How to Check Your Louisiana Driving Record

December 24, 2025
3 Min Read

In Louisiana, your driving record is officially called an Official Driving Record (ODR).

Most people only look for this document when they are in trouble—either their insurance rates spiked, an employer is asking for it, or they have a “flag” preventing them from renewing their license.

If you are just worried about a suspension, you can check your status for free. But if you need the full list of every ticket you’ve had in the last 5 years, you must pay the OMV.

Step 1: Check Your Louisiana License Status for Free (Suspensions & Flags)

Best For: Checking for Suspensions, “Flags,” or Blocks. Cost: Free.

Before you pay $18, find out if your license is valid. The OMV offers a free tool called the Reinstatement Inquiry.This won’t show you your tickets, but it will tell you why you are suspended (e.g., unpaid insurance, missed court date).

Step 2: Order Your Full Official Driving Record (ODR) Online

Best For: Employment, Insurance, Court. Cost: $18.00 ($16 Fee + $2 E-Commerce Charge). Format: Instant PDF Download.

The Official Driving Record (ODR) shows accidents, moving violations, and suspensions from the last 5+ years.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Your ODR

  1. Visit: Go to the Official Driving Record Portal on ExpressLane.
  2. Input Details: You need your Name, Address, Date of Birth, License Number, and Class (usually “E”).
  3. Pay: $18.00 via Credit/Debit card.
  4. Print/Save: The record appears as a PDF.
    • Warning: You have 30 days to view/print it, but you should save it immediately. If you close the window without saving, you may have to pay again.

Need an Appointment? If you cannot do this online, you can visit an OMV field office. Check our Louisiana OMV Appointment Guide before you go, as many offices are strictly appointment-only.

Louisiana Driving Record System: Flags vs. Points

No. Unlike states like Texas or New York, Louisiana does not assign “points” (e.g., 2 points for speeding).

Instead, Louisiana uses a “Flag” system connected to the National Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS).

  • How it works: If you are convicted of a serious offense (DWI, Hit and Run, Driving Under Suspension), a “Flag” is placed on your record.
  • Consequence: You cannot renew your license until the Flag is cleared.
  • The “Article 894” Plea: In some cases, you can plead under Article 894 to keep a traffic conviction off your ODR, essentially hiding it from insurance companies (though it stays visible to law enforcement).

Can You Get Someone Else’s Louisiana Driving Record? (DPPA)

Generally, No. Under the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), it is illegal to look up your neighbor’s or spouse’s driving record just out of curiosity.

Exceptions:

  • Employers: Can request a record for commercial drivers (CDL) with a signed consent form.
  • Insurers: Can access records for underwriting purposes.
  • With Permission: If you need a family member’s record, they must sign an Authorization/Waiver Form giving the OMV permission to release it to you.

What is the “Audit Number” on Your Louisiana Driver’s License?

You might see a field asking for an “Audit Number.”

  • What it is: A 4-digit security number printed on your physical driver’s license (usually on the side or back).
  • Can I look it up? No.
  • Lost Card? If you lost your license, you cannot “find” your audit number online. You must order a duplicate license to get a new one generated.
Conclusion

Managing your Louisiana driving record is all about knowing what you actually need. If you just want to know if you can legally drive today, save your money and use the Free Reinstatement Inquirytool. If you need a document for a job application or a court date, pay the $18.00 on ExpressLane to download your Official Driving Record immediately.

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