Just Moved to Louisiana. How Do I Transfer My Driver's License and Vehicle Registration?

Welcome home to the Pelican State! There’s a lot to do and see in the state of Louisiana. Before you start exploring and enjoying the festivities, you need to make sure you transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration to the state of Louisiana. Here’s your guide to completing these tasks.

Documents You’ll Need to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Louisiana

There is certain documentation you will need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Louisiana. The required documents are as follows:

• Out-of-state driver’s license

• Proof of a valid Louisiana car insurance policy

• One of the following documents:

  • Birth certificate

  • Passport

• If you qualify as an immigrant or non-immigrant, you will need to provide:

  • Permanent resident card (1-551)

  • Department of Homeland Security Permit to re-enter the United States (I-327)

• One secondary document:

  • Out-of-state or out-of-country driver’s license/identification car

    • Driver’s license or ID card that is issued by a state motor vehicle department with a photo that clearly identifies you.

    • An official driving record from the last state of issuance is required (if you have lost your out-of-state driver’s license.

    • A foreign driver’s license is required to be accompanied by proper immigration documents

  • Social security number verification (social security card or official verification of the social security number from the Social Security Administration or verbal verification)

  • Identification card with photo or a Louisiana college or university ID (including middle school and high school)

  • Employment ID card (major hospitals, governmental agencies, or corporations)

  • ID cards issued by federal, state, or local government agencies

  • LA Department of Public Safety & Corrections prison or parish ID card

  • TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)

  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766 issued by DHS)

  • Educational diploma/certificate/license (high school, college, or university)

  • Driver Education Certificate

  • Original or certified professional degree or license

  • Medicare/Medicaid card

  • CDL medical form/card

  • Health insurance card

You can also submit different miscellaneous documentation, including:

• Original adoption papers

• Baptismal certificate

• Original or certified copy of a marriage license or certificate of marriage issued by a county, parish or city in the US or an original or certified copy of a divorce from a county, parish, or city in the U.S.

• One payroll check stub (printed)

• Official deed or title to an owned property in Louisiana (this also includes burial plots)

• Vehicle registration or certificate of title of vehicle in your name

• Local utility statements (must show your current Louisiana address and your name) Can include cable, electric, water, phone, sewer, etc.

• W-2 forms for 2 years

• Minors who are 17 years of age or younger are required to have a custodial parent or legal guardian accompany them with a valid picture ID. They must also have a completed Certificate of Required School attendance obtained from their school, and payment for the LA driver’s license fee of $36.25

Steps You Need to Take to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Louisiana

First, you need to visit your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (LA OMV) and submit the required documents and present your valid ID. Next, you will be required to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license and provide a driving record from your previous state or submit a clearance letter.

You need to also submit proof of a valid Louisiana vehicle insurance policy if you have already registered your vehicle in LA. You must complete and pass the Louisiana vision test and pay all applicable fees. Be advised that you may also be required to pass the Louisiana written exam.

Exceptions to Transferring Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Louisiana

The above-listed requirements might be waived if you have previously been issued a Louisiana driver’s license or ID card. If you have lost your out-of-state photo license, you will need to submit a driving record from the last issuing state.

If you currently have a valid driver’s license, you are not required to take the LA driver’s education, pre-licensing course, or any Louisiana driver tests, except the Louisiana vision screening. Be advised that you will be issued an LA driver’s license that is equivalent to your current out-of-state driver’s license you have and required to surrender.

If you’re currently a full-time student who is living in Louisiana but maintaining an out-of-state or out-of-country permanent residency, you are not required to obtain a LA driver’s license as long as you maintain full-time student status and you have a valid driver’s license.

If you are military personnel or the dependent of military personnel who are assigned to Louisiana, you are not required to obtain a LA driver’s license.

As a new resident of Louisiana, you must transfer your out-of-state registration to the state of Louisiana within 30 days.

Louisiana Vision Screening

Initial applicants and LA drivers who are renewing their driver’s license are required to take and pass a vision test. As a driver in Louisiana, you are required to renew your driver’s license every four years. LA drivers who are under age 70 and those who do not have moving violations in the previous two-year period can renew their driver’s license by mail every other cycle.

If you are a Louisiana driver who can’t attain at least 20/40 visual acuity in one eye, you will be referred to an eye care specialist. The optometrist must complete a Vision Examination Report (Form DPSMV 2015-RO718), and you have to return it to the LA OMV within 30 days.

If you attain a visual acuity of 20/40 or better, you might obtain an LA driver’s license with no restrictions. If your vision report states that your visual acuity can’t be improved, you may be given limited driving privileges.

