New to Louisiana

SUMMARY: New Louisiana Residents

If you've recently moved to Louisiana, there are a number of important tasks you must complete with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). These tasks include registering your out-of-state car, obtaining a LA driver's license, and registering to vote in your new county. Your vehicle may need to pass an emissions inspection if you've moved to a compliant county. If you're active duty military now stationed in Louisiana, you may be exempt from certain of these requirements.

Louisiana State Agencies

When you think of motor vehicle and licensing issues you probably think about the DMV. Some states, however, do not call their vehicle and licensing office the DMV.

In Louisiana, this office is referred to as the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and is a division of the Department of Public Safety & Corrections.

The Louisiana OMV is responsible for:

  • Driver's licensing services:
    • Applications, renewals, teen permits, commercial driver licenses, etc.
  • Vehicle services:
    • Registration and renewals, titling and title transfers, license plates, handicapped parking placards, etc.
Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

Other LA Departments

You may also interact with other state agencies as you establish residency in Louisiana. These include, but are not limited to:

  • The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, if you need a boat license or registration.
  • The Secretary of State, when you register to vote or participate in an election.
    • You can also register to vote when you apply for your LA driver's license.
  • The Louisiana court system, if you get a traffic ticket.

Register Your Car in Louisiana

If you're bringing your out-of-state vehicle to Louisiana, you'll have 30 days to register it with the LA OMV. After this time, if you haven't yet registered your car in the state, you risk receiving a fine. Detailed instructions can be found on our Car Registration in Louisiana page.

Register a Special Vehicle

If you own a special vehicle, such as a motorhome, off-road vehicle, or moped, the registration process may differ. For more information, visit our page on Special Vehicle registration in Louisiana page.

Required Car Insurance

Before you can have your car registered in LA, you must have proper insurance coverage. While you can stay with your current auto insurance provider, you may want to compare quotes and make sure you're getting the best deal for your situation. Visit our Car Insurance section for more information.

Emissions Inspections

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you may be required to have your car pass an emissions inspection before you can have it registered with the LA OMV. Visit our Car Inspections in Louisiana page to find out more.

LA Driver's License & ID Cards

Once you've become a resident of Louisiana, the LA Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) gives you 30 days to transfer your out-of-state driver's license to your new address. If you are caught driving with an out-of-state driver's license after this time, you may be subject to penalties. For more information, visit our page on Applying for a New LA License.

If you're a teenager with an out-of-state learner's permit, you may be eligible to transfer it over to Louisiana as long as you meet the state's graduated driver's licensing (GDL) requirements. For more information, see our Applying for a Teen License page.

If you need a Louisiana commercial driver's license (CDL), visit our guide to Applying for a New CDL in LA.

Identification Cards

If you don't plan on driving in Louisiana, you may wish to apply for an identification card. It may come in handy when you need to prove your identity, age, and/or address. Our Louisiana Identification Cards page explains how you can apply for one from the OMV.

Organ Donor and Voter Registration

Something that you may forget to do after you move states is update your voter and donor registration information. Both of these things can be done when you apply for a Louisiana driver's license, or you can do them separately.

Voter Registration

If you want to vote in the next election, you must be registered to vote in Louisiana. Your previous voter registration does not automatically get updated, so make sure you register before the deadline date. For more information, visit our Voter Registration in Louisiana page.

Organ Donor Registration

If you're registered as an organ donor in another state, you'll want to re-register as a donor with the Louisiana organ donor registry. When you apply for your LA driver's license, you will be able to register as a donor during this process; otherwise you can register online. For more information about how to register and to find out how organ donation can save lives, visit our Organ Donation page.

Military Members Stationed in LA

If you're a military member from out of state and residing in LA temporarily while you fulfill your military obligations, you may find our Drivers in the Military page useful. Learn more about using your out-of-state driver's license and car while in Louisiana, and other benefits you have while in the state.

Louisiana DMV Offices & Resources

If you're ready to visit the LA OMV and get on the road with your new LA driver's license, use our handy office finder tool to locate your nearest center.

Before you start driving on the state's roads and freeways, be sure to read the OMV's informative manuals and be aware of all the road rules:

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