Identification Cards in Louisiana

ID Cards in Louisiana

If you do not have a driver's license, a Louisiana identification (ID) card can be used as an alternative form of photo identification.

You can use a Louisiana ID card to prove your age and identity in a number of situations, including voting, making bank transactions, enrolling in college, and buying age-restricted items.

REAL ID Requirements in Louisiana

The Louisiana OMV complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, meaning it provides first-time driver license and ID card applicants with REAL ID-compliant credentials. REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal identification requirements required for tasks such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights. Without a REAL ID, you'll need to bring your passport or birth certificate for such activities.

New applicants will automatically receive a REAL ID, unless you specifically indicate on the application that you don't want one. (Options differ for renewals and replacements.) For more details, visit the OMV's guide to REAL ID licensing.

Louisiana ID Card Eligibility Requirements

If you are a resident of Louisiana, you can apply for an identification card at any age. If you are 17 years old or younger, your parent or guardian must be with you when you apply.

Apply for a Louisiana ID Card

You cannot apply for a LA ID card online or by mail. To apply for Louisiana identification card, you must visit a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in person and bring:

  • A completed application available at an OMV office.
  • 1 primary document proving your identity, such as:
  • 2 secondary documents proving your identity, such as:
    • Out-of-state driver's license or ID card.
    • Louisiana college ID card.
    • Health insurance card.
  • Your Social Security number (SSN), if you are 15 to 26 years old, a male, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Proof of your LA residency, for REAL ID-compliant cards.
  • Payment for your ID card fee. See the “Louisiana Identification Card Fees" section below.

The state provides a full list of accepted documents.

If you'd like to apply for a LA driver's license, visit our pages on Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) or Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers).

Louisiana Identification Card Fees

If you're under 60 years old, it will cost you:

  • $24 for a new Louisiana ID.

If you're 60 years old or older, your new or replacement Louisiana ID card will be free.

NOTE: You may be charged an additional fee of up to $4.50 at some Louisiana OMV office locations. Online transactions (for renewals) will incur an additional state charge.

Accepted Payment Methods

In Person

Louisiana OMV offices accept payment by cash or money order only.

Online

For online transactions, payment must be made by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card.

By Mail

Payment for mailed in applications must be made by cashier's check or money order made payable to the “Office of Motor Vehicles". Personal checks will not be accepted.

Renew Your Louisiana ID Card

You can renew your LA identification card online or in person at your local Louisiana OMV office. If you are out of state, you may be eligible to renew your LA ID card by mail. See the “Out-of-State Louisiana Residents" section below for more information.

Online Renewal

You can renew your Louisiana ID card online if you:

  • Received a renewal invitation from the Louisiana OMV.
  • Are not changing any personal information.
  • Are not upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant credential.
  • Renewed your last LA ID card in person.

To renew your Louisiana ID card online, visit the Louisiana Identification Card Renewal website. You will need:

  • The mail-in renewal invitation you received from the Louisiana OMV.
  • Your current Louisiana ID card.
  • Payment for your ID card fee. See the “Louisiana Identification Card Fees" section above for fees and payment methods.

The LA OMV will use the current photo they have on file for your renewed LA ID card.

In-Person Renewal

If you need to change any personal information, such as your address or name, you must renew your LA ID card in person at a Louisiana OMV office. You cannot renew online.

You will need:

  • Your current Louisiana ID card.
  • Any required identity and residency documents, if you're upgrading to a REAL ID.
  • Payment. See the “Louisiana Identification Card Fees" section above for fees and payment methods.

Replace a Lost or Stolen LA ID Card

To replace your Louisiana ID card, you must visit a LA Office of Motor Vehicles in person. If you are out of state, you may be eligible to replace your LA ID card by mail. See the “Out-of-State Louisiana Residents" section below for more information.

You cannot order a replacement ID card online.

ID Card Replacement for Adults

If you need to replace your license or ID card you must provide:

  • 1 primary document proving your identity, such as:
    • Original or certified copy of birth certificate.
    • U.S. passport.
    • Permanent resident card.
  • 2 secondary document proving your identity, such as:
    • Out-of-state driver's license or ID card.
    • Louisiana college ID card.
    • Health insurance card.
  • Payment. See the “Louisiana Identification Card Fees" section above for fees and payment methods.

 Please visit the DPS website for a full list of accepted documents.

ID Card Replacement for Minors

If you are 17 years old or younger, you will need:

  • Your certified birth certificate.
  • 2 secondary document proving your identity, such as:
    • Social Security card.
    • High school ID card.
    • High school year book photo.
      • Click here for a full list of accepted documents.
  • A parent or legal guardian with you (they must have their photo ID).
  • Payment. See the “Louisiana Identification Card Fees" section above for fees and payment methods.

Military and Out-of-State Louisiana Residents

If you are temporarily outside of Louisiana, you may be eligible to replace or renew your Louisiana ID card by mail if:

  • You are out of state due to college/university or military obligations.
  • You are unable to return to Louisiana.
  • You have a physical address in Louisiana (not a P.O. Box).
  • Your lost or stolen LA ID card does not expire for at least another 90 days.
  • The Louisiana OMV has your photo on file.
  • Your last renewal was done in person.
  • You are under 70 years old.

Call the Louisiana OMV at (225) 925-6146 to check if you're eligible.

You will need:

Send the above documents and payment to:

Office of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Reconstructed License
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

You will receive your replacement or renewed ID card by mail in 10 days.

Change Your ID Card Name and Address

If you change your name or address, you must do so with the Louisiana OMV in person. You cannot change your information online or by mail.

You will receive a new LA identification card with your updated information.

For more information, visit our pages on Address Changes in LA and Name Changes in Louisiana.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review