Applying for a New License

If you're ready to apply for your full license for the first time, you'll find everything you need to know right here! But, if you have questions that pertain to a special situation, you can find more detailed information in our Teen Drivers and New Residents sections.

Learn the Rules

It's a good idea to make sure you know the Louisiana rules of the road before taking your written and driving tests. Even if you don't have to retake the tests, it's still wise to make sure you know Louisiana's laws.

Unfortunately, Louisiana doesn't offer any kind of practice tests. However, you can brush up on the basics in the Louisiana Class D & E Drivers Guide. You can also check out our Practice Tests, Driver Education, and Drivers Training sections.

First-Time Applicants

You can apply for your full license for the first time at your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

You can obtain the application at the OMV, or save yourself some time by downloading it using the free Adobe Reader and completing it at home.

Take two primary forms of identification, or one primary and two secondary forms. The OMV recommends your birth certificate as a primary form and your Social Security card and a payroll stub as secondary forms.

If, for example, you can't find your birth certificate, Louisiana provides a detailed list of accepted forms of identification online.

Fees

The full license fee is usually $24.50, or $15.50 for applicants who are age 70 or older. However, your fee may vary depending on your location.

Exams

Applicants for full licenses must take the vision, written, and road exams.

You must use your own vehicle for the road exam, which means you'll need to take proof of insurance. Make sure your inspection sticker, license plates, and registration are all up-to-date.

The OMV suggests that you plan to take your road test between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. No tests are given from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Non-Citizen Applicants

Non-immigrant and immigrant aliens, as well as refugees, can choose from the following identification documents:

Primary ID

• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)

• Employment Authorization Document (I-688B or I-766)

• INS refugee travel document (I-571)

• INS permit to reenter the United States (I-327)

Secondary ID

• Your original letter from the Refugee Resettlement Program with the applicant's color photograph, issued within 15 days of your license application

Immigrant aliens can present an I-551 as a form of identification. If this was issued after July 1997, it's considered a primary form, and a secondary form, along with Social Security verification, must be presented as well. If this was issued before July 1997, it's considered a secondary form, and a primary form, along with Social Security verification, must be presented as well.

Non-immigrants must present an I-94 INS-stamped form, Social Security verification, and a secondary form of identification. Non-immigrants must have 180 days or more left on their I-94 in order to be issued a license.

Student non-immigrants must provide an I-20 form.

Note that refugees must present an I-94 form and any two of the secondary documents. Passports should be submitted with the Employment Authorization Document.

Before testing can take place, all forms of identification, medical exams, and vision exams must be completed and submitted. Non-citizens must also comply with Louisiana's Driver Education Requirements.

For more information, check out Louisiana's Driver's License Issuance for Aliens Living in Louisiana and Reciprocity with Other Countries Web pages.

Temporary Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Louisiana and have a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive within the state for up to 90 days. You'll also need an International Driver Permit, issued by your home country. The permit basically translates your foreign-issued license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

Be sure to have both documents with you when driving.

Remember

The name on your driver's license or permit needs to be your legal name. You'll need to take any court documents, marriage licenses, or divorce decrees as proof of any name changes. If the name on your Social Security card doesn't match the name on your license or permit, you'll need to make the necessary changes with the Social Security Administration.

When you apply for your full license, you'll also have the chance to register to vote or sign up to become an organ donor. Males between the ages of 18 and 25 can register for Selective Service.

DMV DRIVER LICENSE LINKS

• Renewing Your Louisiana License}
• Replacing Your Lost or Stolen Louisiana License}
• Changing Your Name or Address}
• Drivers with Disabilities}
• Other Louisiana License Information}