If you have recently moved within the “Pelican State,” you have a strict 10-day window to notify the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). While many states allow you to update your records with a few clicks online, Louisiana is a bit more old-school: you must appear in person.
Failing to update your address isn’t just a paperwork issue. In Louisiana, if the OMV sends a notice to your old address and it’s returned, they can “flag” your record, which often leads to an unexpected license suspension. If you’ve already run into this problem, you’ll need to reinstate your suspended license in Louisiana before you can move forward with a simple address change.
The Mandatory In-Person Requirement for Louisiana Address Changes
Louisiana law requires a new physical credential to be issued every time your address changes. Because they need to print a new card with your updated photo, online address changes are not available.
OMV vs. Public Tag Agents (PTA): Where to Go and What to Pay
You can visit any standard OMV field office or a Public Tag Agent (PTA). While PTAs often have shorter lines, they charge an additional convenience fee (usually $18–$20) on top of the state fees. To save time at a state office, it is highly recommended to book a DMV Louisiana appointment through the “Express Lane” portal before you head out.
- Standard License (6-year): ~$17.00
- Standard License (4-year): ~$13.00
- Parish-specific fees: Residents of Orleans Parish typically pay an extra $4–$6.
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Louisiana Driver’s License
When you arrive at the office, you aren’t just “updating a file”—you are technically applying for a duplicate license. If you are a new resident, the process is slightly different as you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Louisiana within 30 days of moving.
Required Documents: What to Bring to the OMV Office
- Your Current License: If you lost it, you’ll need other primary ID (like a Passport or Birth Certificate).
- Proof of Residency: You need two documents showing your new address (e.g., a utility bill, bank statement, or insurance policy).
- Proof of Insurance: Louisiana is very strict about this. You must show valid insurance for every vehicle you own, even if you aren’t driving it to the office that day.
Updating Your Louisiana Vehicle Registration After a Move
A common mistake is assuming that changing your license address automatically updates your car’s registration. It does not. These are two separate systems.
When you update your license at the counter, tell the agent you also need to update your Certificate of Registration. They will print a new registration slip for your glovebox reflecting the new address. If you’ve recently bought a vehicle during your move and haven’t received permanent plates yet, you may need to look into getting a temporary license plate in Louisiana until your paperwork is fully processed at the new address.
Moving Out of Louisiana? How to Avoid the “Plate Trap”
If you are leaving Louisiana for another state, you cannot just drive off and forget about your plates. Louisiana is one of the few states that will “flag” and fine you for an insurance lapse if you cancel your LA insurance before the OMV knows you’ve moved.
How to avoid fines:
- Surrender your plates first: You must cancel your license plates online or mail them back to the OMV in Baton Rouge before you cancel your Louisiana auto insurance policy.
- Mailing Address: > Office of Motor VehiclesP.O. Box 64886 Baton Rouge, LA 70896
FAQ’s
No. If your license is currently valid, you only need to pass the vision screening at the counter. No written or road tests are required for a simple address change.
The OMV requires your physical residential address to be printed on the front of the license. However, you can add a separate mailing address (like a PO Box) to your file so that your renewal notices reach you safely.
If your move is temporary (e.g., you are attending LSU but your “permanent” home is still in another parish or state), you are generally exempt from changing your address. However, if you choose to register to vote in your new parish, the OMV considers you a permanent resident and requires an address update.
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