Louisiana driver license guide

Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)

Every new driver first gets a Class E Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) before driver education testing and behind-the-wheel lessons. It is available from age 14 and only allows driving with a driver education instructor.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age for a learner's permit

15, after holding a TIP and completing the required driver education and tests.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education requirement

All first-time applicants must complete driver education: a 38-hour course (30 hours classroom + 8 behind the wheel) for ages 14 years 9 months to 17, or a 14-hour pre-licensing course (6 classroom + 8 behind the wheel) for 18 and older.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Fee for a Class E license

$32.25 basic Class E license fee until age 69; $18.75 at 70 and older. Some field offices add a local service fee. Converting a TIP to a learner's permit or full license costs nothing extra.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Applicants 17 and under need the signature of the custodial parent or legal guardian, who must be present with ID; with joint custody only the domiciliary parent may sign.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long to hold the learner's permit

At least 180 days, unless the applicant is 17 or older.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit restrictions

Must drive with a licensed parent, guardian or adult 21+, or a licensed sibling 18+; no cell phone use, including hands-free.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test questions

40 questions.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

80% on the knowledge test; the road skills test also needs a score of 80 or better.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Test language help

Applicants who do not read English well may bring a translator for non-CDL knowledge tests.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who gives the tests

The knowledge and road skills tests for new drivers are given by the driver education provider (or OMV); all road skills tests are performed at a driving school.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

A vision test is given before a learner's permit is issued (and for all driver's license transactions); you need 20/40 vision in one or both eyes.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a TIP / first license

Proof of identification, proof of residency, Social Security number verification (card, W-2 or SSA printout, or given verbally), and one additional ID such as a work ID, diploma or insurance card. Minors bring a certified birth certificate. Photocopies are not accepted.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Certificate of completion

Bring the driver education Certificate of Successful Completion when converting the TIP; driver education and road skills certificates are good for five years.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointments

OMV customer service centers take appointments; check your license status for flags first, since flags must be cleared before any service.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice

At least 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of them at night, while on the learner's permit; a parent or guardian signs a statement that this was done.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Intermediate license (age 16)

At 16, after 180 days on the permit and 50 supervised hours, pass the road skills test for an intermediate license. Driving 11 p.m.-5 a.m. needs a licensed adult 21+ (or parent/guardian or licensed sibling 18+), and from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. no more than one non-family passenger under 21 unless a licensed adult 21+ is along.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Full Class E license

Available at 17 with vision, knowledge and road skills tests passed; teens moving up from an intermediate license need 12 consecutive months with no at-fault crashes or moving violations.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long a Class E license lasts

About 6 years; it expires on your birthday.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Up to 180 days before expiration. Eligible drivers are sent a renewal invitation about 100 days before the month of expiration.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Many residents can renew a license or ID card online through OMV's online services instead of visiting an office; if you get no renewal invitation, renew at an OMV office.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

Class E renewal is $32.25 (Class D in Orleans Parish $66.00; motorcycle endorsement adds $12.00). There is a 10-day grace period after expiration before a late fee applies.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Late renewal

$15.00 late fee once the license is more than 10 days expired.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

Since May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license/ID (or another accepted ID such as a passport) is needed to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. First-time REAL ID requires proof of identity, lawful status, date of birth, Social Security number and two proofs of principal residence, in person.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID fee

No extra cost; a REAL ID card costs the same as a non-compliant card.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How to spot a REAL ID

A white star with a gold outline at the top of the card.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID residency proofs

Two original documents from separate sources showing your name and Louisiana street address (e.g. utility bill, bank statement, lease, insurance policy).Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline to transfer an out-of-state license

Within 30 days of establishing a domicile in Louisiana; the old license is surrendered.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

Drivers transferring a valid non-commercial out-of-state license take only the vision test.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Address change

Notify OMV within 10 days of moving; the change is done in person.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license online

A duplicate can be ordered online if your mailing address matches your license; it can take up to 30 days to arrive. If it never comes, visit a field office within 60 days of applying for a free replacement.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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