How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Louisiana

Moving within Louisiana means updating your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and sometimes your title so the state can reach you with important notices. A Louisiana DMV change of address is usually straightforward if you know which agency handles what and what to bring.

This guide walks through how address changes work in Louisiana, including online, in person, and by mail, plus special situations.

State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the “DMV” functions are handled by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. So when people say “DMV change of address Louisiana,” they are usually talking about the Louisiana OMV.

In Louisiana, this is typically handled as follows:

• Driver’s licenses and ID cards – handled by the Louisiana OMV
• Vehicle registration and titles – also handled by the Louisiana OMV
• Address changes – for both licenses/IDs and vehicle records, are managed through OMV systems and offices

That means:

• You generally do not need to go to a different agency for license vs. registration address changes; they run through the same OMV system.
• However, updating your driver’s license address and updating your vehicle registration address may still be separate transactions, especially online.

Many drivers in Louisiana find that it’s easiest to think in terms of two records you may need to update:

1. Your person record – driver’s license or ID card
2. Your vehicle record – registration and title for each vehicle

You may be able to update both in one visit to an OMV office, but online options can differ between licenses and registrations.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Louisiana

Keeping your address current is about more than just having the right street printed on your license.

In Louisiana, this is typically handled as a basic requirement so the state can:

• Send renewal notices for your driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Mail suspension notices, tickets, or compliance letters related to traffic, insurance, or safety issues
• Reach you after a crash, title issue, or lien release involving your vehicle
• Verify your residence when needed for certain records or eligibility decisions

If your address is wrong, you might:

• Miss a license or registration renewal, leading to expired documents
• Miss insurance or compliance notifications, which can affect your driving status
• Have trouble if law enforcement, a court, or another agency needs to verify your address

In Louisiana, failing to update your address can create practical headaches, even if it’s not immediately treated as a criminal issue on its own. It can also cause problems if your license or registration information doesn’t match what’s on file for insurance or a court record.

What You’ll Need for a Louisiana DMV Change of Address

Before you start your Louisiana DMV change of address (OMV) request, gather some basic information. Requirements can vary, so you should always confirm details on the official Louisiana OMV website or by contacting an OMV office, but the list below covers what is commonly requested.

Common Information and Documents

You will typically need:

• Current Louisiana driver’s license or ID information
  • License/ID number
  • Full legal name and date of birth
• New physical address in Louisiana
  • Street address, city, state (LA), ZIP code
  • Apartment/unit number, if any
• Mailing address, if different from your physical address
  • In some rural areas in Louisiana, your mailing address may be a P.O. box or rural route, while your physical address is different; OMV may maintain both.
• Vehicle information (for registrations/titles)
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Year, make, and model
• Proof of identity for in-person changes
  • For example, a valid LA driver’s license/ID; sometimes additional ID if your license is expired or damaged
• Proof of new address, if required
  • For example, utility bill, lease, mortgage, or similar document in your name, showing the Louisiana address (requirements can vary by office and type of change)
• Any required forms
  • When a specific Louisiana DMV change of address form is required, it will usually be listed clearly on the OMV website or provided at an OMV office.

Depending on your parish in Louisiana (for example, Orleans Parish vs. East Baton Rouge Parish), certain OMV offices may be stricter or more formal about proof of address and documentation. It’s wise to check what your local OMV office expects before you go.

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

Common reasons a Louisiana OMV address change request might be delayed or rejected include:

• Name or birthdate mismatch with what’s already on file
• Incomplete address, such as missing apartment number or incorrect ZIP code
• Using only a P.O. box where a physical address is required
• Illegible or outdated proofs of address (for in-person transactions)
• Unpaid fees or unresolved blocks on your license or registration that must be cleared first
• Out-of-state address – your Louisiana license and registration generally require a Louisiana residence, with limited exceptions (such as certain military situations)

Many drivers in Louisiana find that their OMV transactions go more smoothly when they bring more documentation than they think they’ll need, rather than the bare minimum.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Louisiana

In Louisiana, OMV allows address changes through several methods, although availability can shift over time. Online services are often expanding, while some situations still require in-person visits.

Because specific forms, eligibility rules, and online portals can change, it’s important to verify current options using the official Louisiana OMV website. You can usually reach it by searching for “Louisiana OMV online services” on a search engine and confirming you are on a .gov domain.

