have lost your traffic ticket, contact the parish traffic court where your ticket was issued to get your ticket information and request a copy of your ticket.
    How do I register my vehicle?
    • You will first need a Certificate of Title which is the official negotiable document of ownership for motor vehicles. If the vehicle is used and the owner is in Louisiana, the certificate of title is signed by the seller to the buyer in front of a notary. A completed vehicle application form is also required on all transactions in which a title is generated. An original notarized invoice or bills of sale will and a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo ID will also need to be completed in order to go to the OMV to register the vehicle in your own name and obtain a license plate. If the vehicle purchased is less than 10 years old, an Odometer Disclosure Statement must be submitted. There are various fees for registering a vehicle: Title fee, handling fee, license plate fee, sales/use tax, and if applicable mortgage recordation fee.
    Louisiana State Bar Association
    601 St. Charles Avenue
    New Orleans, LA 70130
     (800) 421-LSBA(5722) / (504) 566-1600