New to Louisiana

"Union, Justice, Confidence."

With a motto like that, Louisiana residents can't help but feel a sense of togetherness, honesty, and pride. Why shouldn't they? As the home to delicious Cajun foods, Bourbon Street, and the legendary Mardi Gras celebration, Louisiana residents have a right to love their state!

It's no wonder that Louisiana is known for good times and great music. The state also boasts some excellent musical talent with Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Fats Domino, and Jerry Lee Lewis calling Louisiana home.

But the people of Louisiana haven't always known good times. Since Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita struck in 2005, many residents lost their possessions, their homes, and even their loved ones. Louisiana responded with The Road Home, FEMA Flood Recovery, Natural Disaster Tax Refund Information, and Rebuilding Louisiana.

Now, that's union, justice, and confidence in action!

Vehicle Information

DMV.ORG has the information you need about driver's licenses and IDs, registration and titling, tickets and traffic school, and even finding personal injury attorneys.

Basic License Information

New residents are required to apply for their Louisiana driver's license within 30 days of moving to Louisiana. This can be done at your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location.

You'll need to take:

• One primary form of identification

• Your current driver's license, an official copy of your driving record, or a clearance letter from your former state

• Your Social Security card

• Proof of insurance for any vehicles you own

• Documents proving any name changes, such as marriage licenses and divorce decrees

• The required fees for your area and type of license

Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

If your license has been expired for one year, you'll be required to take the written exam. If it's been expired for two years, you must take the written exam and the driving skills exam.

In either case, you may want to brush up on your skills with our Driver Education and Drivers Training sections. The Louisiana Class D & E Drivers Guide is quite helpful, as well.

Visit Applying for a New License for more specific details.

Basic Registration Information

New residents are required to register and title their vehicles in Louisiana within 30 days of moving to Louisiana. This can be taken care of at your nearest OMV location.

Bring your completed Vehicle Application, your original out-of-state registration certificate and title, and your proof of insurance.

You'll pay 4% usage tax, plus any parish taxes on your vehicle applicable to your parish. You may be eligible for credit depending on your former state of residence.

Information about liens, possible tax credits, and vehicle values can be found in Louisiana's Section IV: 48.00 or on Louisiana's Vehicle Tax, Title & License Web site.

College, University, and Technical School Students

If you're a full-time student in Louisiana, you aren't required to transfer your license or registration.

Anything Else?

Of course. If you're new to Louisiana, check out the list of helpful links below to learn more about education, employment, and entertainment.

• Jobs and Employment

• Louisiana Maps

• Louisiana Contact Information

• Schools in Louisiana

• Louisiana Travel and Recreation

• Louisiana Events Calendars

• Informational Publications