1. Online Address Change (If Eligible)

Online services are often the fastest option for a Louisiana DMV change of address if you qualify.

In Louisiana, this is typically handled through the OMV’s online services portal, where you may be able to:

• Update your driver’s license or ID card address
• Update your vehicle registration mailing address
• Order a replacement license/ID reflecting the new address, if desired and allowed

General Online Steps

While details vary, online address changes usually follow a structure like this:

1. Go to the official Louisiana OMV website
   • Look for sections such as “Online Services” or “Driver Services.”
2. Select the appropriate address change option
   • Driver’s license/ID address update
   • Vehicle registration address update
3. Verify your identity
   • Enter your driver’s license or ID number, date of birth, and possibly other identifying information.
4. Enter your new address information
   • Include both physical and mailing addresses if they are different.
5. Review your information
   • Make sure there are no spelling errors or missing apartment numbers.
6. Submit the request
   • You may receive an on-screen confirmation and, often, an email confirmation, if an email address is on file.
7. Decide whether to order a replacement license/ID or registration
   • Sometimes the system updates your record without automatically issuing a new card or certificate. Check what is offered or required.

Depending on your situation, you may be limited to updating mailing address only online, or you may need to meet additional verification requirements to change your physical address (especially if it involves a name change or out-of-state move into Louisiana).

If you cannot find an online address change option for your specific need, that usually means the OMV currently requires in-person or mailed updates for that type of record.

2. In-Person Address Change at a Louisiana OMV Office

Some address changes must be completed in person. Many drivers in Louisiana find that an in-person visit is the most reliable option, especially if:

• You have changed both your name and address at the same time
• Your license is expired, suspended, or restricted
• You recently moved into Louisiana from another state
• You’re updating a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• You lack the documents needed for online verification
• You prefer to get a new physical card or registration certificate right away, when possible

Depending on your parish in Louisiana, you may have several OMV offices nearby or need to travel farther, especially in more rural areas.

General In-Person Steps

1. Locate an OMV office and check hours
   • Use the official OMV website’s office locator to find a convenient location and verify business hours.
   • Some offices may require or strongly recommend appointments for certain services.
2. Gather required documents
   • Louisiana driver’s license or ID card
   • Proof of new address (and any additional ID if required)
   • Vehicle documents (if changing registration address as well)
3. Visit the OMV office
   • Take a number or check in, based on that office’s process.
4. Request an address change for your license/ID and/or registration
   • Tell the clerk clearly which records you need updated (driver’s license, ID, registration for specific vehicles, or all).
5. Complete any required forms
   • You may be asked to complete a Louisiana DMV change of address form or a general update form at the counter.
6. Review and sign
   • Verify all spelling and address details before signing.
7. Pay any applicable fees, if required
   • There may be a fee if you are issued a new license/ID card, registration, or sticker.
8. Receive updated documents
   • In some cases, you may receive a new license or registration on the spot or a temporary document while the official card is mailed.

In Louisiana, this is typically handled in a single visit if you clearly state that you want your license/ID and all vehicle registrations updated at the same time. Still, verify that each vehicle you own is listed correctly with the new address before you leave.

3. Address Change by Mail (If Available)

In some states, address changes for vehicle registrations or titles can be handled by mail. In Louisiana, this is typically handled through specific OMV mailing addresses and sometimes specific forms.

If the Louisiana OMV currently offers mail-based address changes:

1. Print or obtain the required form
   • Look on the official OMV site for an address change or registration/title update form, or request one at an OMV office.
2. Complete the form with your old and new addresses
   • Be precise; include physical and mailing addresses if both are needed.
3. Include any required copies of documents
   • For example, copies of your driver’s license, registration, or proof of address, as instructed.
4. Mail the package to the official OMV address listed on the form or website
   • Use a secure mailing method if you’re including sensitive personal information.
5. Allow processing time
   • Processing can vary; you may want to keep your mailing receipt until the change appears on your record.

If you are unsure whether mail-in address changes are currently allowed, search the official OMV site for “change of address” or “vehicle registration address update.” If nothing is mentioned, assume you may need to use an online or in-person option instead.

