NEWS & SERVICES
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER
Hi! I am a lifelong resident of Louisiana with 45 years of experience in the private motor vehicle service industry. I am excited and honored to serve as your new Commissioner of OMV. I believe the Office of Motor Vehicles is one of the most vital state agencies! We touch everyone through our various services – driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and driving schools. We are the face of state government, and we need a facelift! I am enthusiastic about the opportunity we have ahead to make a positive impact on the services we provide to you, our fellow citizens. We have already started to streamline our services, utilize technology, and improve our overall customer experience. Ultimately, my hope is that you will leave our offices impressed and I’m confident we will achieve success in serving you the great people of Louisiana.
Sincerely,
Dan Casey
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will REAL ID be enforced?
The current enforcement date is scheduled for May 7, 2025.
What is REAL ID?
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights...
How do I open a driving school?
Opening a driving school is a multi-phase process...
How do I submit an application to open a driving school?
All applications must be mailed to...
How much are the fees to open a driving school?
You can view the list of fees to open a driving school by visiting...
What is a lesson plan?
A lesson plan is a detailed description of the course of instruction...
As a driving school applicant/owner, when do I need to find a location/car?
This can be done after you have completed all Phase 1 and 2 and...
When can I start driving students at my new school?
You may begin driving students after you have been fully licensed by...
How much does a driver's education class cost?
The cost of driver's education varies by school and...
Where can I find the Louisiana Driver's Guide?
You can view the Louisiana Driver's Guide by clicking...
What are the requirements to open a driving school?
To become a driving school owner, the applicant must...
How do I start a defensive driving course?
For defensive driving information, go to Section 2901...
What do I do if I'm no longer interested in opening a driving school?
If you decide it is not for you, please email...
How do I get a driver's license in Louisiana?
If you have never had a driver's license in Louisiana, you will need to obtain a TIP card...
What is a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) and how do I get one?
For information on obtaining a TIP card, please visit...
Do I have to take driver's education?
Your friend DOUXWE (Do we need driver's ed?) can help...
Where can I file a complaint against a driving school?
To file a complaint, you may email the Office of Motor Vehicles at...
How do I open a Commercial Driver's License School?
For more information regarding opening a Commercial Driver's License...
How do I become a third-party tester for Commercial Driver's Licenses?
For more information on how to become a CDL third-party tester...
Where can I find a driving school checklist or form?
Checklists and forms can be found at...
When are my six-month reports due?
The third party road skills test report is due by January...
What do I need to get a new instructor licensed?
You can find the new instructor checklist at...
How do I get my vehicle approved to use for a driving school?
The form to add or delete a vehicle is located...
How long are driver’s education Certificates of Completion valid?
Driver’s education Certificates of Completion are good for five years from the issue date.
How long is my road skills test certificate valid?
The road skills test certificate is good for five years from the issue date.
Will a REAL ID cost more?
No, a REAL ID compliant DL or ID will cost the same as a non-compliant DL or ID.
How do I know if my license or identification card is REAL ID compliant?
REAL ID-compliant cards have a white star with a gold outline on the upper top portion of the card.
Is a passport the only other option to a REAL ID driver's license or ID card?
No. TSA accepts several other forms of identity documents.
Do I need a passport if I have a state-issued REAL ID driver's license or ID card?
If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport.
Will minors need to have driver's licenses/ID cards to fly domestically?
No. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when flying domestically.
Are all states issuing REAL ID compliant cards?
Yes. All states are issuing REAL ID compliant credentials.
What if I am not eligible for a Social Security Number and need a REAL ID?
Applicants must go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and obtain a SSN Denial Letter.
Why is OMV issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards?
La. R.S. 32:410 authorizes Louisiana to issue both REAL ID compliant and non-compliant credentials.