Be advised that an LA driving test may be required to determine if any restrictions should be applied to your driver’s license. If you fail the driving test, your driving privileges will be suspended. If your visual acuity is worse than 20/70 but not worse than 20/100, you will need to take a driving test to determine if you can safely operate a motor vehicle.

If your visual acuity is worse than 20/100, your medical/vision report will be reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board, and you will be denied an LA driver’s license until a decision is made.

If the Medical Advisory Board approves your driving request, you are required to pass an LA driving exam before you can receive your Louisiana driver’s license. Be advised that a vision statement will be required every four years or more often if a specialist or the Medical Advisory Board recommends it.

Please note that if you can only achieve the required visual acuities by wearing telescopic/bioptic lenses, you are not eligible for an LA driver’s license. Telescopic/bioptic lenses can’t be worn to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Louisiana.

Depending on your visual condition, you may have one or more of the following restrictions placed on your LA driver’s license:

• Corrective lenses

• Left outside rearview mirror

• Daytime driving only

• Restricted to no more than 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25-mile radius of home

• No interstate highway driving

• Driving only within the parish or principal residence

• Restricted to driving a maximum of 50, 45, 40, or 35 mph

• Vision medical exam required every 6 months, 12 months, or 24 months

• Complete a medical exam every 6 months, 12 months, or 24 months

• Driving only between 9 AM and 3 PM

• Inside or outside rearview mirror

• Left and right rearview mirrors

Louisiana Written Exam

The LA DMV written test is designed to determine your knowledge of the road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the rules of the road in Louisiana. All the information you need to know can be found in the Louisiana Driver’s Manual.

In Louisiana, the DMV written test consists of 40 questions, 32 which need to be answered correctly in order to pass with a minimum score of 80%. You must be at least 15 years old to apply for the Louisiana written exam. Be advised that the following tests might be given when you apply for an LA driver’s license:

• Vision screening

• Traffic signs and signals

• Knowledge of traffic laws

• Road skills (in-car/road test)

Louisiana Road Test (In-Car)

The Louisiana road test determines your knowledge and ability to safely operate a vehicle. This road exam tests you on your ability to park the vehicle, turn the vehicle, use your turn signals, switch lanes, and other safe driving techniques.

Transferring Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to Louisiana

As a new resident of Louisiana, you can visit an LA OMV office and present the following documentation and payment(s):

• A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799) Remember that you need to complete the “Out of State Declaration” section.

• The vehicle’s title certificate from your previous state (If you have a loan on your vehicle, and your lender is currently in possession of the vehicle’s title, you can submit a copy of the vehicle title, or the vehicle’s registration certificate from your previous state.)

• Proof of a valid LA vehicle insurance policy

• Payment for all applicable LA vehicle title transfer fees

You can submit the above-listed documents in person at your local LA OMV office, or by mail to the address provided on the application.

If you are transferring the vehicle title to a car that was previously titled under your parent’s or legal guardian’s name for insurance purposes, you might be able to qualify for a tax credit if:

• You submit a notarized affidavit stating the relationship between you and the individual named on the vehicle title

• The affidavit is signed by the individual named on the vehicle title

• The vehicle was titled in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with Louisiana to allow road use tax credit.

Louisiana Vehicle Title Transfer Fees

There are different fees associated with transferring a vehicle’s title in Louisiana. These vehicle title transferring fees are as follows:

• All titling transactions: $68.50

• Public license tag agents fee: $18 (max fee title not obtained through LA OMV)

• Lien release fee: $68.50

• Handling fee: Varies by LA OMV office location

• In-person credit/debit fee: Additional $1.25 plus 1% of the transaction total

• E-check fee: Additional $1

• Sales tax: Based on where you live and the selling price of your vehicle

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle Locations

There are multiple Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles locations throughout the state of Louisiana where you can transfer your out-of-state documents and handle other motor vehicle transactions.

*Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle - Baton Rouge Branch
*7701 Independence Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

• 925-6146
  *Monday - Friday (8 Am - 4PM)
  Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

*Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle - Lafayette Brach
*3200 Johnston St
Lafayette, LA 70503

• 541-007
  *Monday - Friday (8 AM - 4PM)
  Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle - Metairie Branch
*3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd
Ste 204
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 272-2333
Monday - Friday (8 AM - 4PM)
*Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle - Baker Branch
*2250 Main St
Baker, LA 70714
(225) 361-2921
Monday - Friday (8 AM - 4 PM)
*Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

*Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle - Shreveport Branch
*910 E 70th St
Shreveport, LA 71106

• 918-1300
  *Monday - Friday (8 AM - 4 PM)
  Saturday and Sunday (Closed)