Get a REAL ID in Louisiana

Get a Louisiana REAL ID: bring original documents to an OMV field office or a participating Public Tag Agent, since online renewals can't add the REAL ID star. A REAL ID costs the same as a standard card.

Online?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".
Office visitOne visitYou can book an appointment at an OMV customer service center online.
CostSame 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 situation

Do you already have a Louisiana license or ID card with the REAL ID star?

OMV says a REAL ID card has a white star with a gold outline on the upper top portion of the card.

Are you a U.S. citizen?
Is your current name different from the name on your identity document?

For example, your birth certificate shows your name before marriage.

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • 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)
    • 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)
    • 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. Run the REAL ID Checklist

    OMV's online REAL ID Checklist helps you see whether you're ready.

    Louisiana REAL ID Checklist ↗

  4. 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 ↗

  5. 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. A vision test is given for every driver's license transaction.

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Renewing or replacing your card online won't add the REAL ID star: the new card says "Not for Federal Identification".
  • OMV does not accept photocopies of the required documents.
  • If the names on your documents differ for a reason other than marriage, OMV denies the application until the documents show the name change.
  • If you're 60 or older, a permanent ID card is always marked "Not for Federal Identification"; a REAL ID expires after six years.

Offices that issue REAL ID

OMV says you can apply for a REAL ID at any Motor Vehicle office and at participating Public Tag Agents. Agency source.

171 offices in Louisiana
4 other offices that handle licenses

Neither the office's service list nor the agency says these offices issue REAL ID. Call the office before you go.

Results show offices that issue REAL ID or may, nearest first, each labelled.

Read more

Sources · checked October 30, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMVorganization.org is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.