🌎 Louisiana Driver’s License or State ID for Internationals

Adapted from Louisiana OMV materials – Always confirm the latest updates at expresslane.org

✅ Eligibility – Can I Get a Louisiana Driver’s License?

You must meet all the following conditions:

• Have at least 30 days remaining on your immigration document (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797)

  ❗ Grace periods do not count toward the 30-day requirement
  🪪 Your license will expire when your immigration status expires

• Complete an approved driver’s education course, unless you:

  • Hold a valid license from another U.S. state or territory

  • Hold a valid German or Swiss driver’s license

    Louisiana has reciprocal agreements with Germany and Switzerland only

• Be SEVIS active (for F-1/J-1 students)

  ✅ Wait at least 10 days after your iGlobal check-in is approved before applying for a license, State ID, or SSN letter

🚘 Driver’s Education Requirement

If you don’t have a license from a reciprocal state or country:

• You must complete a 14-hour pre-licensing course:

  • 6 hours of classroom instruction

  • 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training

  🚗 NOLA Driving Institute provides the vehicle and performs the road skills test at a fee of $80

• Before taking the course, you must visit the OMV and obtain a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)

📄 Documents to Bring

To visit the OMV, gather the following:

For a Temporary Instructional Permit (Items 1–6):

1. Passport

2. I-94 (Print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)

3. Immigration documents (I-20, DS-2019, or I-797)

   • F-1 students on OPT must bring a valid EAD card

   • Dependents must bring both their own and the primary visa holder’s documents

4. Social Security Number (SSN)

   • If you don’t have one, get an SSN ineligibility letter from SSA

     • Visit: 400 Poydras Ave, 5th Floor, with passport + immigration docs

5. Photo ID, such as your university Splash Card

6. Proof of Louisiana residence

   • Examples: utility bill in your name, housing lease, or fee bill from gibson.tulane.edu

For a Driver’s License (Items 1–7):

1. Certificate of completion from an approved driver's education course

   • OR a valid license from another U.S. state, Germany, or Switzerland

   • AND your Temporary Instructional Permit

💵 Fees

• License Fee: $32.25

• Parish fee: up to $6.00

• Additional fees: May apply for card transactions

🏢 OMV Locations (Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM)

📍 Harvey
2150 Westbank Expressway
Phone: 504-361-6222

📍 Kenner
421 Williams Blvd
Phone: 504-463-5783

📍 Westwego
1100 4th Street
Phone: 504-349-8776

📍 New Orleans
100 Veterans Blvd
Phone: 504-483-1870

📝 What to Expect at the OMV

• You will take a number and wait (can take several hours—bring a book or phone)

• If required to take a driving course:

  • Bring your certificate of completion

  • Bring proof of passing both knowledge and road skills tests

• Everyone must pass a vision test

• You may bring an interpreter to help during your application

✅ If your documents are accepted, you will receive your license the same day