SR22 State

How to get your license reinstated in Louisiana

Checked against official Louisiana sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) handles license reinstatement. Every reason for a suspension shows up as a "flag" on your record, and you must clear all of them before OMV will process any license or registration service for you. [1][2]

SR-22 required?
Yes
Base reinstatement fee
$100
Keep SR-22 for
3 years

Step by step

  1. Look up your flags online

    Use OMV's free Driver Reinstatement Status Inquiry with your license number and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. It shows any flags that would block a license or registration transaction. [1][3]

    Driver Reinstatement Status Inquiry ↗

  2. Serve the full suspension period

    For DWI, test-refusal, and test-failure suspensions, you must serve the mandatory suspension period before you can reinstate. A suspension for driving while suspended lasts one year. [1]

  3. Send proof you've handled tickets, child support, or taxes

    For an unpaid ticket or missed court date, send OMV proof such as a compliance with the ticket number, a paid receipt, or a new court date. For child support or state income tax, send the release or compliance from the agency involved. Send it by fax, by mail, or through OMV's Contact Us link. [1]

  4. Clear any insurance cancellation on your vehicle

    If you got an insurance cancellation notice, send proof of insurance, proof you canceled the plate, or proof you no longer had the vehicle. If the vehicle went uninsured, you also owe a fee of $125 (2-30 days), $275 (31-90 days), or $525 (91 days or more). [2]

  5. Have your insurer file an SR-22, if required

    A DWI or underage DUI conviction, a chemical-test refusal, or an unpaid crash judgment calls for proof of financial responsibility, which OMV calls SR-22 insurance. Your insurer files it with the state, and Louisiana law says you must keep it for 3 years. If the policy is canceled, OMV suspends your license and registration until new proof is filed. [1][4][5][6]

  6. Pay your fees and process the reinstatement

    Fees depend on the suspension, for example $100 for a Louisiana court affidavit or $60 for child support. You can reinstate at select OMV offices by appointment only, by phone at 225-925-6146 (option 3), by mail, through Contact Us, or at a Public Tag Agency that offers the service. Phone payments take debit or credit cards; mail payments take a money order, certified funds, or a cashier's check. [1]

    Driver Reinstatement: Suspensions ↗

  7. Check that every flag is cleared

    Your license isn't fully reinstated until all outstanding flags are resolved. Run the Status Inquiry again before you drive. [2][3]

    Driver Reinstatement Status Inquiry ↗

After a DWI arrest or conviction

  1. Request an administrative hearing within 30 days

    When you're arrested, the officer takes your license and gives you a temporary receipt good for up to 30 days. You have 30 days from the arrest to send a written request for an administrative hearing to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. [7]

  2. Know your suspension period

    A first arrest where you took the test and blew .08 to .14 means a 180-day suspension, or 730 days at .15 or above. A first refusal now means 365 days. A first DWI conviction means 1 year, or 2 years with a BAC of .20 or more, and a second conviction means 2 years. [1]

  3. Pay the DWI fees

    A test failure (submit) or refusal suspension costs $50 to reinstate. A DWI conviction costs $100 for a first, $200 for a second, and $300 for a third or later, and an underage DUI costs $60. [1]

  4. Install an ignition interlock, if required

    OMV requires an interlock when you reinstate, or get a restricted hardship license, if you took the test and were at .08 or above and the arrest involved a crash with moderate or serious injury, a child 12 or younger in the vehicle, or a prior alcohol violation on your record within 10 years. Use an approved installer. [1]

  5. Keep an SR-22 for 3 years

    After a DWI or underage DUI conviction, OMV says to file SR-22 for 3 years from the conviction date. After a refusal, it's 3 years from the arrest date. [1]

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm your own requirements with The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) before you drive.

SR-22 rules in Louisiana · If your SR-22 lapses · Reinstatement in other states

Sources

  1. Louisiana OMV - Driver Reinstatement: Suspensions (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. Louisiana OMV - Driver Reinstatement: Cancellations & Revocations (insurance cancellation fees) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  3. Louisiana OMV - Driver Reinstatement Status Inquiry (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  4. La. R.S. 32:896 - Proof required upon certain convictions (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. La. R.S. 32:909 - Proof to be maintained for three years (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. La. R.S. 32:907 - Other proof may be required (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. La. R.S. 32:667 - Seizure of license; circumstances; administrative hearing request (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)

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