Moving to Louisiana, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the deadline for transferring a license after moving.
• You can list what to bring to an OMV office for a transfer.
• You can explain the rules for foreign licenses.
• You can gather documents for a REAL ID.
• You can explain when and how to renew.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents must get a Louisiana license within 30 days of establishing residency.
• Visitors with a valid license from another state may drive in Louisiana for 90 days; nonresident students with a home-state license and a current student ID do not need a Louisiana license.
• Drivers transferring a valid out-of-state car license take only the vision test, and the old license is surrendered.
• A valid out-of-state learner's permit is exchanged for a Louisiana permit with no written test.
• Licenses from Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, Taiwan and, since August 1, 2026, Ireland, plus several US territories, are exempt from driver ed and the knowledge and road tests; most other foreign licenses are not.
• A REAL ID needs proof of identity and lawful status, your Social Security number and two documents showing your Louisiana address.
• Licenses last about six years and can be renewed up to 180 days before they expire, with a vision test.
• Change the address on your license within 10 days of moving.

Transferring an out-of-state license

Applicants under 18 need a custodial parent or guardian to sign. A 16-year-old who has held a license or permit elsewhere for at least 180 days may be able to go straight to an intermediate license.

1. Book or visit an OMV office within 30 days of moving.
2. Bring a primary ID document such as a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security number and proof of Louisiana residence.
3. Bring your out-of-state license, or an official driving record if you no longer have it.
4. Bring proof of insurance for any vehicle you have registered in Louisiana.
5. Pass the vision test and surrender your old license. Louisiana does not let you hold two.

REAL ID

Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID compliant license or another accepted document, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and enter some federal sites. For a REAL ID, bring a US passport or certified birth certificate (or immigration documents), proof of your Social Security number, and two documents from separate sources with your name and Louisiana street address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement.

Renewing

OMV sends renewal invitations about 100 days before the month your license expires. Some drivers under 70 are invited to renew by mail or online, though not two cycles in a row. Otherwise renew at an OMV office. Service members serving outside Louisiana keep a valid license for 60 days after discharge. The deeper guide learning to drive in Louisiana on this site explains the first-time route for new arrivals who have never held a license.

Common mistakes

• Waiting months to switch licenses. The deadline is 30 days.
• Bringing photocopies. OMV wants originals or certified copies.
• Bringing two address documents from the same source for REAL ID. They must come from separate sources.
• Assuming every foreign license transfers without tests. Only a few countries have reciprocity.

Test yourself: Moving to Louisiana, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s License in Louisiana
• Louisiana 6 Hour Pre-Licensing Course for Adult Drivers
• Louisiana Bioptic Driving