Do License and Registration Update Together Automatically?

In Louisiana, driver’s license and vehicle registration records are connected but not always updated automatically in the exact same way:

• If you update your license address online, your vehicle registration may or may not automatically pick up that address change.
• If you update your registration address only, your license card may continue displaying the old address until you specifically request a license update or replacement.

Because of this, when doing a DMV change of address Louisiana residents should confirm:

• Whether their driver’s license/ID record is updated
• Whether each vehicle (if they own more than one) shows the new address

In Louisiana, this is typically handled by explicitly requesting updates for each type of record you care about, especially during an in-person visit.

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve submitted a Louisiana DMV change of address request, what happens next depends on how you filed it and which records you updated.

What to Expect

• Record update
  • Your electronic record at OMV should reflect the new address once processed.
• Confirmation
  • Online: you may see a confirmation screen and/or receive an email.
  • In person: you may receive a printed receipt showing the updated information.
  • By mail: confirmation is usually via updated documents or when you next interact with OMV.
• New license or ID card
  • In some cases, the address change only updates your record, and your existing license card stays the same until renewal or until you request a new card.
  • In other cases, you may request and pay for a replacement license/ID with the new address printed on it.
• New registration or sticker
  • For vehicle registrations, you may receive a new registration certificate showing your updated address.
  • Your license plate itself usually does not change just because you moved within Louisiana.

Because practices can change, many drivers in Louisiana find it helpful to log in to the OMV online portal or contact OMV after a short period to make sure their record reflects the new address.

Special Situations for Louisiana Address Changes

Certain groups and scenarios have additional rules or best practices when changing addresses in Louisiana.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)

In Louisiana, CDL holders are subject to both state and often federal requirements.

Common considerations:

• CDL address changes may require an in-person visit, especially if your license will be reissued.
• You may need to show proof of Louisiana residence consistent with CDL rules.
• If you also have hazmat or other endorsements, there may be extra steps or security checks.

CDL holders should confirm requirements using the official Louisiana OMV CDL resources or by calling an OMV office before attempting an online change.

Military Members and Their Families

For active-duty military stationed in or from Louisiana:

• You may be allowed to retain a Louisiana license with a Louisiana address even if you are temporarily stationed in another state.
• Your mailing address may be a military address or out-of-state location; OMV may keep both a Louisiana residence address and a separate mailing address.
• Spouses and dependents may have slightly different rules, depending on where they live and where the vehicle is garaged.

If you are military and unsure how to handle your Louisiana DMV change of address, it’s a good idea to:

• Check OMV’s official guidance on military and out-of-state residents, and
• Contact OMV directly with your specific circumstances.

College Students

Many students in Louisiana attend school in a parish different from their family home, such as moving from a small town to Baton Rouge or New Orleans.

Consider:

• If your primary residence has changed (for example, you truly live near campus year-round), you may want your license and registration to reflect that new address.
• If you are temporarily living in a dorm or student housing but still consider your parents’ home your primary residence, you might maintain that address on your license but update your mailing address if allowed.

Because living arrangements for students can be complex, it can help to ask OMV whether you should list your dorm/apartment or your family home, especially if you regularly receive official mail at a different location.

New Residents Moving Into Louisiana

If you recently moved to Louisiana from another state:

• You generally need to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license and register your vehicles in Louisiana, rather than simply changing the address on an out-of-state license.
• This means an in-person visit to an OMV office is usually required.
• You may need documents such as your out-of-state license, Social Security information, proof of Louisiana residence, and vehicle title/registration.

In Louisiana, this is typically handled as a new issuance (new license and new Louisiana registration/title), not a simple “change of address” request.

P.O. Boxes and Rural Routes

Many residents in rural areas of Louisiana rely on P.O. boxes or rural route addresses.

For these residents:

• OMV may require a physical residence address for your official record, even if your mail is delivered to a P.O. box.
• You might have two addresses on file:
  • A physical Louisiana address for your residence, and
  • A mailing address (P.O. box or rural route) for OMV mail.

Depending on your county in Louisiana (parish), practices can differ slightly in rural regions. Always provide complete and accurate information for both physical and mailing addresses, and ask OMV staff how they prefer it to be entered in their system.

