Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of Motor Vehicles has on-line verification with the Social Security Administration. All name changes must be recorded with the Social Security Administration prior to your visit to the Office of Motor Vehicles.

To have your name changed on your license, you must go to the Office of Motor Vehicles with original documentation that supports the name change (i.e., certified birth certificate, state-certified marriage license, divorce decree, probate court documents, etc.), your current license, proof of residency and proof of insurance for any vehicle you own. You will be required to pass a vision test.

Minors, 17 years of age or younger, must be accompanied by a custodial parent or legal guardian with picture I.D. In the case of joint custody, only the domiciliary parent may sign. 

Fee: $13.00 (A local fee may apply not to exceed $4) for a 4-year license and $17.00 for a six-year license (A local fee may apply not to exceed $6). The name change is considered as a duplicate license and the expiration date of the license does not change.

If the applicant possesses multiple Louisiana credentials such as an ID card or mobility impaired hangtag, the name must be changed on those documents as well. The name on all credentials must be changed at the same time.

Louisiana law requires that you notify the Motor Vehicle Office within 10 days any time your address changes. You must appear in person to have this transaction completed. Please take your driver’s license and proof of insurance for any vehicle you own. Proof of insurance is required on all motor vehicle transactions, as well as proof of residency. Fee: $13.00 (a local fee may apply which will not exceed $4.50 or $6 for the local governing authority in Jefferson and Orleans parish) for a 4-year license and $17.00 for a 6-year license (a local fee may apply which will not exceed $6).

Minors, 17 or under, must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian with picture I.D. In case of joint custody, only the domiciliary parent may sign. 

NOTE: If you own a vehicle, please have the address corrected on the certificate of registration. Changing the address on your driver's license does not automatically change the address on any vehicles you may own.

If your driver's license expires within 90 days, you will be required to renew.

Bring your driver's license proof of residency and proof of insurance for any vehicles you own to your local Office of Motor Vehicles.

You will be required to take and pass the Chauffeurs knowledge test and the vision test only. You will not be required to take a road skills test. Review the Louisiana Driver's Guide and study Chapter 10. The guide is available online.

If you have time remaining on your Class E driver's license it will be credited towards the fee for the change.

Minors must be age 17 and require parental consent for issuance. 

Fee: $54.75 (a local fee may apply not to exceed $6)

There is a 10 day grace period after expiration where you may renew your license without paying additional fees.

A separate license to operate a motorcycle is not issued in Louisiana. Once an applicant proves he is qualified, a motorcycle endorsement is added to the existing Louisiana license. 

Bring your driver's license, proof of residency and proof of insurance to a local Office of Motor Vehicles.

All applicants must successfully pass the vision exam. Additional testing is based on whether the applicant has attended a motorcycle training safety course. Applicants who have successfully completed the "Department of Public Safety, Motorcycle Safety, Awareness and Operators Training Program." on or after October 28, 2011, will be exempt from the knowledge and skills test. Any certificate with a course completion date prior to October 28, 2011, will exempt the applicant from the skills test requirement ONLY.​  A skills test will not be required for applicants that have completed a course offered by certain course providers. For a list of course providers click here

A course schedule may be found at http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html Applicants may voluntarily participate in the program if they meet the qualifications of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to apply for a motorcycle operator's endorsement. Applicants must provide the original certificate as proof of completion.

Applicants, which have not attended the course described above, will be required to successfully pass the knowledge test and a road skills test. The motorcycle study guide is available on our website. Applicants will be required to furnish the motorcycle used in the skills test. The motorcycle must have a current license plate, proof of current insurance and a current inspection sticker. A motorcycle helmet is required for the skills test.

Fee: $18.00 (a local fee may apply not to exceed $6).

Some Motor Vehicle offices do not administer the road skills tests between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Some offices schedule road skills tests. Check the field office directions for the road skills test schedule of your nearest office. Skills tests are NOT given during inclement weather.

