Get a REAL ID in Louisiana

Online or in person

No, one office visitOMV says you must visit an OMV field office or Public Tag Agent location to get a card with the REAL ID indicator. Renewing online without one gets you a card marked "Not for Federal Identification". You can book an appointment at an OMV customer service center online.

Cost

Same as a standard cardOMV says a REAL ID costs the same as a non-REAL ID card. For a license, the basic Class E fee is $32.25 until age 69 and $18.75 from age 70. Some field offices add a service fee of up to $8, and Public Tag Agents may charge a convenience fee of up to $23.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status
     Original or certified copy; OMV doesn't accept photocopies. A U.S. birth certificate covers identity, date of birth and lawful status.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
     • Original or certified birth certificate (issued by a U.S. state, D.C., the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico (only if issued after July 1, 2010) or the Northern Mariana Islands)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
   • Social Security number
     You can give your number verbally; OMV verifies it with the Social Security Administration. OMV accepts these documents if you bring one. If you're not eligible for a Social Security number, bring proof of that from the Social Security Administration.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2 (with your name and full or partial number)
     • SSA-1099 or non-SSA 1099 (with your name and full or partial number)
     • Pay stub (with your name and full or partial number)
   • Two proofs of Louisiana residence · 2 different documents
     Original documents with your name and Louisiana street address, from separate, independent sources.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill (water, sewer, gas, electric, cable or satellite TV, internet, phone or garbage collection)
     • Bank, credit union, investment, credit card or loan statement
     • Your unexpired Louisiana license, permit or ID card showing your current address
     • Paycheck or pay stub, employer letter on company letterhead, W-2 or military orders
     • Louisiana license, permit or ID card of a parent, guardian, spouse or other immediate family member in your household (that person must be present)
     • Health insurance statement, explanation of benefits or health care bill
     • Louisiana or federal income tax return or refund check
     • Social Security annual statement, Numerical Identification System record or Social Security check
     • School record, transcript, report card or student loan application
     • Homeowners insurance policy or premium bill
     • Mortgage, payment coupon, deed, escrow statement or property tax bill
     • Louisiana voter registration card
     • Auto insurance policy
     • Unexpired firearms license (gun permit)
     • I-797A or I-797C from USCIS
     • Refugee Address Verification Affidavit (DS-20)
     • Current rental contract or rent receipts, or a letter from a shelter (must show the dates of occupancy, and your visit must fall within them)

2. Check your license status

   OMV says flags on your record must be cleared before it provides any service, so check your status before you go.

   Driver's License Status on expresslane.la.gov ↗

3. Choose an office

   You can apply at any OMV field office or at a participating Public Tag Agent. PTA services vary, so check the office list first. To book a customer service center appointment, use OMV's online scheduler.

   Book an OMV appointment ↗

4. At the office

   Show your original or certified documents and give your Social Security number. OMV accepts cash, credit or debit cards and personal checks. You will take a vision test.