Changing Your Name and Address at the Same Time

If you’ve changed your name (due to marriage, divorce, court order, etc.) and you also moved:

• Plan on an in-person visit to handle both name and address updates.
• You will generally need legal proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Once the name change is processed, the OMV can update your license and address and, if needed, update your vehicle registration and title.

Because this can be more complex, many drivers in Louisiana find it easier to bring all relevant documents (name change proof, proof of address, and vehicle paperwork) at once.

Troubleshooting: When Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Even with good preparation, things don’t always go smoothly. Here’s how to handle common issues with a Louisiana DMV change of address.

1. Online Address Change Rejection

If the OMV online system rejects your address change attempt, possible reasons include:

• Identity verification failed – data doesn’t match what OMV has on file
• System doesn’t support your type of change (CDL, name change, etc.)
• Out-of-state or non-standard address
• Technical issues with the website or your browser

What you can do:

• Double-check your entries – license number, date of birth, last name spelling, address format.
• Try again using a different browser or device, or at a different time.
• If it still fails, plan for an in-person visit and bring supporting documents.
• You can also call or email OMV using contact information from the official website to ask if there’s a specific block or issue on your record.

2. You Submitted an Address Change, but It’s Not Updated

If you submitted a change (online, in person, or by mail) and your address still appears old:

• Check processing times – some updates are not instantaneous.
• Log into the OMV online portal (if available) to see what address is actually on your record.
• Review your receipt or confirmation email – verify that the address you submitted was correct.

If enough time has passed and your record is still wrong:

• Contact OMV with your transaction or receipt number, if you have it.
• Be ready to resubmit the request or show that you completed it previously.
• For mailed requests, having mailing proof or a copy of the form can help.

3. Rejected Address Change Request at an OMV Office

If an OMV office cannot complete your address change:

• Ask for a clear explanation – was it missing proof, an unpaid fee, or a system restriction?
• Request a list of exact documents or steps needed to fix the issue.
• Keep any paperwork they give you; it may help on your next visit.

In Louisiana, this is typically handled case by case, especially if the problem involves an underlying license or registration issue (such as unpaid tickets, insurance violations, or mismatched records).

4. License Updated, but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

It’s not uncommon for one record to be updated and the other left unchanged.

If:

• Your license shows the new address, but your registration does not, or
• Your registration is updated, but your license still shows your old address,

then:

• Log in to any available OMV online account to see what’s recorded for each.
• If needed, submit a separate address change for the record that’s still old.
• At your next OMV visit, ask staff to confirm that both your license record and each vehicle’s registration record show the correct address.

Many drivers in Louisiana find it helpful to keep printed copies of updated registrations in their glove compartments and to verify that the address matches what is on the OMV screen before they leave the office.

5. You Moved Out of State

If you move from Louisiana to another state:

• You will typically need to obtain a driver’s license and vehicle registration in your new state.
• Once your vehicles are registered elsewhere, Louisiana registration may be canceled or allowed to expire; practices can vary by situation.
• Some people notify Louisiana OMV directly that they have moved out of state and no longer need Louisiana registration, but this isn’t always required.

When you’re no longer a Louisiana resident, you generally do not keep using a Louisiana address on your license and registration long-term. Your new state’s DMV should guide you on how to handle former LA documents. If you’re unsure, you can contact Louisiana OMV for guidance on any remaining obligations.

Simple Reference Table: Common Ways to Change Your Address in Louisiana

How to Safely Find Official Louisiana OMV Address Change Resources

Because website URLs and online portals can change, it’s safer not to rely on guesses. To find current and official resources:

• Use a search engine to look for:
  • “Louisiana OMV online services”
  • “Louisiana OMV change of address”
• Confirm the website domain ends in “.gov” and clearly identifies the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
• Once there, look for sections titled “Online Services,” “Driver Services,” or “Vehicle Services” for the most current Louisiana DMV change of address form or online process.

You can also search specifically for your local OMV office and call to ask about address change options before you visit.

Updating your address with the Louisiana OMV keeps your driver’s license, registration, and title records accurate and helps you avoid missed notices or complications. Decide whether online, in-person, or mail (if available) works best for your situation, gather your documents, and confirm that both your license record and all vehicle registrations show your new Louisiana address once the change is complete.