If you failed to appear in court or to pay your traffic fine on or prior to your court date, the court issued an order to the Office of Motor Vehicles to suspended your driving privileges by the authority of R.S.32:57.1. The fine paid to the court is for the traffic ticket and/or court cost. The fine paid to the Office of Motor Vehicles is a reinstatement fee for the reinstatement of your driving privileges.

You can remove the corrective lenses restriction on your driver’s license after vision correction surgery at your local Office of Motor Vehicles. Please take your driver’s license proof of residency and proof of insurance if you own an automobile. You will be required to take and pass the vision test. Fee: $13.00 for a 4-year license (4-year licenses soon will not be offered) and $17.00 for a 6-year license (a local fee may apply which will not exceed $6 regardless of the duration of the license).

You may be eligible for a renewal of your license/ID card if you meet the following criteria:

1. You are a full-time student attending classes out of state/country (copy of current student ID required)
2. You are military or military dependent (copy of current military ID and copy of enlistment papers or letter from commanding officer required)
3. Your privileges are not canceled/suspended or revoked.
4. Your privileges have not been expired for more than 12 months.
5. We have a photo in our database.
6. Your last renewal was not a mail-in/web renewal (where a sticker was issued) or a reconstructed license.
7. You would, otherwise, meet the criteria to renew via mail/web.
8. You must submit a completed and signed application and attach appropriate documents and fees. Fees must be submitted in the form of a cashier's check or money order made payable to the Office of Motor Vehicles. This office does not accept checks for driver's license issuance.

If you are military and you have not visited our office for renewal within the last 5 years, with a copy of your enlistment papers/deployment orders, we may be able to mark your record "VALID MILITARY" which will keep your license valid until 60 days after discharge.

A $15.00 late fee will apply if the license is more than 10 days expired.

Driver's License Renewal (Class D or E) Fees
Class E - $32.25
Class D - (Orleans Parish) - $66.00
Motorcycle Endorsement renewal - add $12.00

Identification Card (ID) Renewal Fee
Class I (ID Card) - $18.00

This office does not accept personal checks, however, certified check, cashiers check or money order made payable to the Office of Motor Vehicles.

Mailing address:

Office of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Reconstructed License
P O Box 64886
Baton Rouge, La. 70896

Phone inquiries
Local Baton Rouge - 225.925.4195

Once the application and fee have been submitted, allow approximately 7-10 days for the license to be processed and mailed.

United States male citizens or immigrants who are eighteen years of age or older, but less than twenty-six years of age, shall be registered for the Military Selective Service when applying to receive or renew a learner's permit, driver's license, commercial driver's license, or identification card. Any US male citizen or immigrant who is 15 years of age, but less than 18 years of age, shall provide personal information for registration with the Selective Service. Upon the applicant attaining eighteen years of age, the applicant shall automatically be registered with Selective Service.

You must contact the court indicated on the ticket to pay your fine. The State of Louisiana does not have any information regarding the ticket you were issued. If your home state has notified you about the failure to pay the ticket you should contact them for information regarding which Louisiana court you will have to contact.

You must make a written request for this letter. Include your full name, date of birth and social security number. Attach a copy of your out-of-state driver's license or birth certificate and a $5.00 fee. The fee must be in the form of a money order, cashiers check or certified check. No personal check are accepted.

Please allow 10 working days for processing.


Mail to:
OMV
P.O. BOX 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

An Official Driving Record (ODR) can be purchased online or through the mail. 

By Mail:

To purchase an ODR for yourself by mail submit a written request to include your:

• Name (exactly as it appears on your driver's license)
• Date of Birth
• Address (where you want the report mailed)
• Sex
• Driver’s License number (if known)

Enclose a Money Order or Certified Check in the amount of $16.00 and mail to:

Office of Motor Vehicles 
Attention: ODR
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Online:

To purchase an ODR online go to www.expresslane.org. The information entered must be entered exactly as it appears on the driver's license. Only credit or debit cards are accepted for this transaction. The cost is $18.00. This fee is charged whether you view only or view and print the ODR and once purchased you have 30 days from the date purchased to print another copy free of charge.


