Louisiana License Plate Renewal

What Is License Plate Renewal in Louisiana?

License plate renewal in Louisiana maintains active vehicle registration without changing the number or the plate itself. The owner receives a new registration certificate and, where applicable, a renewal sticker. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles conducts the process statewide.

• Cars registered under R.S. 47:508 are renewed every two years. Private passenger plates expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years on an alternating system.
• Trucks up to 6,000 pounds and motorcycles are renewed every four years from the date of issuance, according to the OMV fee schedule.
• Trailers vary: boat trailers up to 1,500 pounds and utility trailers up to 500 pounds are renewed every four years; heavier trailers are renewed annually or may purchase a permanent plate.
• Renewal differs from a title transfer. A vehicle changing ownership requires a new title certificate before any renewal.

When Do You Need To Renew Your Louisiana License Plate?

Private passenger vehicles expire on December 31 of an odd year and must be renewed by February 6 of the following year. Vehicles on the OMV alternating schedule follow expiration dates set by the secretary’s rules. The OMV sends renewal notices before expiration.

• Owners may renew as soon as the renewal notice arrives, typically a few weeks before the expiration date.
• After the posted renewal deadline, registration becomes delinquent according to R.S. 47:508(C). Penalties and interest apply under Chapter 18 of Title 47.
• The minimum late fee is $3, or the amount calculated under R.S. 47:1602(C), whichever is greater.
• Five parishes require emissions inspections before renewal: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge. The Louisiana DEQ I/M Motor Vehicle Program oversees testing at qualified stations in these parishes.

How To Renew Your License Plate in Louisiana

Before choosing a renewal channel, ensure the vehicle has valid liability insurance under R.S. 32:861. Owners in the five emissions parishes must also have a current inspection. Prepare the renewal notice or current registration certificate.

• Online through the OMV ExpressLane portal using the renewal identification number from the mailed notice. The portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. The fee section below covers the full cost.
• The LA Wallet app also processes renewals for eligible vehicles, with digital confirmation available within two to three days.
• In-person at any OMV field office or an authorized third-party provider like OMV Fast Pass locations. Bring the renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment.
• By mail, send the completed renewal form and payment to: Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Allow up to 30 days for processing.

Owners who paid on time but did not receive new plates may use the previous plate until September 1.

How Much Is License Plate Renewal in Louisiana?

The base renewal is moderate for most passenger vehicles, but value-based calculation and processing fees increase the total cost more than the sticker price suggests. All fees below are taken from the OMV fee schedule as currently published.

• Car plates cost 0.1% of the vehicle’s value per year, sold in two-year intervals. Minimum two-year fee: $20 (vehicles valued at $10,000 or less). A vehicle valued at $30,000 pays $60 every two years.
• Trucks up to 6,000 pounds: $40 for four years. Trucks from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds: $112 for four years.
• Motorcycle plates cost $12 for four years; motor homes cost $50 for two years.
• A processing fee of $8 applies to most transactions, except renewals processed through certain channels. Online renewals via LA Wallet incur a $23 convenience fee.
• Personalized prestige plates add $25 per year for plates with more than one character, or $250 per year for a one-character plate, according to R.S. 47:463.2. Prestige plates also have a one-time processing fee of $3.50 at initial issuance.
• Late penalties start at a minimum of $3 under R.S. 47:1602(C), increasing based on the amount owed and time elapsed.

Can I Renew My License Plate Online in Louisiana?

OMV ExpressLane processes most renewals for passenger vehicles and light trucks online. Owners need the renewal identification number printed on the mailed notice or information from the current registration certificate. The portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. If the renewal notice lacks an ID number, the OMV requires additional documentation, and the owner must contact 225-925-6146 or visit an office.

Vehicles not eligible for online renewal, including those with expired insurance or missing emissions records in the five mandatory parishes, must renew at an OMV office or with an authorized provider. Visitor offices operate statewide in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, New Orleans, and other cities.

Mail-in renewal is available at P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

• Include the renewal notice or a copy of the current registration certificate.
• Add payment by check or money order payable to the Office of Motor Vehicles.
• Allow 30 days for receipt of the new registration and sticker by mail.

If the portal accepts your vehicle, online renewal is the fastest route; the office handles anything the portal rejects.