If requesting an ODR for anyone other than yourself, you will need written authorization/waiver from the licensee to release their personal information to you.

Insurance companies may have access to an insurance database that records data on all claims paid from the result of a motor vehicle accident. These are not records maintained by the Office of Motor Vehicles.

The following violations will appear on your ODR and the retention period for violations vary depending on the type of violation.

• DWI, Vehicle Negligent Injury and Out-of-Service convictions remain on the record for 10 years from the date of conviction or 55 years if you are a CDL holder.
• Administrative per se (refusal/submits) are displayed for a ten year period from the date of arrest or until all requirements have been met. However, they are not displayed while the record is pending.
• Other major traffic convictions (suspendable/disqualifying violations) remain on the record for 5 years from the date of conviction.
• Minor traffic convictions remain on the record for 3 years from the date of conviction.

A complete list of OMV offices and Public Tag Agents can be found at https://offices.omv.la.gov/

If the duplicate credential was not received, the applicant must allow for a 30-day waiting period from the date of application and must visit a field office within sixty (60) days of application to be eligible for a replacement credential at no charge.

A $15 delinquent fee assessed on any license expired for more than 10 days. If you let your license expire, you are subject to a traffic citation. Citations issued for Driving without Valid CDL Privileges is considered a serious offense and mandates a disqualification of your CDL privileges as well as reinstatement fees.

You can send it by email, fax, or regular mail:

Email - OMV_CDL_Medical@dps.la.gov

Fax - 225-925-3901

Mail -

Office of Motor Vehicles
P. O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

There are 3 basic classes of CDL:

1. Combination vehicles (Class A) – Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000. NOTE: If the vehicle being towed has a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more, Class A is required. However, you will be required to test in a combination that has a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more.
2. Heavy Straight vehicles (Class B) – Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more OR any such vehicle towing a trailer/vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
3. Small vehicles (Class C) - Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles (that meets neither the definition of Class A or Class B) but that is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver OR is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in amounts required to be placarded.

For more information, see Section I, Policy 1.00 Classes of License and Age Requirements.

1. Your valid out-of-state photo CDL or a letter of clearance or a copy of your official driving record.
2. In addition to number 1, you must meet the ID requirements (Section I, Policy 6.00). Original documents only. Photocopies not accepted.
3. Provide proof of social security number (card or letter from SSA).
4. Submit a copy of your completed medical examiner’s certificate.
5. Proof of insurance on any personal vehicles you have registered in Louisiana.
6. Proof of Residency
7. If you have and wish to retain your Hazardous Materials endorsement (X or H), you will be required to successfully complete the written test.
8. You will be required to submit to a vision exam at the OMV office.

Appropriate fee. (Section I, Policy 2.00 Fees and Duration of License)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides in-depth information about the physical requirements for commercial drivers.

Go to: http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to update your DOT record or call the FMCSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-832-5660 to have an MCS-150 form mailed to you.

Complete the new MCS-150 form, sign, and mail:

FMCSA
Attn: USDOT Number Application
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590

Vehicles operated in interstate commerce may be stopped by any law enforcement officer in any jurisdiction and are subject to any applicable enforcement action including vehicle impoundment and driver arrest. Louisiana will also deny IRP registration for any vehicles associated with the DOT number. Also, during a roadside inspection, officers may cite carriers operating in violation resulting in fines.

With the issuance of registrations for 2011, Louisiana will stagger the expiration of apportioned license plates throughout the year for existing accounts. New accounts opened in 2011 forward will expire 12 months from the month the account is opened.

Renewal packets are mailed out 60 days prior to expiration.

As a PRISM state, Louisiana requires all holders of apportioned plates to be associated with a U.S. DOT number. The bar code on each cab card contains the U.S. DOT number associated with either the motor carrier responsible for safety or the registrant.

Owner-operators without operating authority, who purchase their own plates, need a registrant U.S. DOT number. A registrant U.S. DOT number is for vehicle registration purposes only and does not provide the owner/operator with any type of operating authority. The registrant U.S. DOT number should not, under any circumstances, be displayed on the vehicle. An owner-operator (lessor) must provide the U.S. DOT number for the motor carrier (lessee), who is responsible for the safety information. 

 If the motor carrier responsible for safety has filed updated MCS-150 data within the prescribed twelve-month period, only the U.S. DOT number and FEIN of the motor carrier must be provided.  Otherwise, a current copy of the MCS-150 for the owner-operator and motor carrier must be filed.

Motor Carriers who have not obtained a U.S. DOT number must complete MCS-150 and MCS-150A forms to apply for a U.S. DOT Number. The IRP Unit will assist carriers in obtaining US DOT numbers or carriers may contact the U. S. Department of Transportation for assistance.  A Motor Carrier is required to have a U.S. DOT Number prior to operation.

New Applicants must register for a DOT number online at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration.

If any technical issues occur please call the FMCSA Support Telephone Number at 1-800-832-5660 

The FMCSA has established a safety permit program (HM Safety Permit). Effective January 1, 2005, motor carriers transporting certain hazardous materials in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce will be required to have the permit. 

The permit program will require every motor carrier, including intrastate carriers, transporting certain hazardous materials to complete Form MCS-150B in lieu of Form MCS-150. The MCS-150B form is available through the FMCSA website.

All applications regarding IRP can be processed in select OMV offices across the state:

Alexandria
Baton Rouge
Houma
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Metairie
Monroe
Shreveport
Slidell

New IRP accounts created under Staggered Registration will be twelve months from the date the account is opened. Ex: IRP Account opened in August 2018 will expire in July 2019. Note: For July – May expiration date will be reused. June is not an expiration month in IRP staggered registration for Louisiana.

All payments must be submitted in the form of certified funds (i.e. cash, money order, cashier's check, certified check, Commcheck).

Schedule an appointment at a CDL issuing office and arrive with your medical card, proof of insurance on your personal vehicles, proof of residency, and cash, credit card/debit card, or money order. Cost of duplicate - $5.00 plus any applicable parish fee not to exceed $6.

The costs may vary slightly.

• A CDL physical is required (fee set by the medical examiner).
• Third Party Skills test is $100 (if you provide the vehicle). NOTE: Cost for rental of a vehicle, discretion of the Tester/Examiner.
• License fee - $61.50 ($76.50 if you reside in Orleans Parish) + $15.00 application fee.
• Additional endorsements - $7.50 each, except for motorcycle which is $12.00.
• Applicable parish fee - not to exceed $6.00.

A: You may call 225-925-6146 or you may contact us via the online form at https://dpsweb.dps.louisiana.gov/OMVContactUs.nsf

US Department of Transportation: http:www.dot.gov 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Hazardous Materials: http://hazmat.dot.gov

Louisiana Department of Transportation: http://www.dotd.state.la.us

Your old plate has been cancelled. It does not have to be turned in, but you should destroy it.

To have the vehicle transferred to a new owner, you must first determine how the estate has been settled by the heirs.

If a succession was opened through the courts, you must submit a certified copy of the final judgment of possession, showing the disposition of the vehicle.

If the heirs filed a small succession through the Department Of Revenue, you must submit the validated "Affidavit of Small Succession", along with the descriptive list of property, which must include a description of the vehicle in question.

If the requirements for opening a succession or the filing of a small succession cannot be met, it will be necessary for the heirs to complete an "Affidavit of Heirship." This form must be accompanied by a photostatic copy of the death certificate. If the decedent died testate (executed a will), a copy of the will or a notarized statement of its contents relevant to vehicles must be submitted. The notarized statement must be made and signed by the one in possession of the original will.

In addition to these requirements, the following documents may be necessary:

• Vehicle Application form (DPSMV1799) for title properly executed by the recipient of the vehicle.
• Certificate of title, if available. If the issue date of the title is January 1, 1990 or later, the assignment of the title must be completed by one of the heirs and the recipient of the vehicle and notarized.
• Current certificate of registration, if available.
• Notarized bill of sale or act of donation from all heirs to the recipient of the vehicle.
• Federal odometer disclosure statement completed by the buyer and seller on vehicles within ten model years.
• If the decedent's title reflected a lien, you must submit a satisfaction of lien written on the lienholder's company letterhead. The letter must include name, address, and telephone number of the lienholder.
• If a lien is to be recorded in the new owner's name, you must submit a completed UCC-1 or Security Agreement showing a full description of the vehicle. When a UCC instrument is submitted to record a lien, include a $15.00 recordation fee. When any other lien instrument is submitted to record a lien, include a $10.00 recordation fee.
• If the vehicle is being sold, sales tax is due based on the selling price of the vehicle. The percentage of sales tax due is determined by applicant's domicile.
• If an heir is an out-of-state resident and the state of residence will not accept the Louisiana Affidavit of Heirship, written documentation from that state indicating that the Louisiana Heirship form will not be accepted must be submitted with the file.
• All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of the vehicle owner's current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver's license or identification card issued by this state, another state, or by the United States military.

When, as a result of an insurance settlement, a motor vehicle is declared to be a total loss, the insurance company, its authorized agent or the vehicle owner must apply for a salvage title within thirty (30) days from the settlement of the property damage claim. A salvage title is issued in the name of the insurance company, its authorized agent or vehicle owner who may dismantle, sell, rebuild or restore the salvaged vehicle.

The following items must be submitted before a salvage title can be issued:

• A completed Vehicle Application form (DPSMV1799) with the words "Salvage Title" written across the face of the application.
• The properly assigned title or manufacturer’s statement of origin with the words "Salvage Title" written across the face of title or statement of origin.
• A copy of the proof of loss from the insurance company.
• A UCC-1 financing statement or security agreement to record lien (if applicable).
• A notarized authorization from the insurance company naming the agent and including a complete description of the vehicle (model year, make, body style and complete vehicle identification number of the vehicle), if the vehicle is being titled in the name of the insurance company’s authorized agent’s name.
• Disclosure of salvage vehicle form.
• If a lien is to be recorded, you must submit a completed UCC-1 or Security Agreement showing a full description of the vehicle. When a UCC instrument is submitted to record a lien, include a $15.00 recordation fee. When any other lien instrument is submitted to record a lien, include a $10.00 recordation fee.

• A Vehicle Application form (DPSMV1799) must be completed and signed by the applicant.
• The current certificate of title must be submitted with the assignment completed and notarized, if applicable.
• If a lien was recorded, it must be properly released.
• Vehicles less than ten years old must have the federal odometer disclosure completed on the title, otherwise, a separate odometer statement must be submitted.
• The notarized bill of sale or invoice with the full description of the vehicle must be submitted if the title assignment does not reflect the date of sale, selling price, and buyer/seller signatures.
• Original or a copy of the financing statement or security agreement must be included if a lien is to be recorded. 
• All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of the vehicle owner's current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver's license or identification card issued by this state, another state, or by the United States military. 
• Proof of liability insurance coverage is required, unless the vehicle was purchased from a dealer.

The following additional documents will be required, along with the above, when the vehicle was purchased from an individual out of state.

• If neither the bill of sale nor the assignment of title is notarized out of state, a notarized affidavit is required from the out of state registered owner attesting to the fact that they are not a resident of Louisiana, or a copy of the seller's out-of-state driver's license (front and back) must be submitted.
• If the documentation submitted was notarized in Louisiana, and no residency documents are included in the file, it can then be assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title has become a resident of Louisiana and must pay use tax. A "double transfer" will then be processed with tax collected on both transactions.

 All documents and fees must be submitted simultaneously to the local Office of Motor Vehicles or mailed to Headquarters